WEBFISHING
- October 11, 2024
- lamedeveloper
- 11h median play time
WEBFISHING is an online fishing game where you play as charming animal people, with the goal of collecting all 40 available fish and customizing your character with unlockable cosmetics. Originally developed for a game jam, the official server is currently down, but single-player mode remains functional. The game's atmosphere is enhanced by character voices created by @monostb.
Reviews
- gameplay917 mentions
- 42 % positive mentions
- 55 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Webfishing is characterized by its simple yet engaging fishing mechanics, which allow players to relax and socialize while enjoying a laid-back experience reminiscent of games like Animal Crossing. The core loop involves catching fish, upgrading equipment, and customizing characters, all set in a charming, low-poly environment that enhances the cozy atmosphere. While the mechanics are straightforward and can become repetitive, the social interactions and community engagement keep the experience fresh and enjoyable, making it a perfect game for casual play with friends.
“The gameplay loop is fun and simple, the cosmetics are cute and varied.”
“Webfishing effectively illustrates that a compelling and enjoyable experience does not require elaborate mechanics or intricate systems.”
“The fishing mechanic is simple but rewarding, and difficulty feels reasonable for the quality of the fish you're catching.”
“The gameplay loop is incredibly simple, and the game has its own set of bugs and such, like chat will have sync issues as a server fills up.”
“The gameplay is not too complex, otherwise it would clash against the appearance and intent displayed.”
“The gameplay loop is stress-free, the art style is lovely and you can even share the experience with your beloved friends.”
- humor767 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in this game is widely praised for its lightheartedness and charm, featuring clever puns, funny item descriptions, and amusing interactions among players. Many reviews highlight the game's ability to create hilarious moments, especially when playing with friends, as well as its quirky, internet-inspired humor that resonates with a diverse community. Overall, the game is described as a delightful blend of relaxation and comedy, making it a perfect choice for casual gaming sessions.
“I enjoy the variety of fish I can catch, being able to customize my adorable character, exploring the island, making funny noises, wagging my tail, and even punting my friends into the water when I'm feeling goofy!”
“The bits and jokes in the game are hilarious and refreshing, and the game itself is a very safe space for LGBTQ people.”
“It's a cool game that is very chill and funny but all 18+ for real.”
“Unfunny meme aside, it's quite comfy.”
“Only furries play this game, so everyone is antisocial and refuses to talk except maybe quoting an unfunny meme or something.”
- graphics671 mentions
- 41 % positive mentions
- 58 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are characterized by a charming low-poly art style reminiscent of classic titles like Animal Crossing, creating a cozy and nostalgic atmosphere. Players appreciate the cute character designs, customizable graphics options, and the overall aesthetic that enhances the relaxing gameplay experience. While some users note performance issues in larger multiplayer lobbies, the visuals are generally well-received for their simplicity and appeal, making the game accessible even on lower-end systems.
“The game's visuals are dripping with charm-- from the pastel palette, cutesy Animal Crossing-inspired characters, low-poly models, and the pixelization filter, Webfishing manages to stand out with really pretty visuals that work perfectly with the gameplay.”
“Everything is amazing from the cozy atmosphere to the graphics and little details this game has to offer, I can't get enough!”
“The low-poly aesthetic and laid-back atmosphere make it feel like a cozy digital campfire where everyone's welcome.”
“The graphics look like a screensaver from 2002, and the thrill of the hunt is replaced with the thrill of wondering why you’re still playing.”
“The overall aesthetic which I guess is meant to be cute is rough on the eyes initially.”
“Despite the simple graphics it lags quite a lot...like... a lot, runs at 20fps at some points.”
- music543 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 70 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its relaxing and nostalgic qualities, often compared to the soothing soundtracks of titles like Animal Crossing. Players enjoy the ambient tunes that enhance the cozy atmosphere, although some express a desire for more variety and frequency in the music. Additionally, the ability to play instruments like guitars adds a fun social element, allowing players to share their own music with others while fishing and chatting.
“The in-game music is very relaxing.”
“The soundtrack is no mere accompaniment; it is an anthem of the divine, a symphonic odyssey that reverberates through the fabric of time and space.”
