Many trailers in the modern day give players the pieces they need to put together the story of the game long before it releases. The announcement trailer for About Fishing, shown off today, opts for both a simpler and more cryptic approach. The fishing theme of the game and the simple graphics paint the picture of an easygoing game about collection and exploration beneath the waters. Other elements of the game hint at something deeper, however, made even more ominous by the mystery genre assigned the game.

The trailer begins as one would expect, showing a fish slowly take the bait at the end of a fishing hook. On the Steam store page, the developer, The Water Museum, states that the fishing mechanics in the game were inspired by a love of Sega Bass Fishing, with the resemblance becoming apparent from the trailer’s first shot. These fish are claimed to be vital to finding out the mystery hidden deep in the water.

Following the introduction to catching and selling fish alongside a friendly old man, things take a dark turn as glimpses of a man in jail are shown alongside mentions of depression. The feeling of unease is heightened by the fish cutting sequence, which sports a vibrant red that clashes with the dull colors found elsewhere in the trailer. A final puzzle piece is given to the audience as what seems to be a mermaid swims by to end the strange sequence.

One of the most immediately striking things about the game is the art style, which heavily resembles old 3D games that opted for realism during the time of the PlayStation 1. As a result, the characters often shift between looking lifelike and distorted depending on the angle they are viewed from. Many fans have displayed a combination of confusion and optimism surrounding About Fishing.