NICE DAY FOR FISHING: WHEN THE NPC BECOMES THE HERO
Ever wondered what would happen if an NPC, doomed to repeat the same line for eternity, finally broke free from his programming, only to discover his grand new 'adventure' was just a series of slightly more complex fetch quests? Well, the folks at Viva La Dirt League have answered that question with Nice Day for Fishing, a game that is both a hilarious love letter to their fans and a perfect simulation of MMO busywork.
It's a Vibe, Huh Hah!
From the moment you hear Baelin utter his iconic line, you know you’re in for a treat if you're a fan. The game is dripping with the charm and self aware humor that made the VLDL sketches legendary. The dialogue is witty, the characters are wonderfully silly, and the entire world feels like you've stepped directly into one of their videos. There's a genuine joy in seeing the universe expand. Helping to rebuild the town of Honeywood, piece by piece, provides a tangible sense of progress. Watching a new building go up, unlocking a new quest-giver or a new set of tools, makes the world feel alive and reactive to your efforts. It’s a game made with obvious love, and for the fans, that love is infectious.
The Rod is a Sword, The Hat is a Helmet
Where the game truly leans into its parody is with its gear. In the world of Azerim, a fisherman's tools are a hero's arsenal. My fishing rod wasn't just wood and string; it was a blade I used to battle scaly monstrosities from the deep. My tackle box was a spellbook filled with arcane powers, my floppy hat was a helmet of +5 Sun Protection, and my humble boat was a noble steed I rode across the waves. Upgrading these tools felt meaningful. I wasn't just getting a better hook; I was forging a legendary weapon. Unlocking a drill to bust through cave walls or a powerful magnet to yoink treasure from the depths added a surprising, if simple, layer of Metroidvania style exploration that I genuinely appreciated. It’s a clever system that fully commits to the central gag: this isn't just fishing; it's an RPG.
The Grind Behind the Gag
Once the initial charm of the references wears off, you're left with the gameplay loop, and let's be blunt: the game is one massive fetch quest. The core mechanic is fishing, and the 'epic battles' are essentially a timing based minigame. You parry the fish's attack, you use a spell, you reel it in. Repeat. While fun at first, it becomes monotonous, especially when a boss fish is just a regular fish with a health bar the size of a whale. The quests often send you back and forth across the same few maps, turning what should be a grand adventure into a tedious commute. It’s a bit ironic that a game born from sketches making fun of repetitive MMO design leans so heavily into it. Baelin may have broken his dialogue loop, but he's just traded it for a travel loop that's just as repetitive.
My Kingdom for a Quality of Life Update
For a game that presents itself as a relaxing, casual experience, it has a surprising number of little thorns that constantly prick you. Picking up a mushroom on the ground stops your sprint cold, a tiny interruption that becomes maddening when you’ve done it five hundred times. The resource grind for crafting potions can be brutal, with long respawn timers forcing you to wait around if you want to prepare for a tough boss. Want to know what a spell does or what bait a fish you've already caught needs? Too bad, the game isn't telling.
But the annoyances don't stop there. Just when I got into the rhythm of fishing, the game decided it wanted to be a platformer, complete with wind mechanics. There's nothing quite like the rage of being in a fishing game and failing a jump for the fifth time. This frustration is compounded by the silence. The world is charming, but with no voice acting, it feels miles away from the loud, chaotic energy of a VLDL sketch. I found myself reading endless text boxes, wishing I could just hear Bodger complain about his knees.
For Fans or Fishermen?
So, who is this game really for? After spending hours in Baelin's oversized boots, the answer is crystal clear. If you are a fan of Viva La Dirt League, this is an easy recommendation. It’s a chance to support creators you love and immerse yourself in their world. The inside jokes and faithful recreation of their humor will be more than enough to carry you through the repetitive gameplay. However, if you come to this with no knowledge of VLDL, looking for a deep and engaging fishing RPG, you’ll likely find the experience shallow and the quests a tedious slog. Its value is inextricably linked to your love of the source material. It’s a solid first outing and a charming game, but it’s more of a playable fan tribute than a groundbreaking adventure.
Score: 6.5/10 - A great day for fishing, if you’re already in on the joke.
We at NLM received a key for this game for free, this however didn't impact our review in any way.