The Blue Marlin
Typed out by tsrken@voicenet.com
NES-8N-USA
Hot-B
The Blue Marlin(tm)
Instruction manual
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1. The world of blue marlin fishing
To sports-fishing fans the world over, the Blue Marlin provides the most
enjoyable and dynamic challenge of all. Dubbed the "king of fish", Blue Marlin
have an average body length between 6 and 10 feet, with the largest being more
than 16 feet long! Blue Marlin are found mainly in the Pacific, Indian and
Atlantic oceans.
Writhing and jumping, the frenzied motions of the challenged Marlin require
determination, intense concentration and physical skill. The anticipation of
landing one of these magnificent creatures captures the angler's sense of
adventure. Now, THE BLUE MARLIN from HOT-B USA provides all the realistic
drama of this exciting sport for play on your NES.
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2. Starting the fishing tournament
The Blue Marlin Fishing Tournaments depart from four of the best ports for
Marlin Fishing. The fishing day begins at 6:00 AM and ends at 4:00 PM. It is
important to note that you must win a tournament in order to advance to the
next. The angler who catches the largest Blue Marlin during the fishing day
will be the winner. Your goal is to win all four tournaments, but it's not
easy.
Time:
The time displayed during the fight indicates the time of day during the
tournament. Be aware that even though you may be in the middle of fighting a
fish, the tournament will end promptly at 4:00 PM.
Place:
The four tournament locations take place in Florida and the Hawaiian Islands.
The tournaments are progressively more difficult, so be prepared. There are
three different fishing points to choose from off each location.
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3. Starting the game
How to begin
Insert THE BLUE MARLIN Game Pak into any NINTENDO ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM and
turn the power on. The HOT-B logo will appear on the screen, followed by the
game introduction. You may wait until the end or press the Start Button. The
Blue Marlin screen will appear and instruct you to press START.
A menu screen will ask you to choose START GAME or RESUME GAME with the Blue
Marlin pointer.
Control Pad - Press UP/DOWN to select option.
A Button - Press to enter selection.
If you select START GAME to begin a new game you will be asked to input a
name.
If you select RESUME GAME to continue an earlier game, enter your previous
password, and resume.
How to enter your name & password
To enter your name you may choose up to 8 letters or numbers.
Control pad - Press UP/DOWN, LEFT/RIGHT to move pointer to a character.
A Button - Press to select the character.
B Button - Press to move pointer backwords.
Note:
If you wish to change your name, follow the directions above. If you do not
wish to enter a name, press any Button to proceed to the end, or press the
Start Button.
You will then be asked if your name is correct.
A Button - Press if YES.
B Button - Press if NO.
If you choose No, you may input any changes you need.
How to end the game
Take note that the player must return the boat to the pier to end the game.
The menu will automatically appear, and you may select from the following
options: Resume Fishing, Select Point, or Return to Port.
Control Pad - Press UP/DOWN to select option.
A Button - Press to enter selection.
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4. How to use the controller
Use No. 1 Controller only.
During the game:
Start Button - Press to PAUSE the game.
Select Button - Press to see the Command Menu.
Making selection from the Command Menu:
Control Pad - Press UP/DOWN to select command.
A Button - Press to enter command.
B Button - Press to cancel command.
Selecting a fishing location:
Control Pad - Press LEFT/RIGHT to view fishing points.
Start Button - Press to select fishing point.
Moving the boat/trawling:
Control Pad - Press LEFT/RIGHT to control direction of boat.
A Button - Press to accelerate.
B Button - Press to reverse.
Fighting the fish:
Control Pad - Press LEFT/RIGHT to change direction of player.
Press DOWN to pull up the rod.
Press UP to thumb the reel. (brake)
A Button - Press to reel in the slack, after pulling up the rod.
B Button - Press to adjust the drag (the tension on the line).
Press once to increase the drag.
Press a second time to decrease the drag.
Note: You may toggle the drag, between high and low, by pressing the B Button.
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5. Let's go fishing
Your Marlin fishing journey will begin when you select a point of departure.
The screen will display the tournament location, the weather conditions and
the current tempurature. Three different points are available from each port.
Press the Start Button and press the Control Pad LEFT/RIGHT to view the
fishing points available. The windshield of the boat will change, showing a
view of each fishing point.
