▶ A world of psychological horror fishing created by a one-man studio in Paris, France.
▶ 15,000 wishlist items immediately after release… A new horror genre, not just a trolling or a horror film.
Indie game developer Mūn Mūn Games and UNIKAT Label have released a new trailer for their first-person psychological horror fishing simulator , Out Fishing . The trailer showcases previously unseen gameplay footage, reveals the changing atmosphere of the lake over time, expanded systems, and hints at key story clues. A free demo will be available on Steam on March 18th.
“Out Fishing” captures the tranquility of fishing and the chilling tension of psychological horror. Players set up camp by the lake, earn money by fishing, and upgrade their equipment. While it appears to be a typical relaxing fishing game, something is watching the protagonist from somewhere in the water and forest. Occasionally, the fish utter uncharacteristic remarks, hinting that this lake is more than just a natural space.
A survival and exploration system that goes beyond fishing.
The gameplay of ‘Out Fishing’ goes beyond the simple category of a fishing simulator.
First of all, fishing requires strategy right from the start. Players use a shovel to dig up soft ground and collect bait. There are three types of bait: basic bait available anywhere, shop bait available for purchase, and special bait hidden in specific locations. Special baits attract unique fish and provide clues directly related to the story’s secrets. Beyond being a simple means of profit, they serve as keys to delving into the world.
One of the game’s core systems is the day-night cycle. The shift isn’t just a backdrop; it transforms the very gameplay. During the day, you can focus on fishing and resource gathering in relative safety. But at night, the types of fish available change, and the threats in the forest shift. The fog thickens, and the movements of unidentified entities become closer.
Gamers can utilize light survival elements and a camp construction system to strengthen their safe zone. By upgrading lighting, structures, and equipment, they can withstand the night’s threats and gradually expand the exploration area. However, complete safety does not exist. As the night progresses, anxiety intensifies.
A narrative intertwined with memory and hallucination
The lake that serves as the setting for the story is a place the protagonist often visited as a child. Something has disappeared there, and the gamer returns to discover the truth.
The game weaves together memories and hallucinations to create an unstable narrative. It’s difficult to discern whether the protagonist’s visions are reality, remnants of the past, or illusions created by the lake. As the night deepens, the threat becomes more concrete, and the mundane act of fishing transforms into an obsessive pursuit.
The developers have also changed the onboarding approach. Instead of a separate tutorial level or static explanatory window, they use interactive cinematics to naturally convey the world and basic controls.
The system is designed to be self-learned through the process of gathering bait, casting a fishing rod, and exploring. The developer’s philosophy is that “curiosity will inevitably be rewarded.” The game’s structure is designed to stimulate players’ desire for exploration.
What are the key contents to experience in the demo ?
The demo, which will be released on March 18th, will allow players to experience the game’s core systems firsthand. It includes basic fishing mechanics, camp building, equipment upgrades, and even an early-game event that gradually builds anxiety.
Gamers can use the resources they gain from fishing to upgrade their equipment and their lakeside hideout. However, this hideout isn’t entirely safe. The line between memory and hallucination begins to blur, and as the night deepens, ominous encounters and suspicious clues emerge.
In terms of atmosphere, the game features psychological horror reminiscent of the “Alan Wake,” “Mundaun,” and “Silent Hill” series. Simple daily life gradually becomes an obsession, and the player gradually loses touch with reality.
Users: “I thought it was a fishing game, but it was a horror movie.”
The game garnered attention even before its demo. Following the announcement trailer’s release via IGN, it quickly surpassed 15,000 Steam Wishlist additions. The developers thanked users for their support, including wishlist additions, feedback, and Discord participation, saying, “This figure far exceeds our expectations.”
The Steam community is responding with comments like, “It’s a refreshing genre combination,” and “I thought it was a fishing game, but it’s horror.” The unexpected combination of horror and fishing is said to have piqued curiosity. Many are also eagerly awaiting the demo release on March 18th.
‘Outfishing’, created alone in a small studio in Paris, This is an experimental work that turns the everyday act of fishing into a stage of horror. The fact that it garnered 15,000 wishlists immediately after its IGN announcement may be proof that this unique concept has already struck a chord with players. You’ll have to experience for yourself what the lake holds in store through the free Steam demo on March 18th.
Steam Store Page:
https://store.steampowered.com/app/3660260/Out_Fishing/
