Toolzzi has released something different for the Commodore 64 — and it doesn’t involve dodging bullets, saving worlds, or rescuing princesses. Fish Tycoon invites players to slow down, unplug, and go fishing. That’s it. Just you, a rod, and some peaceful digital water.
This isn’t about speed or reflexes. Fish Tycoon is a fishing simulation built for those who’d rather spend time watching the clouds drift over a pixelated lake than chase high scores. Players manage simple resources — fuel, bait, fishing line, and cash — while exploring lakes, rivers, and sea spots in search of fish to catch and sell.
The gameplay is intentionally light and low-pressure. There’s no combat, no fail states in the dramatic sense — just a game of chance and decision-making. Each fishing attempt is a virtual dice roll against the fish’s strength. Win the roll and it’s yours. Miss it, and tension builds. Too much tension, and the line breaks. It’s straightforward, yet oddly satisfying.
Progress is saved using a code system. When you’re done playing, you’re given a password that lets you pick up where you left off next time — perfect for short, relaxing sessions.
Whether you’re running it on original hardware or through an emulator like VICE, Fish Tycoon works on any standard Commodore 64 setup. A joystick in port 2 is all you need to play.
At $3, it’s a small way to support indie developers still creating fresh content for the C64. And more support means more games like this — quiet, unusual, and perfectly suited to evenings when you just want to take a breather.