“The music and game overall offer such a calming experience that is reminiscent of many games I played.”
“The main theme of webfishing is pretty charming; however, it will get repetitive, simply because the game only really has a handful of soundtracks that ambiently play.”
“The music is very repetitive.”
“I wish the music played more often, but overall it's a super fun and easy game to play with friends and chat.”
- optimization214 mentions
- 12 % positive mentions
- 66 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The game's optimization has received significant criticism, with many players reporting severe performance issues, particularly in multiplayer lobbies with more than a few participants. Frame rates can fluctuate dramatically, often dropping to unplayable levels, even on high-end hardware. While some updates have improved performance, a consensus remains that further optimization is necessary to enhance the overall experience.
“Only real issue is performance, but it's not bad enough to ruin the experience in any way.”
“The optimization issues are manageable, but it would be nice to see more improvements in the future.”
“The game seems to vary in performance; sometimes I have like 400 fps and sometimes I have 20.”
“The only thing I have to criticize are the unexplainable performance issues that just kind of happen after having the game open and running for a while.”
“The optimization is bad; the game can work fine in singleplayer but then just collapses in multiplayer.”
- emotional204 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is overwhelmingly positive, with players describing it as a heartwarming and wholesome experience that fosters genuine connections and nostalgia. Many users highlight the game's ability to provide a relaxing escape, evoke strong feelings, and create a supportive community, making it a perfect space for social interaction and emotional reflection. Overall, it is celebrated for its charming aesthetics and the joy it brings to players, often leading to moments of laughter, tears, and heartfelt conversations.
“A deep emotional tale of a fisherman that's sure to pull at your heartstrings.”
“Fishing and talking with wholesome strangers brought me out of a week-long depression.”
“This game made me feel true joy again.”
- grinding167 mentions
- 3 % positive mentions
- 8 % neutral mentions
- 89 % negative mentions
The reviews highlight a mixed perception of grinding in the game, with many players finding it both enjoyable and tedious. While some appreciate the grind as a means to engage socially and unlock various collectibles, others feel it can become excessively time-consuming, especially for completionists aiming for 100%. Overall, the game is described as a relaxing experience that balances casual play with deeper grinding mechanics, appealing to those who enjoy a laid-back yet engaging gameplay loop.
“There's no grinding, no overly competitive players, and the community is wonderful.”
“Relaxing fishing game great with friends, not very grindy, just overall chill.”
“It's not tedious or boring.”
“The game is very grindy, and if you want to 100% it, you will probably have to play upwards of around 50 hours.”
“Due to very heavy RNG and lack of balancing of lures, acquiring all rarities of fish achievements is tedious and demotivating, even while trying to distract yourself with online interactions.”
“The gameplay ends up getting quite grindy past a certain point, and while there are certain upgrades and items to ease the burden, it still is quite the effort, especially if you're looking to 100% the game.”
- story150 mentions
- 15 % positive mentions
- 77 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The game's story aspect is largely minimal or non-existent, with many players noting that it lacks a traditional narrative or complex plot. Instead, the focus is on casual gameplay, fishing mechanics, and completing various quests for rewards, which players find enjoyable and relaxing, especially when playing with friends. While some players appreciate the freedom to create their own stories through gameplay, the overall consensus is that the game prioritizes fun and social interaction over a structured storyline.
“It has such a beautiful core purpose, and the story is just stellar.”
“Webfishing offers a fresh, immersive, and dynamic form of storytelling that taps into the experiences, values, and technologies of our time.”
“Every little moment feels like a memory from the good old days, where every discovery was a story to tell.”
“Webfishing doesn't have a plot whatsoever; the game throws you in, teaches you how to fish, and off you go.”
“There's no plot line other than the one you make up - there's little treasure hunting puzzles to find things, a whole horde of things to collect, and a lot of customization.”
“No story, only fishing.”
- atmosphere133 mentions
- 51 % positive mentions
- 47 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its cozy, relaxing, and inviting nature, making it an ideal space for unwinding and socializing with friends. Players appreciate the charming visuals, engaging music, and the overall sense of community, which fosters a laid-back environment reminiscent of classic social games. While the game can occasionally attract competitive elements, the predominant vibe remains friendly and enjoyable, perfect for casual play.
