Released exclusively for the Super Famicom in 1995, *Matsukata Hiroki no Super Trawling* captures the mid-90s Japanese obsession with high-stakes sports fishing, fronted by the legendary actor and real-life angling enthusiast Hiroki Matsukata. Unlike the plethora of bass fishing titles flooding the market at the time, this Tonkin House production focuses on the grueling but rewarding art of deep-sea trawling. The presentation is surprisingly polished for a niche simulation, featuring digitized portraits of Matsukata himself offering advice and encouragement, which lends the game an authentic, celebrity-endorsed gravitas typical of high-budget 16-bit Japanese "talent" games.
Mechanically, the game deviates from arcade-style twitch reflexes, opting instead for a methodical approach to maritime navigation and equipment management. Players must master sonar readings, boat speed, and net depth to haul in massive schools of tuna and marlin across various oceanic hotspots. The interface is heavy on Japanese text, making it a significant "language barrier" title for Western importers, yet the intuitive nature of the gauges and the tension-based reeling system allow dedicated players to eventually find a rhythm. It is a slow-burn experience that values patience and tactical positioning over the immediate gratification found in more action-oriented fishing titles.
While it may lack the frantic energy of a *Tsurutarou* title or the deep RPG elements of the *Kawa no Nushi Tsuri* series, it remains a fascinating curiosity for SNES collectors looking for the unique charm of Japanese vanity projects. The sound design is particularly atmospheric, with the rhythmic drone of the boat's engine and the crashing waves creating a surprisingly meditative environment. It stands as a testament to the sheer diversity of the Super Famicom library, proving that even the most specific hobbies could receive a full-scale, star-studded digital adaptation during the console’s twilight years.
