This game checks all my boxes: -Visually pleasing and retro (bringing back memories of games I have treasured), - Simple controls, - Fishing in my favorite method for my favorite fish (fly fishing for trout), -hidden secrets in the game have been fun to uncover. All in all this is a game I have never known I needed. Thank you! It is a favorite!

Controls are sometimes virtual buttons, sometimes touch anywhere, leads to lots of confusion early on. Weird that menu is in your tackle box. No indication on map of whether or not a location is accessible. Once I realized the reeling tension choices were not virtual buttons but touch anywhere, I was able to actually see the gauge and the fishing mechanic started making sense. Every cast is jarring because you don’t see it fly through the air to its destination. Why did you decide to teleport the lure to its destination and skip an actual casting animation? Very weird decision. Just lots of strange interaction choices that imo present a high barrier to entry. Also, would really help with immersion if there was like a motivation for any of this. Quests? A story? Even a light intro that expresses a basic reason for wanting to catch a legend or whatever would have gone a long way to help me feel like there was a reason for any of this. Record of fish caught should be in like a journal and not outside the whole game in the start menu. Hey this journal sounds like a great place to move the menu and maybe a few settings. Maybe a shack we can put trophies in and upgrade? I get it you're a small operation and idk how the heck games are made and maybe it’s a testament to the game that it makes me think of all the other things I want here, but what is vs. what could be is a real distraction. River Legends 2 gonna be off the chain.

Playing the game a bit, a couple recommendations from a fly-fisherman. First, shouldn’t be able to see the fish at all times. Part of the excitement, often, is not knowing exactly what’s in the water, perhaps you need your polarized glasses to get a better look. Maybe add to the allure (no pun intended) by reducing visibility. Another thing, gotta be able to style your character. Is it some guy out there or is it me with some waders, my new Simms sun hoodie, and some orange shades? Lastly, a lot of the fun is the cast. Maybe it should be that the line follows exactly what you draw, so if you get the timing right, you get the cast you want, otherwise you get hooked. A start to a brilliant game. Just a few thoughts.

I preordered expecting a simple game to waste my time. However, the game play is really well thought, not too complex and not too easy. I have unlocked 7 out of 8 locations from pine canyon and will continue to play. Overall, a really fun game with nice pixel arts and smooth fishing mechanisms.