“Everything is amazing from the cozy atmosphere to the graphics and little details this game has to offer, I can't get enough!”
“The atmosphere is phenomenal, and you will meet the sweetest people in this game.”
“The vibes of the landscape and music make you feel like you live in a cozy nature park during the fall time, which is executed in such a cute way that it makes me feel content thinking about the game's atmosphere when I'm away.”
“Depending on your server choice, the atmosphere can be relaxing or absolutely degenerate.”
“Good premise undermined by a 'fake wholesome' atmosphere.”
“The issue facing webfishing is that 90 percent of the players indulging in this do not understand the culture from which it derives, nor the atmosphere which it requires.”
- stability74 mentions
- 5 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 95 % negative mentions
The game currently suffers from numerous bugs and performance issues, including freezing and glitches that can disrupt gameplay. While many players find these issues annoying, they often do not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment, with some even appreciating the quirky nature of certain glitches. Overall, the game is seen as needing optimization and patches, but it remains a fun and charming experience, especially for those willing to overlook its early development flaws.
“Runs great windowed so you can multitask while playing.”
“The game runs great, with the only issue being control mapping.”
“Although it’s not marked as playable or verified on Steam Deck, it runs great.”
“It freezes my computer.”
“Game is fun, freezes and crashes every 30 min for me though.”
“The game is an exercise in frustration every time I play it due to the sheer volume of glitches and programming inconsistencies related to key remapping.”
- replayability27 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 56 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's replayability is highly praised, with many players enjoying the endless opportunities for fishing, customization, and social interaction. While some users express a desire for more content and playable species to enhance the experience, the core mechanics and charm of the game provide a solid foundation for repeated play. Many reviews highlight the potential for future updates to further increase replay value, making it a promising title for long-term engagement.
“For a game about fishing, as long as there are fish in the sea, the game has infinite replayability.”
“Yet, beneath this simple concept lies a treasure trove of depth, creativity, and replayability that has me coming back for 'just one more cast.'”
“What saves this game is the randomness of human interaction; just that mystery of who you are going to meet when you play gives a highly replayable experience.”
“Fun but lacks content or replay value once you fish up everything.”
“This should improve over time, as the dev adds more stuff to the game, but right now it does impact replayability.”
“I do wish there were more playable creature options and color/pattern choices but hey, beggars can't be choosers.”
- monetization20 mentions
- 15 % positive mentions
- 55 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its complete lack of microtransactions, battle passes, and DLC, creating a relaxed and enjoyable experience for players. Users appreciate the straightforward $5 price point and the absence of monetization schemes, which allows for a cozy gaming environment free from competitive pressures and advertisements. Overall, the game's monetization model is seen as a refreshing change in the current gaming landscape.
“There's no battle passes, no DLC, no microtransactions, and no toxic competitive culture.”
“No monetization, no ads, no third party client; the holy trinity of successful indie titles.”
“I'm tired of video games as a hobby being soaked in sweat and/or monetization schemes as a matter of course, when I'd rather have fun with people and hang out in a cool virtual world.”
“And while most games of this kind that still exist are bursting with microtransactions, this game just costs $5 and gives you space to breathe and relax.”
“Could maybe use more content, but it's refreshing to play a chill multiplayer game that doesn't hit you with a billion microtransactions or any other nonsense.”
- character development16 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 31 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is highly praised for its charming and cute designs, which draw heavy inspiration from beloved titles like Animal Crossing. Players appreciate the engaging character customization options and the cozy atmosphere created by the art style and sound design, making the experience enjoyable and immersive. Overall, the character design is considered one of the standout features, contributing significantly to the game's appeal.
“The character designs were very cute, and as mentioned above, take heavy inspiration from the Animal Crossing series.”
“Great character design and customization, honestly some of the best I've ever seen.”
“It's so comfortable, the character designing aspect is fun; I love the little props and items you can purchase that just enhance the overall gameplay!”
“The character designs were very cute, and as mentioned above, take heavy inspiration from the AC series.”
“With simple yet easily combined character design options.”
“The character design feels so unique but familiar, love it :3”