Whisker Waters is an RPG adventure game where you play as a Cat, learning the art of fishing. Read our review to see what it did well, what it didn't do well, and if it's worth buying.
Whisker Waters Review Overview
What is Whisker Waters?
Whisker Waters is a casual simulation RPG adventure with a focus on fishing. In addition to building and customizing their own Cat-racter, players will go on an amazing fishing expedition in which they must solve puzzles and use a variety of fishing techniques to reel in all types of fish. Players can obtain resources by mining, trading with merchants, and unlocking new items to upgrade their equipment.
Whisker Waters features:
⚫︎ Custom Cat-racterization
⚫︎ In-depth Fishing Game
⚫︎ Different Types of Islands and Regions to Expore
⚫︎ Tons of Side-Quests and Activities
For more gameplay details, read everything we know about Whisker Waters's gameplay and story.
| Digital Storefronts | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Steam |
 Playstation |
 Switch |
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| $19.99 | $24.99 | ||||
Whisker Waters Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
 Pawsome Fishing Gameplay Ameowsing Lore Custom Cat-racterization is Cute
|
Finicky Camera Catastrophic Bugs Furiously Boring Quests |
Whisker Waters Overall Score - 62/100
Whisker Waters is a purr-fectly fine and relaxing fishing game, yet it's not without its flee-inducing clawing flaws in everything else. This game is definitely tailored for those with a penchant for both felines and fishing, however, the game constantly has stubborn furballs—it's got its share of pesky issues that persistently linger, preventing it from reaching its full potential as a meow-gnificent adventure game.
Whisker Waters Story - 7/10
Whisker Waters casts an enchanting net of lore, whisking players into a surprisingly vast world. While the catracters may not leave a lasting impression, it's utterly hilarious and paw-some to plunge into a game where felines take the lead in fishing adventures, all while unearthing a deep lore about the legendary fishing rangers, whiskered warriors safeguarding the realm from catastrophical purr-ils.
Whisker Waters Gameplay - 7/10
Whisker Waters reels you in with its blend of adventure and fishing fun. I was totally hooked on the thrill of nabbing various fishy friends in lots of different ways! The catracter customization is as cute, charming, and purrfect for catlovers. However, when it comes to exploration, quests, and pretty much everything else, the game's just nibbling the lines of feline fine or mediocrity or, frankly, a real cat-astrophe. The camera control, in particular, is as buggy as a flea-infested furball and as wonky as a fish out of water.
Whisker Waters Visuals - 7/10
The visuals may not be purrfect but I must admit, the paw-some charm of cute, chibi-like cats makes it quite the catch! I'm absolutely hooked on their adorable aesthetic. Plus, the world design has a meow-gical islandish vibe, drawing inspiration from real-life fishing villages, giving it that authentic and reelaxing atmosphere.
Whisker Waters Audio - 4/10
Paw-lease excuse the absence of a vibrant soundtrack in this game; it's as if they've cast the net but caught no tunes! You might find yourself stuck in a loop, hearing the same melodies over and over like a cat chasing its tail. The sound design is as forgettable as yesterday's litter, but at least it's not claws-out offensive—just your run-of-the-meow generic background noise.
Whisker Waters Value for Money - 6/10
If you're a true fan of both fishing and felines, this game might just be for you. However, I'd recommend purrrchasing the Steam version, as it's cheaper than its counterparts on Switch and PS5. Plus, you'll likely get more frequent updates on PC if the developers are attentive to feedback. As it stands, this game is far from being a purr-fect catch. Right now, it's not worth sinking your claws in despite its pawsitives.
Whisker Waters Review: Ameowsing but Far from Purrfect
Putting aside the cat puns for a moment, let's delve into the game's initial setup. It grabs your attention right from the start with an engaging backstory about the world of Whisker Waters, presented in a surprisingly captivating children's book style.
