With Go Vacation picking up some interest in the forum. Namco has announced their next resort game from ex-Sonic developer Yuji Naka, this time it's centered around fishing . Some of Naka's previous work for Wii includes Let's Tap and Ivy the Kiwi. His studio Prope is also making Rodea the Sky Soldier for Wii and 3DS.

Here are some more details on Family Fishing:

- Prope is designing the game around a concept that is different from past fishing games
- Out in Japan on August 4 for ¥5,040; fishing controller bundle for ¥6,090
- Set on a dream island where people who love to fish gather
- Play as a traveler who’s come to the island
- Explore a resort island
- Numerous resort-style activities available such as cruising, a submarine tour, and kayaking
- Vehicles can be used for transportation
- 20 mini-games
- Message board on the island lets you take on different challenges
- Time cycle in the game changes backgrounds
- Exchange fish points for new tools
- 15 locations to fish in, including the sea, rivers and lakes
- New areas available as you progress and unlock them
- Build up an aquarium by collecting fish
- Expand the aquarium to earn money
- Big Size Online Ranking: Wi-Fi Connection used
- 200 fish types including octopuses and penguins
- Over 1,000 items to collect

Impressions/Reviews

NintendoWorldReport: Prope isn’t aiming for a realistic fishing simulator, but from what I played, as a fishing game it felt quite authentic. Hunting for good fishing spots and patiently placing your bait was simple, laid-back fun, and the light RPG elements seem to do a decent job of fleshing out the experience. Whereas Twilight Princess was an adventure game with a little bit of fishing, this game can be thought of as a fishing game with a little bit of adventuring.
NintendoWorldReport Video Hands-On: Part 1 and Part 2

Source

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First time I'm interested in a fishing game, seems Namco's learnt something from Go Vacation... but do we need more resorts?

I saw this too over on andriasang, looks pretty good and also seems to have open world elements.
This together with Go Vacation make me wonder what other open world games Namco are developing.
Perhaps a Zelda-style game down the line??

by the way, that controller is 31 flavors of awesome! I would totally use it as a replacement for the Zapper!!

also, Prope seem to be kicking it into high-gear as of late. Go Naka!

I knew you'd show up sometime.

They'll be adding openness to everything. But how many more resorts can they make? They got Ski, summer resort, fishing resort... what's next? Racing resort (Family Ridge Racer/...Pixar's Cars?), fighting resort (Family Tekken/Soulcalibur), eating resort (Family Pac-Man) or life resort (Family Tamagotchi). Knowing Japan, the next one is Train resort...

Zelda + fighting resort. You walk around the island and whenever you encounter the enemy you'd be fighting them... you'd be punching some bats/crab/blob/shellfish asses xD

This might be that Fishing RPG NB register awhile, and the fact Yuji Naka is behind is Plus

Wow, I've already played a few fishing games, but this one looks much better than anything I've seen so far, because it seems to offer much more variety.

Is it coming to Europe/NA?

looks like good fun to me,get the mii's out for some family fishing

Actually Go Vacation looks like one of the best Wii games coming out this year. I really enjoyed the We Ski and the production values on Go Vacation - and this new fishing game - seem really top notch. The fact that Prope is behind it is great too. I loved Ivy the Kiwi and Let's Tap was one of the most original uses of motion ever. Hope they port this fishing game over. Always wanted a good fishing game on Wii - it's one of those things the wiimote seemed natural for - and this may finally be 'good'.

Now let's look at a map which details islands, jungles, lakes, rivers, beaches and caves you'll be able to explore in Family Fishing.

Swordfish Island?

A few detailed images of the enviroment around this fishing resort.

More images of the game can be found here: http://www.4gamer.net/games/136/G013602/20110630094/

so this isnt the resort game? regardless they both look great or it.

Yeah, I can't see Namco releasing both this and Go Vacation in the west at the same time... they would just cannibalize each other's sales..