Tsuri Kichi Sanpei - Blue Marlin Hen (Japan)

Tsuri Kichi Sanpei - Blue Marlin Hen is a unique fishing game for the NES, putting players in the shoes of Sanpei, a young fishing enthusiast whose goal is to conquer large fish species. This particular version focuses specifically on the challenge of catching the colossal blue marlin, a fish renowned as the "king of the sea."

The gameplay of Tsuri Kichi Sanpei - Blue Marlin Hen begins with the player selecting a fishing spot and preparing their tackle. After casting the line, the screen shifts to an underwater or boat-side view, where the player must wait for a fish to bite. Once a fish has bitten, a true battle ensues. Players need to skillfully manipulate the fishing rod to reel the fish in while simultaneously preventing the line from breaking. This requires a combination of reeling and adjusting the pulling force to avoid startling the fish or snapping the line.

Each fish species, especially the blue marlin, will possess different strengths and resistance behaviors. Fish will attempt to swim away, leap out of the water, or dive deep to escape the hook. Players must react quickly to each of the fish's movements, using controller inputs to adjust line tension and pulling direction. The line's durability gauge and the fish's stamina bar are crucial to monitor. If the line becomes too taut or the fish is too strong, the player will lose their target. The ultimate goal is to exhaust the fish and successfully reel it onto the boat. The game demands not only skill but also patience, delivering a thrilling and satisfying feeling upon conquering a large catch.