Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Nushi Tsuri 64 blends familiar role-playing mechanics with a fishing core, inviting players to explore a network of towns, riversides, and secret fishing spots. At the start, you choose one of six distinct characters, each with their own visual style but largely equivalent abilities. From there, you’re free to wander through the main village, purchase tackle and bait from local shops, chat up NPCs for hints, or set off for neighboring regions.

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When you cast your line, the game shifts into a serene, first-person fishing mode where timing and lure selection matter more than button mashing. Catching fish lets you deposit them into your personal water tank—your ever-growing collection—and feed them to boost their stats or unlock rare breeds. The sense of progression comes from experimenting with different rods, lines, and lures to coax out legendary specimens hiding in deep pools or secluded caves.

True to its RPG roots, Nushi Tsuri 64 features random encounters while you’re walking outside safe zones. These skirmishes play out on a separate battle screen: you can hurl rocks or other items to scare away wild creatures instantly, or engage in a quick-time style run-away mini-game along a path meter. Choosing to flee opens you up to enemy hits, so balancing risk and reward adds unexpected tension to what would otherwise be a laid-back fishing sim.

Graphics

As the first fishing-RPG on the Nintendo 64, Nushi Tsuri 64 showcases the system’s early 3D capabilities with a bright, cartoonish aesthetic. Character models are blocky by modern standards, but they’re colorfully textured and full of personality—villagers wave when you pass by, and water surfaces reflect the sky in a soft, rippling shader that remains impressive even today.

Each region has its own visual identity: the forested streams are lush and verdant, while mountain lakes carry a crisp, cool palette. The fish themselves are rendered in simple, jewel-toned polygons, but their silhouettes and animations are distinct enough to help you immediately recognize a carp versus a trout. Occasional frame drops occur when you enter densely populated areas, but they rarely interfere with core fishing or exploration.

The user interface leans heavily on iconography, with clear menus for equipment, bait selection, and tank management. Dialogue boxes appear in clean windows, and while all text is in Japanese, helpful pictograms mean you rarely misinterpret shop menus or quest prompts. Overall, the graphical presentation strikes a cozy balance between RPG world-building and the pure zen of angling.

Story

Though narrative isn’t the main draw, Nushi Tsuri 64 weaves in a lighthearted tale of a young angler seeking to become a Fishing Master. Each town you visit holds rumors of a mythical “Nushi” fish—a legendary boss creature said to be the ultimate catch. Side characters dole out local legends, fishing tips, and small tasks that introduce you to new gear and secret spots.

Story progression is subtle rather than cinematic. You won’t find lengthy cutscenes, but periodic events—such as a fishing tournament announcement or a friend in need along the riverbank—give you goals beyond mere collection. The narrative beats serve primarily to guide you toward rare fish encounters, giving each region its own mini-arc and sense of discovery.

At its heart, the story is about community and the joy of discovery: helping NPCs solve fishing-related problems, rebuilding a town’s supply of edible fish, or tracking down the next big trophy. While the overarching plot remains straightforward, the interplay of character interactions, side quests, and the hunt for legendary species provides a soft but steady narrative current that keeps you hooked.

Overall Experience

Nushi Tsuri 64 stands out as an inventive fusion of RPG exploration and fishing simulation. Its deliberate pacing offers moments of calm interspersed with chance-driven skirmishes, creating a rhythm that’s both relaxing and unexpectedly engaging. Whether you’re cataloging fish in your ever-expanding tank or edging away from a random forest ambush, the game strikes a satisfying balance.

Import collectors and genre fans will find extra appeal in its Japanese-only release. While the language barrier presents a slight learning curve, the intuitive interface and visual clarity mean you won’t be lost for long. Moreover, playing as different characters and seeking out all the rare species extends replay value far beyond the initial playthrough.

Ultimately, Nushi Tsuri 64 delivers a unique experience on the N64: it’s equally at home as a chill weekend pastime or a deeper RPG journey for completionists. Its charming graphics, approachable mechanics, and gentle storytelling make it an essential import for fans of fishing games, retro RPGs, or anyone looking for something refreshingly different on Nintendo’s classic console.

Retro Replay Score

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