Press the Start Button to begin. To move the boat, press the A button for
acceleration and press the Control Pad LEFT/RIGHT to change direction.
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6. Locating the blue marlin
As you cruise through the water you will notice schools of fish. You may spot
the Blue Marlin following behind. Pass the lure behind the schools to get the
Marlin to hit your line. Be careful not to drive the boat directly into the
schools or the fish will scatter.
Hint:
You may also find the Blue Marlin trailing behind seabirds and whales.
Hint:
The sun symbol indicates the direction of sunlight. When the boat runs towards
the sun, the sunlight may temporarily blind the fish, decreasing the
possibility of a hit.
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7. Fighting the fish
(See also: How to use the controller.)
Glossary of terms
- LINE: Fishing line.
- ROD: Fishing rod.
- LURE: Fish bait.
- REVERSE: Backing up the boat. Useful when line is about to snap.
- THUMBING: Braking technique used by pressing the Control Pad UP, to stop
the line from reeling out.
- DRAG: A gear on the reel which controls the speed or reel revolution. This
is used by pressing the B Button.
- PUMPING: A basic fishing technique involving pulling up the rod by pressing
the Control Pad DOWN, dropping it by releasing the DOWN pad, and
quickly reeling in the slack by pressing the A Button.
Reeling in the big one
When the fish hits the line you must be ready to begin the fight. Pay
attention to the numerous variables in the fighting mode: the condition of the
player, the motions of the fish, and the durability of the line; because the
fighting takes place within the elapsed time during the tournament. You must
catch the fish.
Stubborn fish
When fighting a stubborn figh, it is important to keep the drag tight. Do this
by pressing the B Button once, then let the fish run with the line. If the
fish is not big, it will become tired.
Hint: For bigger fish, try swinging the rod while pumping.
Cut the line/reverse the boat
A menu will be displayed if you press the Select Button during the fight. This
will allow you to either cut the line or reverse the boat. If you cut the line
you will lose the fish. If you reverse the boat it will help you reel, but the
fish will not tire out as easily. (In order to stop the boat from reversing
you must hit the Select Button and choose "REVERSE THE BOAT" to deselect the
option).
Physical strength of the fish
During the fight, a box containing a Marlin will appear on the lower right
side of the screen. Halos of perspiration will appear above the Marlin's head,
indicating diminishing strength.
Hint: The Marlin has three levels of strength.
The depth of the hook
It is possible that you may lose the fish if the hook is not embedded deeply
enough in the fish's mouth.
Hint: During the fight, watch the line coming out of the Marlin's mouth. If it
begins to vibrate rapidly, let up on pumping until it slows.
Player's vitality gauge
There is a gauge, located in the lower right side of the screen, which
monitors the strength of the player during the fight. As your vitality
decreases you need to utilize pumping, and thumbing (braking) less, and
increase the drag, the amount of tension on the line, as an alternate
technique.
Pay attention to the gauge. There are two indicators to watch for: the length
of the gauge, and the color of the gauge. Be aware of diminishing strength,
indicated by a shrinking gauge, and a change in the gauge's color.
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Information regarding the line
Line snaps easily
A sound will indicate that the line is in danger of snapping. When you hear
this sound you need to stop reeling. If the sound continues, press the B
Button to loosen the drag, or thumb by pressing the Control Pad UP.
DIfficulty reeling in the line
Use Pumping to reel in the line: press the Control Pad DOWN to pull the rod
up, then release the Control Pad DOWN motion, and press the A Button to reel
in the slack. Repeat this procedure as long as necessary.
Hint: 512 feet is the maximum line length; you will lose the fish when this
limit is reached. Conversely, 0 feet indicates that you can hook the fish.
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Line
There are two factors to consider when choosing the line length: the distance
between the angler and the lure, and the thickness of the line.
For example, the longer the line, the less chance of scattering the schools
when trolling. However, once the fish has hit the line, there is that much
more line to reel in.
Hint: If you can control the boat well you can use a shorter line. But, once
the fish hits you cannot make your line longer.
Line thickness is more difficult to judge. When considering the thickness of
the line, you must also consider the fish's weight and buoyancy under water.
