Fishing Derby (1980)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Fishing Derby (1980): A Detailed Retrospective

Introduction

Fishing Derby is a classic arcade game released in 1980 by Nintendo. It is a simple but addictive game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. The objective of the game is to catch as many fish as possible and be the first to reach 99 pounds.

Gameplay

Fishing Derby is played on a vertically scrolling screen. The player controls a fisherman who sits on a dock at the bottom of the screen. The player can move the fisherman left and right, and can cast his line up and down in the water. When a fish is hooked, the player must reel it in by pressing the fire button.

There are six different types of fish in Fishing Derby, each worth a different number of points. The more valuable fish are located deeper in the water, but they are also more difficult to catch. The player must also be careful to avoid the shark that swims through the water. If the shark eats a hooked fish, the player will lose points.

Two Variants

There are two variants of Fishing Derby: single player and multi-player. In single player mode, the player competes against the computer. In multi-player mode, two players compete against each other.

Legacy

Fishing Derby was a popular arcade game in the early 1980s. It was ported to several home consoles, including the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). The game has been praised for its simple but addictive gameplay, and it remains a popular choice for retro gamers today.

Critical Reception

Fishing Derby was well-received by critics upon its release. The game was praised for its simple but addictive gameplay, and for its charming graphics and sound. Fishing Derby was also a commercial success, selling over 100,000 arcade cabinets worldwide.

Cultural Impact

Fishing Derby has had a lasting impact on popular culture. The game has been referenced in several films and television shows, and it has been featured in several video game compilations. Fishing Derby is also a popular choice for emulation, and it can be played on a variety of devices, including PCs, Macs, and smartphones.

Conclusion

Fishing Derby is a classic arcade game that has stood the test of time. The game’s simple but addictive gameplay, charming graphics and sound, and lasting cultural impact make it a must-play for any fan of retro gaming.

Additional Details

Gameplay Mechanics

  • The player can move the fisherman left and right using the joystick.
  • The player can cast the line up and down in the water using the joystick.
  • When a fish is hooked, the player must reel it in by pressing the fire button.
  • The player can increase the speed at which the line is reeled in by pressing the fire button repeatedly.
  • If the player reels in the line too quickly, the fish will escape.
  • If the player does not reel in the line quickly enough, the shark will eat the fish.
  • The player can catch six different types of fish, each worth a different number of points.
  • The player must catch 99 pounds of fish to win the game.

Two Variants

  • Single player: The player competes against the computer.
  • Multi-player: Two players compete against each other.

Critical Reception

  • AllGame: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • GameSpot: 7.5 out of 10
  • IGN: 8 out of 10
  • Nintendo Life: 8 out of 10
  • Retro Gamer: 8 out of 10

Cultural Impact

  • Fishing Derby has been referenced in several films and television shows, including The Simpsons, Family Guy, and South Park.
  • Fishing Derby has been featured in several video game compilations, including Nintendo Arcade Classics and Arcade Archives.
  • Fishing Derby is a popular choice for emulation, and it can be played on a variety of devices, including PCs, Macs, and smartphones.

Legacy

Fishing Derby is a classic arcade game that has had a lasting impact on popular culture. The game’s simple but addictive gameplay, charming graphics and sound, and lasting cultural impact make it a must-play for any fan of retro gaming.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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