Black Bass, The (Japan)

In The Black Bass, players step into the shoes of a professional angler, participating in exciting bass fishing tournaments on the NES system. The main objective is to catch the largest and heaviest bass to win various rounds of competition.

The game begins with the player selecting a fishing spot, typically lakes or rivers modeled after Japanese landscapes. Each location may have different types of fish and environmental conditions, requiring the player to adopt a suitable strategy. After choosing a spot, you'll be taken to the fishing screen, where you can select your rod, reel, and lure. Lure selection is very important; there are various types of lures such as crankbaits, soft plastics, topwater lures, each suitable for specific water depths, weather conditions, and bass species. Players need to understand fish habits to choose the most effective lure.

The fishing mechanics in The Black Bass are quite intuitive but also require skill. You'll control the casting direction and power to send your lure to the desired location. When a fish bites, the screen will switch to a struggle mode. Players must skillfully reel and pull the rod to bring the fish to shore without breaking the line or losing the fish. A tension meter will appear, requiring players to keep it within a safe range, releasing line when the fish pulls hard and reeling in when it slows down. This creates a thrilling and realistic feeling, as if you're truly battling a large fish.

Each tournament has a time limit, usually one or more in-game days. At the end of each day or tournament, the total weight of caught fish will be calculated. The player with the best performance will advance to the next round or win the championship. As you progress, you'll unlock new fishing spots, and better lures and equipment, helping you tackle greater challenges. The Black Bass is not just an entertaining game but also a memorable fishing simulation experience on the NES platform.