Nice Day for Fishing Review – VLDL Dives in Deep

For years, the Viva La Dirt League (VLDL) team has captivated audiences with their unique blend of humour, insightful gaming parodies, and richly imagined worlds. From their wild PUBG skits that perfectly captured the chaos of the battle royale, to the beloved saga of Epic NPC Man and the outstanding release of Baelin’s Route: An Epic NPC Man Adventure, their content has consistently delivered laughter and relatable gaming moments. Now, VLDL has ventured into the video game development space working with FusionPlay and Team17 with their inaugural title, Nice Day for Fishing, and it’s perfect for any VLDL fan looking to immerse themselves right into Azerim.

This game isn’t just a passion project; it’s a meticulously crafted experience that wears its influences proudly while forging its own incredibly engaging path. One of the most immediate delights for any VLDL fan is how seamlessly Nice Day for Fishing integrates the beloved tropes and vibrant characters from their Epic NPC Man universe. Stepping into the game feels like returning to a familiar, albeit expanded, version of Azerim. Every corner you turn, every NPC you encounter, exudes that quintessential VLDL charm and wit.

The colourful cast including Greg the Garlic Farmer, the Muggers, sorcerer Baradun, Eugene (along with his signature cry.wav), and Baelin the Fisherman himself, plus all others each bring their character’s wit, charm and nuances into the game. The music is also straight from the Epic NPC Man series. I left the game running one evening while I was cooking dinner and had the game’s music running in the background which was magic. My daughters walked past the screen and asked what the game was about, to which I said fishing. They are 5 and 8 and love fishing, and even they really enjoyed the game’s core mechanic of fishing and fighting to get them to the surface with the simplified keyboard controls.

For a game centred around such an often-tranquil activity, Nice Day for Fishing makes it surprisingly deep – pun absolutely intended. Reeling in a fish is far from a passive affair; it’s transformed into an epic, dynamic battle. Players must skillfully reel in their catch, but when the fish decides to turn and run, precise blocks and parries are essential to avoid taking damage. Later you will earn heal and other abilities to help get the ferocious fish to the surface. This innovative approach elevates fishing from a mere pastime to a thrilling, strategic mini-game, injecting excitement into every cast.

Beyond the nostalgic nods, Nice Day for Fishing shines in its game design, a testament to the VLDL team’s own extensive experience as gamers. They’ve skilfully addressed common RPG pitfalls, transforming potentially mundane elements into enjoyable mechanics. Yes, there are fetch quests, but they are quick, streamlined, and never feel like a chore. Similarly, the hunt for long-lost treasures, a staple of adventure games, is thoughtfully designed.

Tutorial prompts are precise and timely, guiding players without hand-holding, and while these adventures are satisfyingly in-depth, they respect your time, concluding before ever outstaying their welcome. It’s a fine balance that many seasoned developers struggle with, yet FusionPlay and VLDL have nailed it with impressive confidence.

Nice Day for Fishing also features a surprisingly robust system for building upgrades, allowing players to enhance buildings and their fishing equipment, adding a satisfying layer of progression beyond just catching fish. There are even challenging boss fights against legendary aquatic beasts like the eight-armed terror and eldritch lich lord Gongren, demanding strategic use of your fishing skills and upgraded gear.

Visually, the game is an absolute treat. The pixel art is brimming with personality and detail, making the world feel alive and highly engaging. Every environment, from the starting town of Honeywood to serene lakeside vistas, are rendered with an artistic flair that draws you in and makes you want to explore to further lands, and with gear upgrades, to the deeper and darker depths below.

Overall, Nice Day for Fishing is an outstanding game brimming with charming references to Epic NPC Man lore, delivering a consistently joyful and engaging playthrough. The VLDL team has not only proven their prowess as game developers but has also set a high bar for their future endeavours. This is undoubtedly just the beginning of their journey into the gaming world, and I, along with countless other fans, eagerly await whatever remarkable project they embark on next.

This review utilised a key provided by Team17 and Nice Day for Fishing is available now on Steam, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch, and is in development for Xbox.

#roundtablecoop