Black Bass, The (USA)

In The Black Bass for the NES, players dive into the world of competitive sport fishing, specifically targeting the elusive bass. The main objective is to become the ultimate angler by participating in and winning various fishing tournaments.

The gameplay of The Black Bass is divided into several stages. First, players must select a fishing spot on the map, each potentially offering different types of fish and environmental conditions. Once a location is chosen, the player then selects the appropriate lure. There are various lures available, each effective for different fish species or at different depths.

Once prepared, the player proceeds to cast their line. The accuracy of the cast and the lure's landing spot are crucial. After the lure hits the water, the player manipulates it to attract fish. The screen displays the lure's depth and the fish's position. When a fish bites, an indicator appears, and the player must react quickly to set the hook.

The most challenging phase is when a fish is on the line. Players must skillfully control the rod and reel to bring the fish in without breaking the line or letting the fish escape. The screen displays the line tension and the fish's resistance. Maintaining the line tension at a safe level is key to success. If the line is too taut, it will snap; if too slack, the fish might get away.

Players can move their boat to different positions within the fishing area to search for larger bass. Once a fish is caught, its weight is recorded. In tournaments, the goal is to catch the largest total weight of bass within a time limit. Between tournaments, players can use their earnings to purchase better fishing equipment such as rods, reels, and new lures, which increases their chances of catching rarer and larger fish.

The Black Bass offers a realistic and challenging fishing experience, demanding patience, skill, and strategy to become a master angler.