Fishing Master World Tour (Wii)

Nintendo Wii owners itching to become outdoor sportsman -- virtually speaking, that is -- can do so with Hudson Entertainment's FISHING MASTER WORLD TOUR. Billed as the first global fishing game for the Wii, up to four players, represented by cartoon avatars, can compete online in virtual tournaments. The goal is to catch the biggest fish in about 40 unique locations, such as the Amazon, Easter Island, Hawaii, and even under the Golden Gate bridge in San Francisco.

Using the Wii Remote and Nunchuk controllers, players can cast off from a shoreline or while trolling on a boat, and attempt to hook a fighting fish and reel it in without the line breaking. The built-in rumbling technology in the Wii Remote adds to the experience. Gamers can catch more than 200 different kinds of fish, spread throughout the seven regions around the world. If you want to see your top catches or show them off to friends, open the Fish Journals menu. Here you can also read descriptions about the different types of fish in the game, view earned trophies, and peruse optional quests to catch certain types of rare fish. Points awarded for big catches can be used in the shop to buy new rods and bait.

Along with the online play, Fishing Master World Tour also lets gamers compete in head-to-head modes in front of the same television. Good thing this is an option because on its own, this game isn't too exciting. That is, half the fun of fishing is showing off your catch, so playing solo can be a bit of a bore though unlocking new venues can be thrilling. The competition component also adds to the fun, so if you're going to pick up this arcade fishing game, make sure you're casting off with a friend, be it over the Internet or beside you on the same Wii.