UMIGARI | ウミガリ

UMIGARI | ウミガリ presents a unique blend of fishing simulation and subtle psychological horror, diverging from Chilla's Art's traditional horror style. Players appreciate the game's surreal atmosphere, unsettling fish designs, and the slow-burning tension reminiscent of Junji Ito's works. The gameplay loop involves fishing, upgrading boats and equipment, and exploring segmented ocean zones guarded by a mysterious monster, the Umiga. While the demo was praised for its open-world feel and atmospheric tension, the full game adopts a more linear structure with artificial barriers, which some players found immersion-breaking.

Performance is generally stable on mid-range PCs, though a few report crashes and optimization issues. The story is intriguing but considered by many as underdeveloped or confusing, with a mix of praise for its weirdness and criticism for its lack of depth. Technical quirks, such as janky physics and occasional bugs, slightly detract from the experience. Overall, fans of Chilla's Art and those seeking a chilled yet eerie fishing game will find value here, though it may not satisfy hardcore horror enthusiasts or those expecting a polished AAA title.

Highlights

Players particularly praise the game's atmosphere and surreal horror elements, noting its unsettling fish designs and Lovecraftian inspirations. The fishing mechanics are described as satisfying and fun, providing a chill and addictive gameplay loop. The game’s unique blend of fishing and psychological horror is seen as a fresh direction for Chilla's Art, with a beautiful art style and intriguing story that encourages exploration. Many commend the game's pacing and length, highlighting multiple endings and a good balance of tension and relaxation.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include the linear and segmented world design, which breaks immersion compared to the open feel of the demo. The grind for upgrades can feel tedious, especially in later zones where progression slows. Some players found the story confusing, underwhelming, or lacking depth, with certain endings and plot points described as cringe or pointless. Technical issues like bugs, janky physics, missing collision, and lack of autosaves frustrate some users. The horror elements are often viewed as weak or overshadowed by the fishing simulation, disappointing those expecting a truly scary experience.