Moonglow Bay
Review

Moonglow Bay (2021) is a role play game where you play a rookie angler. Unlike other slice-of-life games, fishing isn't tucked away as a side quest here, it's front and centre. Set along the Canadian coastline in the 1980's, you live in a fishing town that has become afraid to fish and work to dispel fears about sea monsters by rediscovering the joy of the catch.

You pick a partner then set out to explore the ocean, from frigid glaciers to boiling geysers. You learn all about fishing: casting nets, setting traps and cutting fishing holes in the ice. As you progress you work you way through documenting over 100 varied aquatic species while also uncovering the secrets of Moonglow Bay.

Along with the fishing, you run a business preparing, cooking and selling fish to the locals. You cook your catch of the day, then create a variety of recipes to upgrade your shop, gear, and fishing boat.

It's a relaxed, low pressure game, that combines the exploration and collection with several narratives about the town and its inhabitants. Played on your own or with another player, it's a great way to discover the joy of fishing and its importance not only as a living but in taking life at its own pace.

Our examiner, Andy Robertson, first checked Moonglow Bay 2 years ago. It was re-examined by Jo Robertson and updated 9 months ago.