Cast n Chill review: The fishing game we need

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Developers have been shaping their ideas of what fishing games should be like for decades, from mini-games within larger experiences to mainstays centered around fishing. It’s fascinating how activities with such extensive periods of inactivity can transform into captivating and entertaining digital experiences. While some developers have come close, others have missed the mark, but a select few have truly mastered it. The Canadian developer Wombat Brawler’s Cast n Chill is now joining the ranks of these elite games, not for reasons you may anticipate.

What is fishing?

In simpler terms, Cast n Chill isn’t a complex game. Initially, you get a simple fishing rod, reel, boat, and a friendly dog that you can occasionally pamper. You cast your line into the water, where pixelated fish may bite your bait. After reeling them in, you store these fish at your limit, then return to Rusty’s Bait Shop to sell them for money. This cash is used to purchase new fishing equipment like hooks, lures, rods, boats, licenses for different locations, and improvements for your current gear. Additionally, you can occasionally give tips to Rusty to discover some hidden tricks.

Based on your logbook, there are 50 different types of fish in Cast n Chill. Each fish entry keeps track of how many times you’ve caught it, its potential size, where it can be found, the best bait for catching it, and your largest catch, naturally. It seems that the objective might be to catch fish to earn money to buy better equipment to catch larger fish to acquire more items? Alternatively, the goal could be to catch every fish in the game? However, the essence of Cast n Chill is simply to relax and enjoy the experience, as that’s the title of the game itself.

In essence, Cast n Chill offers a balance between simplicity and complexity compared to some popular fishing mini-games, yet it’s not as complex as others. You cast your bobber, lure, or jig into the water using your mouse. To reel it back in, hold down your left mouse button; to let out more line, use your right mouse button. The challenge comes when you hook a fish that exceeds your rod’s capacity. It won’t break your line and vanish, instead, it will escape the hook, potentially returning for another attempt shortly, offering you another chance. Its pixel art style and the enticing record book to complete evoke feelings reminiscent of Stardew Valley.

Although some may believe the straightforwardness of Cast n Chill makes it less exceptional as a fishing game, they are mistaken. Fishing isn’t about accumulating experience or maintaining constant mental focus. In fact, it’s the exact opposite. At its heart, fishing is primarily about providing sustenance, but beyond that, it offers an escape from daily life’s noise and chaos. A chance to appreciate the scenery and silence, reconnect with nature, and let your spirit unwind. If you manage to catch a fish, that’s just a bonus. Cast n Chill understands its purpose well and remains committed to it. What’s more, it features banjo music – a feature more games should incorporate, in my opinion.

As a dedicated fan, let me share my experience: This game is incredibly soothing, and if you find it relaxing, that’s because it truly is. But here’s an exciting bonus! Cast n Chill offers an Idle Mode. Once activated, the game essentially plays itself. Your tiny pixel character will navigate their boat, cast their line, catch fish, and even sell them to Rusty. If you need a bit of fishing while working, no worries! Simply put Cast n Chill into Idle Mode on a secondary screen, let it manage the fishing for you, all while the enchanting banjo melodies fill your ears. The Idle Mode is a stroke of genius, and while optional, it’s simply brilliant.

A pixel art heart

As I’m angling and relaxing, my perspective is divided nearly equally between the water surface and beneath it, altering based on the depth of my line. This provides a fantastic vantage point for observing fish in the vicinity, enabling me to switch out my rod or bait if I’m not using the right equipment – say, for instance, if I’m aiming to catch some massive pike. If there are no pikes around, I’ll need to maneuver my boat by either pressing A or D on my keyboard or clicking once with my mouse. It’s as tiring as it sounds.

As a devoted admirer of Cast in Chill, I must share an unusual perspective on its visual appeal. While the game’s pixel art style is undeniably charming, there are areas where the pixilation seems excessive. This is tolerable for backdrops and landscapes that don’t demand clarity, but it becomes blurry when applied to characters or fish you’re trying to catch.

On numerous occasions, I found myself struggling to differentiate one type of fish from another underwater, a challenge that eased with practice but remained daunting at times. Color blindness, my unfortunate companion, adds an extra layer of difficulty as I can’t rely on subtle color changes in the pixels.

There was even a moment when I mistook a background element for a tent, needing to scrutinize it closely to confirm it wasn’t just a large tree. The pleasure derived from this art style sometimes fades when one has to strain to appreciate it.

Fishing done right

Games are usually appreciated for their complex mechanics, with players admiring the developers’ ability to fit so much into one package. However, there’s nothing wrong with praising games that don’t require constant engagement, and instead offer a calming, enjoyable experience. Fishing is relaxing, peaceful, and even thrilling at times, without needing to keep you hooked like social media platforms. Sometimes, you might cast your line into the water without any immediate bite, but that moment can be the most rewarding. Wombat Brawler understands this balance and provides a contemplative game where you can Cast n’ Chill – a relaxing fishing experience with a touch of action. That’s the essence of the game, perfectly summed up. The pun was intended!

The review I’ve written here is based on a digital access code given by Wombat Brawler. You can now find Cast n Chill on the Steam platform.

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2025-06-28 00:28