This introduction beautifully illustrates your character's aspiration to become a Fishing Ranger. Soon after, you find yourself conversing with the Elder cat, who serves as a mentor, teaching you the ropes of fishing and assigning quests to embark upon. The charm of these early moments is undeniable, despite the occasional hiccups. However, as you progress, these issues persist, detracting from the overall experience.
Let's kick off with what really stole my heart in this game—the cats! As a devoted feline enthusiast, I couldn't help but fall head over paws for the utterly charming and adorable cat designs. The best part? The customization options are as boundless as a cat's curiosity, allowing you to deck out your furry friend in all sorts of accessories to make them truly unique. While the NPCs’ names and personalities may not be memorable their delightful designs certainly make an impression.
One of the highlights of the adventure is encountering a variety of cats along the way, each seamlessly blending into their surroundings and their lifestyles. And speaking of the environment, while the graphics may not be top-notch and occasional bugs do rear their pesky heads, I love the overall ambiance and aesthetic of each village and locals.
It's akin to the feeling of exploration in Pokémon games, discovering new villages, navigating through diverse landscapes—whether by boat or braving the wilderness—and stumbling upon new creatures to capture.
Let's dive into the heart of the game—the fishing mechanics, which truly steal the show. I must say, it's a delightful blend of fun, relaxation, and intuitive gameplay that demands your full attention. Unlike many fishing games that can feel rather mundane, with Whisker Waters, there's a depth of strategy involved that keeps you hooked.
Picture this: you're casting your line into the shimmering waters, but here's where things get interesting. Instead of just idly waiting for a fish to bite, you have the freedom to use various types of bait to attract different species. And while you're waiting, there's plenty you can do to enhance your chances, like adjusting your hook's position or even scaring off unwanted fish.
But the real excitement kicks in when you feel that tug on the line. The game presents you with a series of engaging mini-games to reel in your catch, from a thrilling battle of button-mashing to a test of quick reflexes. It's reminiscent of the capture mechanics in Pokémon games, and just like in Pokémon, each fish you catch adds to your collection, recorded in your very own encyclopedia of aquatic wonders.
Different areas offer unique opportunities for fishing, whether it's a tranquil waterfall or the briny depths of the sea. And the best part? There's more than one way to snag a fish, including the use of a trusty fish net. It's hands down the most enjoyable aspect of the game, offering endless possibilities for exploration, relaxation, and discovery.
Unfortunately, the game's charm seems to fizzle out after the fishing fun, leaving much to be desired in other areas. The music fails to leave a lasting impression, the graphics lack any real wow factor, and the side activities are, frankly, forgettable. But the real cat-astrophe comes in the form of the camera—it's so erratic and nauseatingly shaky, especially when it locks onto your character, making exploration a dizzying ordeal.
Even with a controller, navigating the game feels clunky and frustrating, disrupting the flow of exploration at every turn. Quests don't fare much better, often boiling down to tedious fetch quests, made even more frustrating by the lack of helpful markers on the map. It's far too easy to get lost in the sprawling landscapes, with no clear direction on where to find specific fish or items—unless you happen to have a guide handy.
For a game touted as a casual adventure, it sorely lacks quality-of-life features and is plagued by numerous bugs. It's a shame, really, as with a bit more polish and attention to detail, Whisker Waters could have been a truly purr-fect fishing game.
Pros of Whisker Waters
| Things Whisker Waters Got Right |
|---|
|
Pawsome Fishing Gameplay Ameowsing Lore Custom Cat-racterization is Cute
|
Pawsome Fishing Gameplay
If fishing gameplay is all you're after, then Whisker Waters is an absolute must-play. It's easily one of the standout fishing games out there, although that might not sound like high praise given most fishing titles are more or less the same. Still, it manages to stand out thanks to its enjoyable mechanics and the sheer variety of fishing spots available. With multiple methods for catching fish and engaging mini-games thrown into the mix, there's never a dull moment on the water.
I particularly love the Pokedex-style feature that records every fish you reel in. Each fish is unique, found in different areas, and requires specific bait to catch, adding an extra layer of strategy to the fishing experience. It's a wonderfully relaxing way to while away the hours, whether you're a seasoned angler or just looking for some aquatic fun.
