Cast your mind back, if you will, to a simpler time. A time before auto-battlers, before metaverse mayhem, before the endless scroll of freemium despair. A time when dangling a pixelated lure and snatching up bizarre sea creatures was the height of mobile gaming bliss. Ridiculous Fishing, a cult classic, returns to the digital shores with “Ridiculous Fishing EX” on Apple Arcade. And yes, in a world saturated with sequels and remasters, even the absurd can find new depths of weird. This isn’t just a fresh coat of paint; it’s a whole new ecosystem of bizarre catches, upgraded arsenals, and a narrative hook that’s as surprising as a swordfish with a handlebar mustache. Prepare to dive back into the delightfully odd world of underwater carnage, because it turns out, things can get weirder.
A Cast into Absurdity: Reeling in a Fresh Take on a Classic
Vlambeer’s Ridiculous Fishing was already a masterpiece of mobile weirdness. Casting a line down, avoiding fish on the ascent, then flinging them skyward for a glorious, shotgun-powered airborne massacre? Pure genius. But how does one improve on perfection steeped in the bizarre? Ridiculous Fishing EX, bobbing serenely on the Apple Arcade waves, answers that question with a resounding “Oh, it can get weirder.” The core gameplay loop remains, providing that dopamine hit of perfectly timed ascents and aerial obliteration, but around it swirls a newfound eccentricity. Think of it as the original game, but viewed through a kaleidoscope while riding a narwhal.
New items abound, from chainguns to toasters (because why not?), adding layers of strategic silliness to your fishing expeditions. The storyline, a previously understated element, gets a hefty dose of the strange, diving deep into cryptic conspiracies and talking fish. Then there are the hats. Oh, the hats! Unlockable headgear for your angler offers a dizzying array of fashion choices, furthering the game’s descent into delightful absurdity. It’s a testament to Vlambeer’s creativity that they managed to inject even more quirkiness into an already overflowing cauldron of odd. Here’s a glimpse at the delightful chaos:
| Feature | Weirdness Level |
| Chain-gun fishing | High |
| Toaster Lure | Off the charts |
| Talking Fish | Medium-rare |
| Hat Collection | Existentially baffling |
Deeper Dive: Exploring the New Depths of Ridiculous Fishing
Vlambeer’s original Ridiculous Fishing was already a masterpiece of absurdity. Casting your line downwards, avoiding fish on the ascent, then blasting them to smithereens in the air – pure chaotic genius. This “EX” version somehow cranks the weirdness dial even further. We’re talking weaponized toasters, fish wearing tiny hats, and an underwater society with surprisingly complex social dynamics. It’s like they held a brainstorming session fueled by caffeine and saltwater taffy, and somehow, it works. The core gameplay loop remains satisfyingly addictive, but with layers of new mechanics. Upgrading your arsenal is more engaging than ever, with a vast catalog of bizarre weaponry to unlock. And let’s not forget the new “fishing buddies” who provide helpful (and equally ridiculous) perks.
Beyond the fishing itself, Ridiculous Fishing EX delves into a surprisingly poignant narrative. The ecological impact of your exploitative fishing practices becomes a central theme, forcing players to confront the consequences of their actions. This added layer of depth doesn’t detract from the fun; instead, it provides a thought-provoking counterpoint to the over-the-top action. Here’s a quick breakdown of the new additions that really hooked me:
| Feature | Ridiculousness Rating (out of 5 starfish) |
| Weaponized Toaster | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Fish with Hats | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Underwater Social Commentary | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Fishing Buddies | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Beyond the Bait and Switch: Content and Gameplay Enhancements
Vlambeer’s original Ridiculous Fishing was already a masterclass in escalating absurdity. Casting your line down, avoiding fish on the ascent, then flipping them into the air for a hail of bullets—pure genius. Ridiculous Fishing EX, however, doesn’t just rehash the formula. It injects a whole new level of bizarre with a bevy of unlockable items, from new hats with game-altering stats to chainsaw lures and rocket-powered fishing rods. This constant drip-feed of upgrades kept me hooked (pun intended) and itching to see what crazy tool I’d unlock next. Imagine reeling in a fish wearing a tiny top hat, then blasting it with a shotgun that fires toast. Yes, that happens.
Beyond the sheer volume of goodies, EX throws in a surprisingly compelling metagame in the form of angler rankings. Competing against other players’ ghostly silhouettes fuels a satisfying loop of upgrading and optimizing your loadout. Coupled with daily fishing challenges and a quirky storyline involving cryptic emails and a shadowy organization, Ridiculous Fishing EX offers a surprising amount of depth beneath its silly surface. And to top it all off, the game features a delightful cast of supporting characters, each with their own unique quirks and motivations, adding another dash of charm to this already overflowing stew of weirdness.
| Upgrade | Effect |
| Hair Dryer Lure | Dries fish midair for extra points |
| Toast Shotgun | Exactly what it sounds like |
| Disco Ball Bobber | Attracts groovy, high-value fish |
Hook, Line, and Sinker: Why Ridiculous Fishing EX Still Holds Water
It’s a testament to the original Ridiculous Fishing’s brilliance that, despite being over a decade old, it still feels fresh. Vlambeer’s core gameplay loop – fling your lure down, avoid the fish on the ascent, then blast them to smithereens on the way back up – remains inherently satisfying. Ridiculous Fishing EX elevates this formula with an added layer of polish, thanks to updated visuals and a smoother framerate. While not a complete overhaul, the improvements are welcome, making an already great game feel even better. This isn’t just a simple port; the inclusion of features like daily fishing challenges and a wider array of unlockable items adds a touch of modern flair to a classic experience.
Beyond the addictive gameplay lies a subtle, quirky charm. From the absurd weaponry to the surprisingly endearing cast of supporting characters, Ridiculous Fishing EX is packed with personality. The soundtrack remains as wonderfully catchy as ever, providing a perfect backdrop for your aquatic mayhem. What truly makes this re-release stand out, however, is the expanded narrative. The story continues to delve into the strange, philosophical themes that hinted beneath the surface of the original. See how far down the rabbit hole you go with these added story elements and features:
- New items and gadgets: Tackle even stranger denizens of the deep.
- Daily Challenges: Test your fishing prowess against the clock and other players.
- Expanded Narrative: Dive deeper into the mysteries of the deep.
| Original | EX Version |
| Pixel Art | Refined Pixel Art |
| Basic Story | Expanded Story |
| Limited Items | Wider Variety of Items |
Final Thoughts
So, the fish are weirder, the guns are flashier, and the hats are… well, they’re hats. Ridiculous Fishing EX builds upon the original’s delightfully absurd premise in ways that both surprise and comfort. Whether you’re a returning angler or a fresh face on the digital seas, this enhanced excursion into ichthyological insanity offers a compelling reason to cast your line into the abyss once more. Just try not to get seasick from all the spinning. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a date with a bazooka and a swordfish wearing a tiny fez.
[…] hinder or help the player’s progress. These tiles can be utilized in various ways, forcing players to think strategically about their word choices. Consider the following […]
[…] a daily challenge with 50% win […]
[…] the game features a comprehensive tutorial mode that teaches players the basics of combat and helps them […]
[…] for exploration, the game features a vast world map to discover, filled with hidden temples, secret areas, and mysterious […]