The Black Bass (1988 video game)

The Black Bass
The Black Bass North American front cover
Developer(s)	Another
Publisher(s)	HOT・B
Director(s)	Hiroshi Katsumata Kenji Ishikawa
Platforms	Nintendo Entertainment System
Release date(s)
Genre(s)	Fishing
Mode(s)	Single-player

The Black Bass, known in Japan as The Black Bass II (ザ・ブラックバスII, Za Burakku Basu 2), is a NES fishing video game, developed by HOT・B and released in June 1989.

Although simply titled, it is the second game released in HOT・B's Black Bass fishing game franchise after the 1986 Japan-exclusive game also simply titled The Black Bass. The sequel was released in Japan on October 18, 1988, and later became the first in the franchise to receive a North American release in September 1989. Its North American title having been returned to simply as The Black Bass to introduce consumers overseas to the series; however, the title screen reads The Black Bass USA.

Gameplay

File:TheBlackBassNESMuddySwamp.png

Fishing for black bass in murky waters is a bit more challenging than fishing in clear waters.

The objective is for the player to catch as many black bass as possible from sunrise to sunset. The player may select a beginner's game or ranking game. A ranking game requires a password. From here, a player may select a location on the lake to start at and begin fishing. Simply tossing a lure out with the desired power will start the process. A fish can be lured in by moving the lure around and if it bites, then the player can try reeling it in. Bass are the primary fish to gain points or ranking, all other fish (trout, pike) are less points unless they are over 3.0 lbs. Care must be taken however when reeling, as too much constant reeling leads to the line breaking, and the loss of both the fish and the lure.

Between casting rounds, the player can make certain selections. Among the selections available is the option to change the type and or color of lure being used.

Reception

Nintendo Power magazine gave The Black Bass an overall score of 3.5 out of 5 in their November 1989 issue.

References

• The Black Bass at MobyGames
• The Black Bass at GameFAQs