Ameowsing Lore
I must admit, I was pleasantly surprised to discover a storyline woven into this game. After all, it's centered around chibi cats fishing—a premise that doesn't immediately scream epic narrative.
However, I found myself drawn into the world the developers crafted, particularly appreciating the effort put into fleshing out the villages and the lore. These glimpses into the past and the unique cultures of each village added so much depth and personality, showcasing how their livelihoods are intricately tied to the diverse array of fish species inhabiting the waters.
Custom Cat-racterization is Cute
As a big fan of cats, I was immediately captivated by the game's cat aesthetic. What truly won me over, though, was the ability to customize my character throughout the entire journey. The sheer variety of options available to tweak and tailor my cat's appearance was a delightful surprise, made even better by the fact that most of these wardrobe changes come at no extra cost. It's a perfect way to add a personal touch to your furry friend and truly make them your own.
Cons of Whisker Waters
| Things That Whisker Waters Can Improve |
|---|
|
Finicky Camera Catastrophic Bugs Furiously Boring Quests |
Finicky Camera
The camera mechanics in this game can seriously put a damper on the exploration experience. It's overly sensitive and incredibly temperamental, often leading to frustrating bugs where the camera clips onto the character, making it difficult to maneuver freely. The whole ordeal feels quite messy, especially when combined with the slippery movement of your character.
Catastrophic Bugs and Lack of Quality of Life
Regrettably, the game is plagued by a multitude of bugs, ranging from texture pop-ups to peculiar instances of floating items, not to mention the frustrating camera glitches. While these minor bugs can be bothersome on their own, they become even more problematic when compounded by the lack of quality-of-life features. For instance, the map fails to provide proper markers for quest objectives or item locations, adding unnecessary confusion to the gameplay. With a plethora of minor issues and bugs accumulating, they collectively detract from what could have been an enjoyable gaming experience.
Furiously Boring Quests
The vast majority of quests in this game seem to devolve into mere fetch quests. I’m a cat in this game, why should I play fetch? While it could have been tolerable, these fetch quests quickly become unbearably tedious and frustrating, largely due to the lack of quality-of-life features. The lack of clear guidance on where to find items or individuals can turn what should be a simple task into a boring and tedious goose chase. For instance, one of the initial quests involves searching for a mother cat's missing son, which ends up being a drawn-out ordeal. It took an excessive amount of time to locate the little troublemaker, hidden away in a tiny spot far from plain sight.
Is Whisker Waters Worth It?
If You LOVE Cats or Fishing
If you're a genuine enthusiast of either cats or fishing, then you might find value in considering purchasing this game. Personally, I found enjoyment in its fishing mechanics and cat customization options. However, it's important to note that there are existing issues that can detract from the experience. I'd suggest opting for the Steam version over the pricier PS5 and Switch alternatives. Just be sure to go in with your eyes open and understand the potential challenges you may encounter.
| Digital Storefronts | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steam |
Playstation |
Switch |
|||
| $19.99 | $24.99 | ||||
Whisker Waters FAQ
What is the System Requirements to Play Whisker Waters?
⚫︎ Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
⚫︎ OS: Windows 10 or later
⚫︎ Processor: Ryzen 5 3600 or intel i7 9700
⚫︎ Memory: 8 GB RAM
⚫︎ Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 / AMD equivalent
⚫︎ DirectX: Version 11
⚫︎ Storage: 7 GB available space
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Whisker Waters Product Information
 |
|
| Title | WHISKER WATERS |
|---|---|
| Release Date | April 25, 2024 |
| Developer | Underbite Games |
| Publisher | Merge Games, Maximum Entertainment |
| Supported Platforms | PC(Steam), Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5 |
| Genre | Casual, Adventure, Fishing |
| Number of Players | 1 |
| ESRB Rating | Not Rated |
| Official Website | Whisker Waters Website |
