PAX East 2025 – The Big Catch Preview

It’s that time of year again! The Lords are at PAX East once more, and we are covering multiple exciting announcements, reveals, and more. One of the many exciting games at the show is The Big Catch. This upcoming 3D open-world platformer inspired by the classics had a new demo playable for PAX attendees. Being an avid fan of the genre, going hands-on with the 15-minute demo was a great experience.

Premise of The Big Catch

The hands-on demo didn’t cover the story side of things too much. However, the game’s press release inspires an exciting adventure filled with colorful characters and charming dialogue, as shown with the provided plot synopsis.

Inspired by iconic platformers before it, the title has the acrobatic fisherman Caster venture across the world hunting for long-lost secrets and the untold history lying just beneath the surface of his mysterious homeland. Caster works for the esteemed and enigmatic Chef Leurre.

Alongside his kinsman and rival, Tackle, theysearch the vast, barren deserts for ingredients for Leurre and the titular restaurant, The Big Catch.

Although aseemingly mundane task, Caster and Tackle’s journey sees them crossing paths with bands of thieves,mysterious beings from another world, corrupt politicians, regretful heretics, forest sprites, and ancient monsters—all in pursuit of the one thing of any true value left in such a wasteland: FISH.

A Fisher’s Trade – Initial Gameplay Impressions

It began with Caster venturing deeper into a vast swamp, with the game quietly teaching me how to engage with its deep platforming mechanics. With little guidance, I figured out most of Caster’s moveset easily.

The rabbit fisherman can pull off a large slate of platforming abilities. A basic swing from his fishing pole can help ward off enemies and hit breakable objects. He can also grind across specific objects, keeping the momentum.

But his jumping skills are what stood out to me, as Caster performs a variety of jumps. He has a standard ‘hop’, a sideways flip, and a wall-run that requires no additional button press. This is paired with his fishing skills, expressed by latching onto objects with his fishing rod.

This can let Caster swing across casasms, pick up objects to chuck them in an arched throw, and catch those elusive fish.

A Different Kind of Escape – Catching Fish

This is the game’s Power Star equivalent, with Caster tasked with catching every fish. Unlike normal fish, the ones in The Big Catch need to be on land for Caster to catch them.

I didn’t even engage with this side of the experience during my demo session, but the Marvelous/XSEED PR person gave me a chance to catch one when my demo timer ran out.

It reminded me of Ape Escape, with Caster needing to tire out the fish by chasing it. Once tired out, you can latch on to the bugger and reel them in, being rewarded with a cool looking animation.

Like a Well-Worn Glove – Closing Thoughts on The Big Catch

Between the game’s striking 90’s 90s-inspired art style, enjoyable gameplay mechanics, and open-level design, I feel that The Big Catch is one of my most hyped games of 2025. The game will release on PC later this year, with console versions TBD.

Stay tuned for future updates on The Big Catch! And enjoy the rest of our PAX East 2025 coverage, here at Lords of Gaming!