Where is Our VR Fly Fishing Sim Game?

Far Cry 5 Fly Fishing

It's a rare rainy weekend here in Southern California and I wanted to share my thoughts on fly fishing video games, specifically in virtual reality. Hate video games and/or VR? Skip this post. Just want a fishing game to play now? Jump to the end. Otherwise, read on!

Why aren't there any fly fishing VR games?

I love fly fishing, and I love a good video game. Even better than a traditional video game is a virtual reality (VR) game, running on the HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, etc. Strap on a headset, and you are immediately transported into an immersive, 3d world that you can walk in, interact with, and explore any created virtual environment. Unfortunately, there aren't any fly fishing games in VR yet. For now, I've dreamed up what a fly fishing VR game would be like -  allow me to expand on this.

Far Cry 5: Fly Fishing in a FPS

Right now, the most visually appealing fly fishing video game is, ironically, found in a first person shooter- Far Cry 5. Granted, it's a niche market, but judging from the success of games like Fishing Planet and Ultimate Fishing Simulator, a well-done VR fly fishing game would have a solid following. 

There aren't any actual fly fishing games in VR at this time. There are several fun conventional fishing games, including Catch and Release, Bait, and Pro fishing Challenge. On the near horizon is the indie Project VR Fishing from MirageSoft. It looks very promising but doesn't have fly fishing, sadly. 

Catch and Release VR: Seriously, a Spoon + a Bobber?
Great graphics though

Let's talk game mechanics and design in this theoretical fly fishing VR game. Real casting physics would be essential. Casts must utilize the motion controllers of the Vive or Oculus Rift to simulate "real" fly fishing. Locomotion could be handled via room scale + teleport. Both wading and shore fishing should be available, on a variety of bodies of water. Graphics could either be photogrammetry models of real world environments, or stylized, Firewatch-esque scenes, or even the gorgeous rendered landscapes of The Hunter: Call of the Wild. 

Firewatch's beautiful, artistic wilderness

Avoiding snags in brush and other obstacles on your back cast could be simulated similar to Fishing Planet. Skipping the arcade "underwater" view and instead going for thrilling strikes and battles would be awesome. Throw in guided drift boat trips and multiplayer co-op fishing trips and you have a winner. 

The Hunter: Call of the Wild landscapes. Definitely the gold standard for rendered outdoor environments

Ideally, this VR fly fishing game would feature both an open fishing mode and an adventure/exploration mode. Add in a few storyline elements (Similar to Firewatch or Legend of the River King), and survival features (i.e. The Long Dark), and I would absolutely throw money at it. Lost on a fishing trip in a remote canyon, running into unsavory characters, exploring treacherous terrain (Climby, The Climb) - all concepts that could be included. 

The Climb: VR Vertigo anyone?

To summarize there needs to realistic fly fishing mechanics, a sense of exploration and adventure (what's around the bend?), and that "just one more cast" feeling.  Capture that addicting feeling of wonderment and beauty that comes with going to a new mountain stream, and you've got a winner. 

At this point, it's probably not if but when a VR fly fishing game will be released. I would love to collaborate with an interested game developer on such an endeavor - would be epic!

Virtual reality offers so much immersive gaming potential. It'll never replace the real thing (nor would I want it to) but why not have a great fly fishing sim for those days when you can't get outside (typing this during a rainy weekend)? 

Pro Fishing Challenge VR

Came across this post and need a fishing game to keep you occupied until a real fly fishing VR game is released? Try these top fishing games:

Fly Fishing Simulator: http://www.flyfishingsimulator.com/ (one of the most realistic, albeit dated, fly fishing games. Android version or PC, both are great)

Bait!: https://www.oculus.com/experiences/go/967457083325115/ (Pretty arcade-ish)

Catch and Release VR: https://store.steampowered.com/app/679750/Catch__Release/ (Nice, relaxing atmosphere)

Fishing Planet: https://fishingplanet.com/ (PC, basically a fishing MMO, grind is annoying but actual fishing mechanics are fun)
Fishing VR GIJIESTA: https://vrzone-pic.com/shinjuku/en/activity/gijiesta.html , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFwIb6Hyytg (VR Arcade, Asia, not much info but looks fun - if anyone knows more about this, please let me know)
Pro Fishing Challenge VR: https://www.oculus.com/experiences/rift/1011429558899116/ (Oculus Rift, nice graphics, mixed reviews of fishing experience)
Fishing Star VR: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.gree.fishingstarvr (Android, VR, no idea as to the quality but looks similar to Wii Fishing Resort, a solid fishing-lite title)
Project VR Fishing: https://www.youtube.com/user/Anmolder/videos (VR, upcoming title, looks promising)

Author : iWalton

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