Fish Games

Board Games

• These games are generally designed for multiple players. In "Let's Go Fishin'," players operate an electronic turntable in which a school of plastic fish lurk; each fish is designed to open and shut its mouth as it rotates around the board. Participants are each armed with a miniature fishing pole, and must attempt to hook fish with their rods, timing their throws correctly so that the fish shut their mouths around the pole's lure. "Fish Eat Fish" challenges players to rule the sea. Players move stacks of fish around the board, and whenever another player's fish are encountered, the resulting battle is worked out by adding the numbers of fish in each pile together, with participants able to use game cards to affect the outcome of combat.

Raising Fish Games

• Some video games involve looking after fishes. "Fantasy Aquarium" is one such title, available on the Nintendo DS. Players can purchase a number of different marine animals, which range from exotic fish to dolphins and sharks. Once placed in the game's virtual aquarium, the fish swim about and must be fed by players or they'll eventually die. "Fish Tycoon" is available as an app for a number of cell phones, and involves buying and breeding fish from eggs. Players begin with a limited amount of money and must care for their fish, as well as purchase aquarium supplies; the game's goal is to breed seven species known as the Magic Fish.

Fishing Games

• Fishing simulations make up a sub-genre of console gaming. "American Bass Challenge" is available for the Nintendo Game Boy Advance portable system, and aims to provide a realistic fishing experience. The game features practice modes, as well as a tournament mode and the opportunity to connect with up to four other Game Boy Advance owners to compete. "Sega Bass Fishing" is a Nintendo Wii title that focuses on recreating the thrills of arcade fishing games from the 1990s. Players are offered a tournament mode, in which they can win trophies, as well as a Nature Trip feature that removes the time limit found in other scenarios.

Exploration Games

• These games focus on swimming with the fishes themselves. PSP title "Reef Aquarium" places the player in a realistic underwater kingdom, occupied by many types of fish. Players click in the direction they'd like to swim and can interact with fish they see by utilizing fish food. Xbox 360 title "Sea Life Safari" is set in a submarine; players are tasked with photographing marine life as the submarine explores the ocean. Points are given out depending on the accuracy of players' camera shots.