Call of the Wild: The Angler

About

"Call of the Wild: The Angler" is an immersive fishing simulation game set in a vast open world. Players can explore diverse environments, discover new species, and improve their angling skills through realistic casting and reeling mechanics. The game also offers a multiplayer mode for cooperative and competitive fishing experiences.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

70%

Audience ScoreBased on 3,366 reviews

graphics157 positive mentions

optimization42 negative mentions

The game offers a beautiful open world with stunning graphics and a relaxing atmosphere, making it enjoyable for casual play.
Fishing mechanics are engaging, with a variety of species to catch and a rewarding progression system that encourages exploration.
The developers are responsive to community feedback and have made significant improvements since launch, enhancing the overall experience.

The game suffers from numerous bugs and performance issues, including frequent crashes and poor optimization, making it frustrating to play.
There is a lack of depth in fishing mechanics, with limited gear options and unrealistic fish behavior, which detracts from the overall fishing experience.
The multiplayer system is poorly implemented, lacking private lobbies and meaningful communication options, which can hinder the enjoyment of playing with friends.

graphics
475 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
53%
14%
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with many players praising the stunning landscapes and detailed fish models, while others criticize the water visuals and overall performance issues. Some users report experiencing low frame rates and graphical glitches, particularly with water rendering, which detracts from the immersive experience expected from a fishing simulator. Despite these criticisms, many players appreciate the game's visual appeal and believe that ongoing updates may improve the graphical fidelity over time.
- “The graphics are stunning.”
- “Graphics are outstanding, the reserves are very beautifully made.”
- “The graphics are amazing, movement of the fish, jumping when hooked, or just jumping, as if to try to catch flies, then the realistic looks of the surroundings, brilliant.”
- “The graphics are horrible and I couldn't get past 40fps with awful frame times.”
- “Graphics are outdated, and fun doesn't last.”
- “The graphics are atrocious compared to what we were promised, the performance is surprisingly bad and connecting with friends doesn't work properly.”
gameplay
435 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
19%
67%
14%
The gameplay of the fishing game has received mixed reviews, with many players appreciating the beautiful graphics and vast open world, but criticizing the fishing mechanics as simplistic and clunky. While some find the mechanics enjoyable after a learning curve, others feel they lack depth and realism compared to other fishing titles, leading to a frustrating experience. Overall, the game shows potential for improvement, but many players recommend waiting for further updates to address the numerous gameplay issues.
- “The gameplay is solid as one should expect.”
- “The world feels alive, the environment is breathtaking, and the fishing mechanics are a great mix of simulation and fast-paced fun.”
- “Once you learn the mechanics and tactics, the game is a lot of fun!”
- “The fishing mechanics are so half-baked it isn't even remotely acceptable; this is at best a pre-alpha closed test that should have never left the office.”
- “The fishing mechanics are simple enough to pick up quickly, but at the same time sophisticated enough to really make you think of how to play the game.”
- “For a game that's all about fishing, the two things you need to get right are the fishing mechanics and the water.”
story
345 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
11%
84%
5%
The game's story is largely considered weak and lacking depth, with many players noting that the missions often feel disconnected from any coherent narrative. While there are numerous missions and side quests that encourage exploration and provide opportunities to earn rewards, they frequently suffer from bugs and unclear objectives, detracting from the overall experience. Players who prioritize fishing over mission completion may find the story elements unnecessary, as the game primarily focuses on the fishing mechanics rather than a compelling storyline.
- “The maps are huge and there is a story of sorts to follow...totally optional unless you want some of the gear you can get from following the missions.”
- “The quest system is very good and keeps you exploring and trying to catch the species requested, sometimes from the shore and sometimes from a boat.”
- “The missions and built-in exercises and jobs are outstanding.”
- “Mission progression doesn't really follow any resemblance of a storyline.”
- “The game has bugs in it all the time; random map markers on your screen for no reason, can't get rid of them, and don't even get me started about the buggy missions. It takes weeks to finish them (if you're lucky). I want to be able to hop on and have fun and not have to grind for hours upon hours; it's a fishing game, lol, it's not that serious.”
