Moonglow Bay

Moonglow Bay is a fishing role-playing game from indie developer Bunnyhug, published by Coatsink. It was first revealed at the ID@Xbox event in March 2021 and later at the "Wholesome Direct" during E3 2021 on June 12, 2021.

The game came out on October 26, 2021, for Microsoft Windows via Steam, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S, followed by an Epic Games Store release on November 11, 2021. In April 2024, it arrived on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5. Players control an accountant in their sixties who relocates to a small town, spending time fishing from a boat and cooking meals.

Plot

The story starts when the player’s partner is declared dead after being missing for three years. Joined by their daughter, the player character decides to fulfill their partner’s wish to revive the struggling fishing town. The daughter and locals teach the player how to fish, cook, and upgrade their boat. The town’s fishing industry collapsed because of exaggerated tales about sea life.

To prove these legends are overblown, the player must confront a famous fish called The Ruin. Success restarts the industry, but fishermen report a big storm blocking their efforts. Investigating reveals the storm is caused by an upset electric fish. After freeing it, the player discovers a large gate sealing part of the bay.

Townsfolk tell of the town’s founding twins, who passed down a key until it was thrown into the ocean. Retrieving the key and opening the gate leads to a pair of fighting fish. Initially planning to remove one for profit, the player instead separates them and lets both live in the lake out of respect for nature. Back in town, ink spreads through the bay, making fishing impossible and scaring off tourists.

The lighthouse keeper knows the cause and solution but hesitates, feeling the town doesn’t want to improve—he once tried to revive the fishing industry but failed. The player character stays home for days until their daughter encourages them to go out. They and the lighthouse keeper then see local fishermen cleaning ink from the bay to keep it clean.

Throughout the main plot, side quests involve investing in town improvements and learning each townsfolk’s backstory. Cleaning up the town and stocking the aquarium also attract more tourists.

Reception

On Metacritic, the game holds a score of 65 out of 100, indicating mixed reviews.