A lot of fishing games exist. But how many fishing games are masterpieces? Big’s Fishing Adventure DX may be the biggest catch. Several decades have passed, and to this day no other fishing game can compare nor surpass its unequivocal charm.

Some will tell you that the gameplay is bad. Do not fear though, for this lovable, obese, purple feline has within him a power that no other character in fiction can quite match. Big the Cat is a humble creature that wants nothing more than for his best friend, Froggy, to be saved. The story is simple, but when was a simple story ever a bad thing? A story about friendship, sacrifice and hardships. To summarise the plot...

Big's Fishing Adventure starts in a house covered with cannabis in the middle of a clean swamp and ends with a sacrificial chant on holy ground.

My theory is that Big the Cat is actually a deity suppressing his ultimate powers.

I’ll get to that later.

At this point in 1999, most fishing titles were slow, clunky and had a lot to be desired. They lacked an extensive soundtrack and were...kind of boring!

Introducing Big’s Fishing Adventure DX. A fishing game that has basic platforming, a beautiful ost and a heartwarming story about friendship. This is quite literally one of the best fishing games of the century.

The gameplay involves you fishing for fish.

It’s very simple. No need to overthink it.

Once a fish latches onto your bait, you must slowly reel them in without breaking your pole. It can be time consuming, it can be fickle, but it is inherently rewarding whenever you catch these marine creatures. You spend several minutes fighting a fish and once you reel one out, a catchy, loud victorious tune blasts. It feels like a rush of dopamine whenever this happens and any struggles you had are instantly forgiven. It’s a blessing. As if your patience is rewarded.

There are some basic platformer elements too. You waddle about (Big is very fat, so he kind of hobbles), you can jump and hit enemies with your fishing pole. You must get close to the fish before reeling them in. Once you reel out, you will notice that big sits comfortably on his furry buttox. It’s charming. In some cases, you can even strategize by getting as close as humanly possible, pixel by pixel, to Froggy so that you reel him in faster. Position is key.

Remember how I said fishing games before this were kind of boring? I made mention of the music for good reason. Catching a fish in Big’s Fishing Adventure feels like you’re being blasted off to the moon. It’s loud, blaring, and INTENSE. Fishing is made intense and invigorating with the music and sounds in this game. Seriously, how can a game take a soothing sport in real life and turn it into this arcadey pumped af experience? Sound is key.

The great thing about this game is that each level has the main goal being to catch your friend. He is very simple to catch, a measly 500g. The fun is when you try doing missions “B” and “A” which require you to aim for bigger, girthier fish. Keep in mind, catching bigger fish is all optional and the root of the gameplay is very relaxing once you get the hang of the fishing basics.

There are only 4 levels in this game and they are all good. Twinkle Park is pretty small, but it’s to have you test the waters. There’s only two types of fish you can catch and of course, your best friend Froggy. It can be hard to do the missions in this level, but I’d say it’s worth it. Simple, but good.

Next there is Ice Cap. I love how when you climb the ladder to this level, Big climbs it within a fraction of a second (I must preface, Big is God.) Something I like about Big’s levels from this point onwards is how vast, open and exploratory they are. However, unlike other games, you aren’t forced to explore. You see, you can find Froggy at the start of each of these levels instantly. I like this because the game gives you the option to finish a level as fast as possible, or to go out exploring and catching various types of fish. Ice Cap is a pretty chill and cool level. The music here is haunting and it feels like you can hear the icicles being lightly tapped. The frigid air and light sparkly tones wrap you in this numb blanket. You pick up a rock with ease (of course, Big is God.) and fish out your best friend within a matter of seconds. I’m glad because I can’t imagine how cold that water was for our frog friend.

Emerald coast is my favorite level. It’s lush, colourful and has beautiful music. It captures this summer feeling with a spice of nostalgia in a flawless manner. It fits Big perfectly, as it compliments his stylish sandals and tube upgrade as well. I’d say he has quite the attire, honestly. Speaking of upgrades, this game offers lure upgrades throughout the hub world. They make your fishing adventure easier and reward you for exploring the world. This is essential if you wish to do Rank “A” missions. Emerald coast in my opinion actually has the hardest Rank “A” mission. It’s so large that sometimes the fish swim waaaaay far out. It’s a bit frustrating, but with enough patience (like fishing in real life!) you can manage. Emerald Coast has a cool hidden area where you can find all kinds of sharks and eels as well. There is no reason for these parts to exist and I like how they do. Level design is key.

Finally, we are left with Hot Shelter. This level has you go through a small path, but it’s not an issue for Big at all. Once you reach the core, you can fish froggy out or explore the rest of the level. It’s a pretty easy level. I’d say it’s a bit harder than Ice Cap but easier than Emerald Coast. This is because most of the fish you want to get are tightly kept in the center. They cannot swim far like in Emerald Coast, but they aren’t trapped in an upwards angle like Ice Cap. It’s pretty basic as a level and relaxing. That soundtrack just slaps though.

The story, like I said, is a heartwarming one. You are Big the Cat. Big the Cat is not your typical action hero, but a very girthy purple cat seeking vengeance for his friend. Even though his friend rejects him FOUR times, he goes against all odds and chases him. Big never gives up on his friend. I think Big the Cat is loyal to a fault and it’s heartfelt once he and Froggy reunite with a song and dance at the end. Aside from that, he is not intelligent. In fact, some would go and say that Big is likely handicapped in intelligence. What he lacks in intelligence, he has in kindness and spirit. He talks slowly, sure, but I think this is only so that the player understands every action. After all, fishing is simple and so is Big.

However, something Big does have like other heroes, is his INSANE amounts of strength. He climbs ladders in nanoseconds, he lifts rocks without much struggle and can fish out ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ SHARKS. Keep in mind too, that unlike Sonic who murders Chaos 6, Big wants to make peace by not killing the beast, but by saving his friend first. That’s touching. I’m sure Big could have literally poked Chaos 6 and made him melt, but nah fam, he’s just that chill.

The story is comedic in my opinion. Big lives in an outdoor shack covered with marijuana. Big also lives near holy grounds. My assertion is that the Gods likely blessed this meek cat with vigorous bouts of strength for being a kind and gentle soul. Big is an example of what people should strive to be. To live in nature, to live in the moment with your best friend, to do anything for your friends, to not kill...this story teaches us a lot of things about life.

Finally, I’d like to comment on Big’s theme song “Lazy Days.” This song can instantly put a smile on anyone’s face. It captures Big’s essence so well.

Which is why Big’s Fishing Adventure DX is a masterpiece that should be played by all.

I highly suggest you also modify the game to have “Duke Nukem” voice lines for fun.

What’s that...Sonic? Tails? Amy?...What are these names you’re talking about? All that matters is Big the Cat.