- “To say the angler's story is weak would be a severe understatement.”
optimization
129 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
10%
57%
33%
The game's optimization has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with many players reporting severe performance issues, crashes, and high GPU usage. While some updates have improved stability for certain users, the overall consensus is that the game remains poorly optimized, particularly for lower-end hardware, leading to a frustrating experience. Many reviewers recommend waiting for further optimization before purchasing.
- “You fixed the performance, I have to say I appreciate this a lot.”
- “Thank you for focusing on performance; that was my main deterrent back at release.”
- “I have come back to this game after a long while and I have to say Avalanche has done some magic with stability and overall performance.”
- “The game is horribly optimized, looks like shit and released way too early.”
- “This is without question the most poorly optimized game I have ever played.”
- “The performance is atrocious and probably one of the worst optimized games I've played in a long while.”
stability
116 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
4%
96%
The game's stability has been widely criticized, with many players reporting numerous bugs, glitches, and crashes that significantly hinder gameplay. While some users have experienced only minor issues, the overall consensus is that the game feels unfinished and unpolished, particularly in multiplayer modes where desynchronization and connection problems are prevalent. Despite its potential, many reviewers recommend waiting for updates and fixes before fully engaging with the game.
- “It runs great on Steam Deck, and I've really enjoyed it thus far.”
- “Full release would imply that the game is relatively bug-free and not expectant of any big overhauls.”
- “Game is great, well worth the money, runs great, looks amazing, and has lots to do.”
- “This game has huge potential, but I wouldn't recommend it in the buggy state it's in now.”
- “The game is too buggy and unpolished.”
- “Unbelievably buggy, garbage performance; my character is nothing more than a floating piece of fishing wire.”
grinding
53 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
2%
11%
87%
The reviews indicate that grinding is a significant aspect of the game, often described as tedious and time-consuming, with many players feeling it detracts from the overall enjoyment. While some appreciate the sense of progression it offers, others find it excessive, leading to frustration and a sense of wasted time, particularly when trying to unlock gear or catch specific fish. Overall, the grinding experience varies widely among players, with some embracing it and others wishing for a more relaxed gameplay style.
- “Good XP/money system, easy to understand and level up, not grindy at all.”
- “There's a lot of grinding to it, which I cannot understand - I need to reach level 10 to hook a minnow as live bait - is that forbidden knowledge somehow?”
- “However, unless you are a big fan of RNG/grinding, you may hit a brick wall like me and find the game becomes a chore rather than something enjoyable.”
- “Grinding and unlocking gear is the heart of the game, so the more of that, the better.”
music
27 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
30%
59%
11%
The music in the game is generally described as soothing and ambient, enhancing the relaxing atmosphere of the fishing experience. While some users appreciate the soft and uplifting soundtrack that complements the natural sounds, others have noted issues such as audio bugs and a lack of customizable sound options. Overall, the music contributes positively to the game's immersive environment, making it enjoyable for players who like to listen to their own music or podcasts while playing.
- “This is a perfect relaxing game to just sit back, turn on some music or a podcast and just fish.”
- “The music makes you feel like you're in a movie.”
- “An authentically soothing soundtrack perfectly encapsulates the experience of wonder and exploration, while the general ambience of the world is calming and peaceful.”
- “There is an audio bug that causes looping music that won't go away.”
- “Sound options only has one option, master volume; I prefer to be able to turn menu music, voice actors, and ambience off in games and have my sound effects adjustable, as I like to play my own music.”
- “Crappy music - no feeling of being there - the water looked like something from a 1950's cartoon.”
atmosphere
24 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
83%
8%
8%
The atmosphere of "Call of the Wild: The Angler" is widely praised for its immersive and serene qualities, featuring beautiful graphics, gentle environmental sounds, and a relaxing pace that enhances the outdoor adventure experience. Players appreciate the game's tranquil ambiance, which effectively captures the essence of fishing and exploration, despite some criticisms regarding certain graphical elements and the absence of dynamic weather events. Overall, the game is seen as a unique and visually appealing escape, perfect for those seeking a chill gaming experience.
