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While I've never actually gone out fishin', I can understand the relaxation that comes with the sport. The calm water, the serene sounds, and the patience needed all add up to an experience that I can appreciate.

Sega Marine Fishing seemed like just the game that would calm my nerves after a week of work, so I picked up this title for the $39.99 MSRP many Dreamcast games are now retailing for. Is it just what the doctor ordered, or would I still have to settle for some Crazy Taxi to soothe my nerves?

Visuals:: The visuals in this game are quite nice, tried and true to the arcade version of the title. That is to be expected, though, with the action being limited to the sea. The detail of the fish is impressive, and with a number of fish up for catch, including sharks and swordfish, you'll quickly find yourself immersed in the action.

In addition to the actual fish, the environments you fish in are pretty nicely detailed. While not the most beautiful game on the system, the levels (Coral Reef, Offing, Shallow) do have great touches, ranging from sea planes to cruise ships and sea gulls.

Overall, this game is a solid visual effort, offering a serene setting and realistic graphics to reel you into the world of fishing (pun intended).

Audio:: This is where things are a bit weaker. While the sound effects are pretty spot-on, the audio quality detracts from the overall gameplay with the muffled voice of your fishing partner and the cheesy background music.

You would think that a game with a calm setting would have calm music to smooth you over. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time got this aspect right in its fishing mini-game, but Sega Marine Fishing instead decides to pound you over the head with the worst psuedo-rock this side of Miami Vice. It's like you've been transported to 1986, with screeching guitars and synthesized percussion making you wish for water in your ears. The worst part: you can't even turn down the music! What the?!

Gameplay/Control:: Ah, but the gameplay is where the game is made, and it's done quite well. While the game is obviously made for the Dreamcast Fishing Controller, I tested out this game with a control pad hooked up with a jump pack and VMU. There are three main modes to try out: Arcade, Original, and Network.

In Arcade mode, you will find the same game that you may have played in the arcades. This is basically a timed fishing contest, where your objective is to catch as many fish as needed within the necessary time to move onto the next stage. As with many Arcade modes, it's a bit weaker compared to the Original modes.

In Original mode, you will find three sub-options. First, you can do a bit of Free Fishing. In this mode, you pick from the three stages and take your time fishing. Try to catch as many fish as you can, and (in conjunction with the Mini-Game mode) you may even find bonus items in the fish (eww). These items, which are available to be unlocked in Free Fishing after you play some of the Mini-Game mode, range from new lures to new outfits, and new items that you can place in the Original mode's third option, the Aquarium. In the Aquarium, you use these unlocked items to customize a large museum-like tank into a beautiful fish habitat. This is actually one of the few places where this game slows down, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the graphics to the tune of one of the better songs on the SMF soundtrack.

Yes, the Aquarium is one of the slower parts of the title, because Sega Marine Fishing can get pretty intense. After picking your lure, use the analog stick to twitch it, attracting fish to the bait. Once you hook a fish, it's a matter of putting the right amount of tension on the fishing line along with moving the rod to make it easier to make your catch. It can get pretty intense, especially when you're fighting a shark or a sea-to-air-to-sea swordfish, but it's worth it once you see your catch! Overall, a well done effort; solid controls and fun gameplay!

Extras:: The Mini-Game mode is seperated into five games, which will try your skills at casting, lure movements, catching, and more. The games are pretty cool, and the incentive to unlock more items will make you spend more than enough time in this mode. Additionally, the Sega Marine Fishing Network mode will allow players to "fish" for e-mail, as well as participate in future fishing competitions. Sounds cool!

Overall:: If you're looking for a solid Dreamcast game, Sega Marine Fishing is a contender. The gameplay is well done, the visuals are impressive, and the audio can be turned down. If you're a fishing game fan, add two points to my score. If, like me, you're just looking for a new experience, then Sega Marine Fishing is certainly worth a try!