More content, improved VR features, fish fights and more. This update has so many new things and improvements to the game that it is safe to say this being the biggest update ever. Without further due let's go through all the things it has to offer.

FISH FIGHTS

Fish fight is one of the biggest game mechanical additions to the game since the release. First of all, this is an optional feature, which can be turned on or off from the map selection screen before every game. This applies for both single and multiplayer. In multiplayer game host can turn on fish fights similarly to all other map settings before every game. Fish fights also works both, with desktop and VR versions. Playing the fish is simple. A separate fish fighting mode is activated after fish takes a bait. However, also the size of the fish and the rod type affects if the fish fight is activated. The smallest fish do not require playing so every fish does not activate the fish fight. The important thing is not to let the line tension rise too high or let the line get too loose. While playing the fish the tension meter should be kept approximately at the center (green region). If the tension goes too up or too low, the fish will get away or the line will break. This is adjusted by reeling and pulling the rod, or letting the line loose. While playing on VR you need to make countermoves with your controller when the game tells to do so. The fish will get away, if you wait too long without making a countermove.

IMPROVED VR

In addition to the new fish fight feature there are many new visual and game mechanical changes to VR version. First of all fishing scenes have now a changing scenery on the horizon. So in the middle of the fog there are also some objects and not just a foggy horizon to look at. Secondly, we added interactivity by placing a bucket into the fishing scene. All fish can be thrown into the bucket which is pretty fun when trying to fit too many big fish into one small bucket. There is also a fishing stool, which really has no real function other than just be there to make the scene look pretty and give an impression of sitting on something if playing seated :) There are also a few more serious game mechanical changes to VR. There were the fish fight features, but also the slush scoop is now used manually while playing on VR. Also the drilling can be done manually by grapping the handles with both hands and then doing the actual drilling by rotating the auger. However, manual drilling is optional and it can be set back to automatic from the game settings. In general the VR has been improved in many ways from the interface and and user experience point of view. If you own a Vive system, this update is really worthwhile to check out.

NEW SPECIES

Three new fish species are introduced. There have been so many requests about having more North American species, so we wanted to add probably two of the most famous angling fish into Ice Lakes. Largemouth and smallmouth bass are both very popular game fish and therefore deserve a place also in our game. The surprise addition is sturgeon. Note that in real life most sturgeon species are endangered and protected and are on the brink of extinction. We do not encourage to catch them outside this game and we hope that we can spread a word of protecting this ancient species and help stopping the illegal fishing. Therefore, enjoy the this fish in our game, so you don't need to do it in real life.

NEW MAP - GOLD RUSH

Gold Rush is the 15th map in Ice Lakes. It is located around an old abandoned gold mine where no fisherman has visited in a long time. The deeb abysses in this map are great places to catch even the biggest beasts in the game.

OTHER

New competition modes, new achievements, gameplay balances, updates to sound effects and multiplayer are just a few smaller things there are in this game. This has been a great update to work with and finally it is out!

[ 2016-11-14 13:20:38 CET ] [ Original post ]