Lake Minnewaska

About

"Lake Minnewaska" is a narrative-driven first-person fishing game where you play as Sosa, seeking to reconnect with his daughter Rue. Catch various mystical fish and explore different environments while uncovering the lake's secrets and Sosa's past. The game features a unique fishing mechanic and a jazzy soundtrack.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

98%

Audience ScoreBased on 126 reviews

story28 positive mentions

grinding2 negative mentions

The game features a touching story about grief and love, effectively conveyed in a short 20-30 minute experience.
The visuals and art direction are praised for their unique style, combining colorful and semi-realistic elements that create a beautiful atmosphere.
Voice acting and soundtrack are well-executed, enhancing the emotional impact of the narrative.

The fishing mechanics are considered simplistic and could benefit from more depth and player-friendly adjustments.
Some players found the story predictable and lacking in impact, with a few critiques on the writing quality.
The game is very short, which may leave some players wanting more content and a more fleshed-out experience.

story
78 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
36%
59%
5%
The story of "Lake Minnewaska" is a short, bittersweet narrative centered on a father and daughter, exploring themes of grief and connection through fishing and photography. While many players appreciate the touching atmosphere, beautiful art, and emotional depth, some find the pacing and originality lacking, with a desire for more engaging gameplay elements. Overall, it is a concise and heartfelt experience that resonates particularly with players who can relate to its themes.
- “Lake Minnewaska is a short game that tells a touching story about a father and his daughter.”
- “Loved this short and colorful story dealing with grief.”
- “The main character catches various fish to create a photo album for his daughter, and with each fish caught, the character's story unfolds.”
- “I would say the story is not very good and quite unoriginal, and the voice acting doesn't feel involved.”
- “Story was a bit lacking in terms of pacing and especially impact.”
- “I only got to the third fish before the game was more irritating than entertaining; due to my expectations of it being a 'fishing game' with narrative elements added.”
gameplay
34 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
29%
62%
9%
The gameplay is characterized by simple and easy-to-understand fishing mechanics, which some players find enjoyable, though others feel they are basic and could be improved. While the gameplay offers a decent workout and an evolving atmosphere, it can be intense and may benefit from adjustments to enhance player comfort. Overall, the experience is described as fun but somewhat lacking in depth, with a narrative that doesn't fully engage.
- “I loved the evolving atmosphere and polished gameplay!”
- “Love the mechanics of the game, very simple and easy to understand which helps with this game being easy to play.”
- “Fun gameplay and a sad/hearwarming short story about grief and loss.”
- “The narrative comes off as uninspired and the fishing mechanics feel very bare-bones.”
- “However, the fishing mechanic could have been a lot better, and while I understand the story and message, it fell a little flat for me.”
- “The gameplay is very simple but quite a workout for your arm; you have to move the mouse pretty rapidly to catch the later fishes. This could have used some tweaking to make it less intense and more player-friendly.”
graphics
24 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
67%
33%
The graphics are praised for their stylish and semi-realistic design, creating a unique visual experience that balances low fidelity elements with appealing aesthetics. Many reviewers appreciate the simple yet effective visuals that enhance the game's atmosphere, complemented by a strong soundtrack and engaging artwork. Overall, the graphics contribute significantly to the game's charm and enjoyment.
- “Love the graphics, very stylish and semi-realistic in some areas and low fidelity looking in some cases (like the lighting and trees) in the best possible way, it gives it a very unique look.”
- “The touching story, beautiful visual graphics, and musical accompaniment create a wonderful atmosphere.”
- “I loved the visuals and soundtrack/sounds.”
atmosphere
14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
29%
50%
21%
The game's atmosphere is highly praised for its emotional depth, transitioning from moments of sadness and gloom to uplifting scenes, effectively enhancing the storytelling experience. Players appreciate the beautiful visuals, evocative sound design, and the impactful choices that contribute to a rich and immersive environment. Overall, the combination of art, narrative, and atmosphere is considered exceptional, drawing players into the game's world.
- “The touching story, beautiful visual graphics, and musical accompaniment create a wonderful atmosphere.”
- “I will put a thumbs up for this as the art/story/atmosphere is top shelf.”
- “Good contrast to the midway point of the game where it gets way darker and creates a strong atmosphere of sadness and gloom, and then once again lights up at the end.”
- “Atmosphere could draw you in between the sounds and visuals.”
- “In addition, you have optional purchases like better medical equipment, creating an atmosphere where he has to choose between making kiddo happy now (which boosts her immune system) and going to work to not only sustain their situation but buy things that could help her get better.”
music
12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
67%
25%
8%
The music in the game is widely praised for its beauty and ability to enhance the overall atmosphere, complemented by excellent voice acting. While some users noted a lack of specific tracks they desired, the soundtrack and sound design are generally considered a highlight, contributing to the game's emotional depth and visual appeal.
- “The soundtrack is beautiful and so is the voice acting.”
- “The touching story, beautiful visual graphics, and musical accompaniment create a wonderful atmosphere.”
- “I loved the visuals and soundtrack/sounds.”
- “Cons - did not include 'Love Sosa' as a soundtrack.”
emotional
12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of "Lake Minnewaska" is highlighted by its poignant narrative centered on the relationship between a father and his daughter, which resonates deeply with players, particularly fathers. The game's beautiful visuals and musical score enhance the touching atmosphere, making it a surprisingly impactful experience that goes beyond its casual fishing premise. Players often find themselves emotionally affected, describing the game as a heartfelt exploration of fatherhood.
- “Lake Minnewaska is a short game that tells a touching story about a father and his daughter.”
- “The touching story, beautiful visual graphics, and musical accompaniment create a wonderful atmosphere.”
- “This isn't just a fishing game; it's a touching exploration of fatherhood.”
grinding
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players express that the grinding in the game is excessively time-consuming, often requiring a significant investment of effort akin to having a "second life" to keep up with progression.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
replayability
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
150%
100%
The game offers significant replayability through its simulation of parental choices and the inclusion of multiple endings, enhancing its foundational value. Players are encouraged to explore different outcomes, making each playthrough a unique experience.
- “The game simulates the actual choices a parent has to make and creates opportunities for multiple endings, adding replayability and foundational value to the experience.”
- “The game offers a variety of choices that lead to different outcomes, making each playthrough feel unique and encouraging players to return for more.”
- “With its branching storylines and multiple endings, the game provides a rich replayability factor that keeps players engaged long after their first playthrough.”
- “The game offers multiple endings, which adds replayability and foundational value.”
- “The choices you make as a parent feel authentic, providing a reason to replay the game.”