- “But Call of the Wild: The Angler manages to do so, not only by bringing a fun, relaxing fishing experience but also by aiming higher than just fishing, trying to bring a lot of the atmosphere of an outdoor adventure into the game: hiking, driving, exploring, sightseeing.”
- “The gentle sway of trees in the breeze, the rippling of water's surface, and the subtle movements of wildlife all contribute to the game's immersive atmosphere.”
- “Its visuals, realistic gameplay, and serene atmosphere combine to create a truly enjoyable fishing adventure.”
- “I'm not sure how you can have an older hunting game made with the same engine where the water looks better than your new fishing game, but somehow they managed it. The overly bright atmosphere makes the entire world seem not real, again entirely unlike the older game made with the same engine.”
- “The game doesn't look great at all for an atmosphere type game. It feels clunky, and the party/lobby system isn't working.”
humor
23 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is characterized by its exaggerated mechanics and quirky visuals, such as characters twisting awkwardly on boats and amusing interactions with fish. Players find the comedic elements, including character customization and unexpected bugs, to be a source of entertainment, making the game enjoyable despite its flaws. Overall, while the humor adds a lighthearted touch, it also highlights the game's potential for improvement.
- “The hyperbole is hilarious.”
- “You can't move; basically, once you cast, the character is cemented to the ground. It's especially funny on a boat when the character starts twisting in an unholy manner and clipping into the camera if the fish swims behind you.”
- “The character customization is hilariously bad—blonde or bald, regardless of ethnicity.”
monetization
23 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
9%
91%
The monetization aspect of the game has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with many users labeling it a "cash grab" due to its perceived lack of content and depth. Critics express frustration over the reliance on microtransactions and overpriced DLCs, suggesting that the developers prioritize profit over player experience. However, some users note that the game does not include microtransactions, which they see as a positive aspect amidst the overall disappointment.
- “Reinvesting your credits (in-game currency, no microtransactions at all) into better gear is paramount.”
- “No microtransactions!!!!!”
- “There was no world to explore and most were shameless cash grabs shoving packages down my throat telling me I need that or this to really do well.”
- “Instead they will keep making more cash grab DLC to milk more money...”
- “Only 12 species to fish, a small amount of equipment, and a meaningless leveling system all point to this being a barely thought out cash grab instead of a full game.”
replayability
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
20%
20%
60%
Players express a desire for improved replayability, noting that recent updates have enhanced the game's playability. However, many still seek additional features like multiplayer functionality and regular challenges to further boost replay value.
- “Good game, just needs to fix multiplayer joining through friends and implement weekly/daily challenges to make it replayable.”
- “I am an actual fisherman, and until I started fighting the big boys, I was trying hard to find the replay value.”
- “You are looking for endless replayability right out of the gate.”
- “Good game, just needs to fix multiplayer joining through friends, and weekly/daily challenges need to be implemented to make it replayable.”
character development
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
75%
Character development in the game has been criticized for its poor design, with users noting that the character models are reminiscent of low-quality 90s games. The ability to change character design is present, but the overall execution is deemed laughable and unappealing, detracting from the gaming experience.
- “You're able to change your character design completely whenever you want.”
- “The character development is literally worse than many 90's games.”
- “The character design is bad; after each catch, I have to look at my Frankenstein monstrosity of a character model holding a fish.”
- “And the character design that you see every time you catch a fish is laughably bad.”
emotional
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players find the game emotionally engaging due to its immersive sense of freedom and exploration, which enhances the fishing experience. The vastness of the environment and the dynamic interactions with fish contribute to a unique emotional connection, making it stand out among other fishing games.
- “No other fishing game can even come close to touching the freedom, exploration, and sheer size of this game.”