Umigari is a first-person fishing game focused on precision and exploration. The player takes the role of a harpoon fisher operating alone in the fog-covered waters off the coast of Japan. Each day begins with a simple goal: catch fish, sell the haul, and maintain the vessel. However, as the player travels further from shore, both the sea and its inhabitants change, revealing new species and unfamiliar environments. The gameplay connects survival, resource management, and navigation into one continuous cycle of risk and return.
Core Gameplay and Harpoon Mechanics
In Umigari, fishing is conducted through a manual aiming and throwing system rather than automated capture. The player must track, aim, and strike each fish using the harpoon, adjusting for distance and movement. Timing and accuracy determine the value of each catch. Every successful hunt earns money that can be spent at the port on supplies or ship improvements. The core mechanic is built around observation and repetition — learning how fish behave and refining technique with each outing.
Equipment, Progression, and Sea Exploration
The game’s structure supports gradual progression through equipment upgrades and extended range. Resources gained from fishing can be exchanged for new tools or ship improvements. These include:
· Speed and Fuel Upgrades: Increase travel distance and reduce downtime between zones.
· Storage Expansion: Allow more fish to be collected before returning to port.
· Harpoon Enhancements: Improve accuracy and retrieval speed.
· Sonar and Navigation Tools: Help locate hidden areas or deep-sea creatures.
· Lighting Systems: Expand visibility in foggy or dark environments.
Each improvement contributes to longer expeditions and deeper exploration, connecting economic growth with discovery.
The Open Ocean and Player Progress
The world of Umigari is divided into multiple regions, each with unique conditions. Early zones feature small, familiar fish, while deeper waters present rare species and environmental hazards. Weather and fog influence visibility, and navigation depends on careful use of instruments. Exploration becomes a balance between ambition and safety, as venturing too far without enough fuel can lead to failure. The longer a player survives, the more they learn about the changing nature of the sea and its unpredictable ecosystem.
Discovery and Return
Progress in Umigari follows a loop of preparation, exploration, and return. Players begin at port, plan routes, collect equipment, and then set out to fish. Once the catch is secured, the goal is to make it back to the harbor before fuel runs out. The process repeats with new objectives and expanded reach. The deeper the journey, the greater the rewards and the risk. The game’s minimal structure emphasizes self-reliance and consistent decision-making.
