Action Bass PlayStation

Fishing is usually a relaxing sport, even in videogame form. Action Bass attempts to introduce people to the world of fishing, and comes in four play modes. In Challenge mode, you only get three minutes to catch a fish large enough to meet the weight requirement and place you within the top three fishermen. When you pass the first level, you'll have three other levels to defeat. Beating all four levels unlocks new lures and grants access to the Extra option.

The second play mode in Action Bass is the Free mode, where you can freely fish in any of the four available areas and hone your fishing skills. Here you can discover the best spots to catch the bigger fish in less time in preparation for the Challenge mode. You also have the option of saving your fish for the Aquarium, the third mode in Action Bass, where the fish you caught in the Free mode can be viewed by moving in all directions around the fish.

The Extra mode you unlocked in the Challenge game is the last mode of play. This mode gives you more time, but the competition is fierce. Nothing short of first place will allow you to beat the Extra mode.

Action Bass lets you start out with five different lures: Minnow stays at a shallow depth when reeled in, moving slowly through the water in a fish-like motion to grab the attention of hungry bass; Popper lures work on the top where their white-threaded tail attracts attention; Pencil lures glide smoothly across the water's surface to create a small wake that causes bass to go crazy; Vibration is a weighted lure that vibrates through the water, and works well in deep and murky waters; and Spinner Bait, suited for a more seasoned fisherman, with a diamond shaped metal top that reflects light and a frayed tail at the end that simulates a small fish swimming.

Action Bass offers four levels of play. The Boathouse Cast, where every fisherman starts out, helps you break into the world of fishing. Jungle Bassing takes place in the heart of the jungle as you hunt for big time bass. Watch for the fallen tree limbs, which make great hiding places. Cloudy Fight is a course where the waterfall kicks up mud from the lake floor. The last is the Sunset Bigbass, which takes place in a partially submerged town. ~ Nick Woods, All Game Guide