Core Fishing Mechanics

Here are notes on the first 3 core fishing mechanics within the game; The net, Angler fishing, and Spearfishing.

The Net

This will be the first fishing tool the player is given within the game. They will also be presented with an enclosed bay starting area containing interesting rock pools and an open water section.

The net can be used to catch fish and sea creatures within close proximity.

The player can walk into the water to catch fish with the net, however they do risk scaring off the fish if they move, this means the most optimum way to use the net is within rock pools where the player doesnt have to stand in the water.

Players will control the net with the mouse or joystick and be able to position and then quickly swoop by clicking or pressing ‘A’.

Angler Fishing

I want the angler (pole/line) fishing of my game to feel calm and relaxing. I don’t want it to become repetitive or too long that it feels frustraighting. The mechanic for this shouldnt be hard, it should be enjoyable.

The initial plan I have in my head for this mechanic is the camera will switch from 3rd person to 1st person when entering fishing mode. The player can then choose where to throw the rod and wiggle the mouse or joystick to move the line slightly and attract fish.

The bobber will bob under when a fish has latched on and the player will be prompted to click or press A on the controller to catch the fish.

The fish will be briefly shown when caught (the end of the rod will stay in place for a brief second showing the fish, its name and stats), and if its a new size or weight record a golden sparkle will show around those stats and the fish.

Once the fish has been shown the player can either choose to leave 1st person mode (by pressing ‘B’) or keep fishing (which will take them back to stage 2 on the storyboard above).

When exiting 1st person mode, back into 3rd person mode, the player will then be able to view the fish they have just caught in their finventory.

Spearfishing

Honestly I want this mechanic to be the most fun and potentially commonly used mechanic in the whole game. This means that it needs to be quick and easy to use in an instant.

The idea of this one is that the player can keep the spear constantly equiped while in shallow water and on land.

Entering the spearfishing mode will zoom the camera in for a slighty better view of the water which will allow the player to aim at the fish they want.

The player can press and hold ‘A’ to enter spearfishing mode and charge up the speed/strength at which the spear will throw. While it is charging they can move the mouse or joystick to aim at the fish.

Letting go of ‘A’ will throw the spear and if it hits the fish they will pull the spear up with the fish on. If it misses then the fish will scurry away and the spear will return with no catch.

Once a fish is caught it will be put in the finventory for the player to view.

Note: I don’t really want the fish to die in this game so maybe the idea of a spear with some sorta net device on the end would be cool. You still use the spear in the same way, however when it hits a fish a net will encapsulate the fish instead of the spear impaling it.