Open Fishing XL

About

"Open Fishing XL" is a realistic fishing simulation game that lets players experience the thrill of open-world fishing. Explore various landscapes, from lakes and rivers to the open sea, and catch over 200 species of fish using a variety of fishing techniques. Upgrade your gear, customize your boat, and compete with other anglers to become the ultimate fishing master.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

89%

Audience ScoreBased on 72 reviews

gameplay12 positive mentions

grinding6 negative mentions

The game offers a relaxing and calming atmosphere, making it perfect for casual play while listening to podcasts or music.
It features a variety of engaging mechanics, including fishing, exploration, and unique personal touches like map drawing and fish profiles.
The pixelated art style is nostalgic and visually appealing, with frequent updates from the developer that enhance the overall experience.

Some mechanics, such as the fishing and map systems, can be frustrating and lack clarity, leading to accidental mistakes.
The game can feel empty or lacking depth, with some players finding the fishing mechanics too simplistic or challenging.
There are complaints about the day-night cycle options and the casting mechanics, which some players find unsatisfying.

gameplay
18 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
67%
22%
11%
The gameplay is characterized by an easy-to-learn and enjoyable fishing mechanic that offers a calming and relaxing experience. While some players find the mechanics to be shallow, others appreciate the depth and challenge of the fishing system, complemented by great ambient sounds and a lovely design. Overall, the game strikes a balance between simplicity and engaging gameplay, appealing particularly to fans of fishing games.
- “It has an easy to learn and fun fishing mechanic, and the overall vibe of the game is calming and relaxing.”
- “I'm already a fan of fishing games, so that was a given, but the world, the design, and the intentionally arcane mechanics set this title apart.”
- “The fishing is great, mechanically dense, varied in its palette, and at times, quite challenging.”
- “The mechanics are shallow.”
- “If you change the fighting mechanic, let me know; I will try this game out again.”
graphics
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
The graphics feature a simple yet memorable art style, with pixelated textures that evoke nostalgia while also offering a smooth option for players. While the retro aesthetic is well-received and doesn't require major adjustments, some users express a desire for more visual characteristics in the fishing elements, such as dynamic animations and an aquarium feature. Overall, the graphics are considered good for the genre and enhance the gaming experience.
- “For me, it's wonderfully nostalgic, but it's still a great looking game and you can change the graphics between pixelated and smooth.”
- “The graphics are good for a retro style and don't really need adjustments; however, I would love to see some more characteristics in the fishing and fish as a whole, such as diving, fighting, and possibly a jump (these could just be visually represented with a change in color). It would be nice to be able to see the fish as well and perhaps an aquarium.”
- “Big fan of the pixel textured graphics and Jerma NPCs.”
grinding
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players appreciate the variety of activities available, including exploration, quests, and farming, which contribute to a rich gameplay experience. However, some find the need to manually plot the map tedious, which can detract from the enjoyment of the grinding aspects. Overall, while the game offers engaging content, the grinding can feel laborious for certain players.
- “I can see why someone else would enjoy it, but having to plot the map myself is tedious.”
atmosphere
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
25%
50%
The atmosphere in Open Fishing XL is described as dense and immersive, evoking strong nostalgic feelings reminiscent of childhood fishing experiences. Players appreciate the game's tranquil and lonely ambiance, characterized by serene landscapes of ponds and lakes, which contribute to a relaxing and chill environment.
- “I really miss fishing when I was young. This game has the same feel as when I used to go fishing—just building, ponds, lakes, and no people. This game really creates a lonely atmosphere and is very chill.”
- “The atmosphere that is gradually cultivated as you learn to live in Open Fishing XL is at times so dense, you feel you could remember a space by its smell.”
- “I really miss fishing when I was young. This game has the same feel when I go fishing—just building, ponds, lakes, and no people. This game really creates a lonely atmosphere and is very chill.”
music
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players have found the in-game music, particularly the repetitive sounds like a bird, to be annoying, leading some to mute the game and replace it with external ambient sounds and music for a more enjoyable experience.
- “The repetitive bird sounds became so annoying that I had to mute the game and play my own music instead.”
- “The music in the game is so dull that I found myself turning it off and listening to something else.”
story
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The story aspect of the game has received mixed feedback, with some players appreciating the narrative while others find the requirement to plot the map themselves tedious and cumbersome.