Forget everything you think you know about fishing games. Cast n Chill for the Nintendo Switch 2 isn't just good; it's a fin-tastic experience that might just reel you in hook, line, and sinker.
I'll admit, when I first saw Cast n Chill, I wasn't immediately sold. Despite others raving about it, I had a feeling I'd never get around to playing it. But let me tell you, I was wrong.
Now, I'm not a stranger to fishing. I have memories of fishing with my dad as a kid, back in the 1850s, and I even have some very fond memories of fishing-related stuff; sticking hooks through squirming maggots and watching the pus run out of 'em, pouring soapy water on the back lawn to get some worms, and the stink of a fish that I'd taken home to eat (Victorian times just hit different) but forgot about and left in my bag. Yeah, that stank.
Now, after obsessively playing Cast n Chill for a couple of days, I can confidently say it's a worthwhile experience you should dive into immediately.
First off, this game is gorgeous. It's easily one of the most visually appealing games I've seen on the Switch 2's LCD screen, and it's a masterclass in retro pixel art. The developers have truly outdone themselves.
But here's where it gets controversial... the atmosphere. The game perfectly captures the joy of finding a quiet moment to relax. It's set in a serene, almost meditative environment (likely inspired by Canada, though the Australian development team, Wombat Brawler, created it). Time seems to slow down, the water turns to glass, and you're left with your thoughts and the fish, all accompanied by a perfect soundtrack. This is a game about the joy of finding a little pocket of time to go somewhere still and serene, somewhere so still and serene (and Canadian, by the looks of things, though the small Wombat Brawler team hails from Australia) that water turns to glass, time comes to a standstill, and you're left with your thoughts and the fish. And the perfect soundtrack. Lots of things, but the fish are the next main reason.
And this is the part most people miss... the gameplay. Fishing in Cast n Chill is surprisingly engaging. Each pixelated region you unlock features unique fish, each with its own behavior. You'll find yourself caught in a satisfying gameplay loop: catch fish, add them to your encyclopedia, sell them for coins, buy lures, rods, and even boats, then head out to catch the trickier fish, including legendary sea creatures. You'll even need to get tips from the shopkeeper to hear rumors about where to find them!
The developers have truly nailed the details. From the plop of your float to the rumble of the controller as you attract fish with a spinner, the game's weight and feel are perfect. Oh, and you get to pet a dog. It's perfect!
Plus, with only two buttons controlling everything (and even an idle mode), the game is incredibly accessible. And if you want to share the experience, there's even a local co-op mode.
So, what do you think? Does this sound like your kind of game? Are you a fan of fishing games, or does the retro aesthetic appeal to you? Let me know in the comments! Do you think the atmosphere is as important as the gameplay? I'm curious to hear your thoughts!
