The Harvest Moon titles have grown in popularity over the last decade, marrying exploration and character interaction with management skills.
Having brought this concept to both the fantasy and sci-fi genres, Rising Star now takes the best-selling formula into a new realm of entertainment.
As the name implies, Harvest Fishing revolves around wrenching aquatic beings from bodies of water. And while the tranquillity of fishing may not enthral everyone, the game shows typical Harvest charm.
“Rising Star Games is extremely confident in the potential of Harvest Fishing, in no small part due to the great responses we are getting from our market research,” says product marketing assistant Tyrone Walcott. “We are aiming to make Harvest Fishing a great price proposition for Christmas and beyond and give young fans of the Harvest Moon series a pickup and play angling experience.”
Perhaps key to the Harvest series’ appeal is its ability to weave an engaging storyline into the simulation-based gameplay. The plot revolves around a young man attempting to wake his younger sister from her slumber. Legend tells of the mysterious River King, whose scales can be used to cure anything, so the game’s hero sets of to catch him.
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Players journey across rivers, swamps, ponds and hidden fishing spots as they search, making friends with the creatures they meet along the way and unlock their special abilities. They can explore the world of Harvest Fishing freely or enter tournaments in order to earn money to upgrade their equipment. There is even a range of mini-games to enjoy, and since time is a factor for which fish are available, the game also features night-fishing.
As with previous Harvest titles, Fishing boasts highly accessible controls for more casual gamers, with the game’s fishing mechanics operated by using the touch screen. There are plenty of customisation options, allowing gamers to amass a vast collection of baits, lures, rods and more.
“Our planned activity is to support retail by offering a great price, extensive PR for Harvest Fishing will continue vigorously right up until launch,” says Walcott. “We have extensive marketing and PR objectives, which will increase the awareness for Christmas.”
There will be an ongoing campaign across kids print media and Rising Star is even looking into the possibility of using angling magazines to assist parents that are looking to introduce the children to the timeless sport, thereby covering both of the game’s target audience.
“The Harvest brand is enormous across the world and has a stable fan base,” adds Walcott. “Harvest Fishing has been long awaited but we are very happy with the fan responses for the title. What makes the game so special for us is the brand is easily recognisable to parents, carers and gift buyers as a child friendly Nintendo DS product and will attract new and established fans.”