The thinner the line with which you can catch the fish, the more experience
you will acquire. This relates to the player's overall physical strength.
(See Player's Information.)
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8. Variables to consider when fighting the fish
During the fight, you will be faced with several dilemmas. These dilemmas may
help or hurt the player's chance for catching the fish. Sometimes you will be
asked to use your own judgement. The Command menu will appear, and you will
need to choose with the control pad UP/DOWN, and press the A Button to decide.
There are other variables to consider when fighting the Marlin that you have
no control over: the fish's swimming speed, and the fish's weight, for
example.
Hint: By pressing the Select Button you may cut the line for an extremely
difficult fish. You can carry 11 fish, and you can let a fish go once you
catch it.
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9. Interpreting the data
At anytime while you are cruising the waters you may obtain information on the
present conditions by pressing the Select Button. This will display the
Command Menu. The menu allows the player to view and change data from the
following options:
Note: Once you begin fighting the fish you will be unable to access this menu.
Under the INFORMATION SCREEN there are three sub-menus:
PLAYER'S INFORMATION: The player's overall strength.
Muscle Power - Increases by catching as many fish as you can.
Body Strength - Increases as the player catches bigger fish. The level
indicates how long a player can fight, combining time, and the fish's weight.
Skill - Increases as the player achieves success in overcoming dilemmas.
(Examples: if the reel is smoking, what do you do?)
These three levels are set between levels, D to AA, D being the lowest.
RESULT INFORMATION (Statistics on the fish caught)
AVERAGE WEIGHT - Average of Blue Marlin.
Overall average.
MAXIMUM WEIGHT - Maximum of Blue Marlin.
Overall maximum.
TODAY'S LARGEST MARLIN - Current day's tournament.
STATUS INFORMATION (Current fishing information)
This menu displays the following information, which can be altered on the
Command Menu.
CURRENT TIME - Time within the fishing day.
CURRENT LINE TEST - Indicates the endurance of the line.
CURRENT LINE LENGTH - Indicates the length of the line.
CURRENT LURE - Indicates the current lure the player is using.
CURRENT LURE DEPTH - Indicates the current depth of the lure.
FRESHNESS OF BAIT - Only displayed if using live bait.
Hint: It is optimal for your skill to keep the line strength and length loow.
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10. Information on the lure/depth of lure
There are several factors to consider when choosing the right lure and lure
depth, including the kind of lure, the depth of lure, the weather,
temperature, and the time of day.
Type of lure
Feather jig: This lure has a plastic or acrylic head and is made with actual
feathers that flow out behind for added motion in the water. Veteran fishermen
swear by this one. This lure is great for smaller fish.
Plug head: This is a surface or underwater lure made of wood, acrylic or
plastic. This type of lure makes a vibrating sound and has darts in motion
resembling an escaping meal. This lure is good for all fish.
Eyeball head: This lure, aka "Big Eye Hoochy Skirt," resembles a squid or
octopus with eyes colored in on either side of the head. This makes it look
more realistic and easier to see from a distance.
Fluorescent head: This lure is aptly named because its brilliant colors are
clearly visible in deeper waters. Therefore, it is best to use this lure in
low light conditions.
Skirt (small): This type of lure has plastic flowing tentacles which resemble
those of an octopus or squid. This is a tasty treat for all sail fish.
Skirt (large): This lure is a larger version of the small skirt. It is helpful
to use this lure for the bigger fish.
Live bait (small): Live bait, or trolling bait, uses real fish, such as
various size octopus, squid, or other "food" fish. Be careful to monitor the
freshness when using live bait, and replace as needed. It will quickly lose
its effectiveness.
Live bait (large): This larger bait may be used for a longer length of time.
Using larger bait incrases the possibility of catching the big fish, but only
after the player's overall strength has improved.
Depth of lure
The following graph illustrates suggestions for lure depth:
Weather Morning/evening Midday
Cloudy Shallow Middle
Partly cloudy Shallow Middle
Clear Middle Deep
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11. Types of fish featured in the game
Blue marlin: This is a migratory fish found primarily in the Pacific,
Atlantic, and Indian Oceans, and is the most popular fish amoung saltwater
anglers. During the struggle, this fish changes color to an intense
fluorescent blue, hence, the name Blue Marlin. The whole body length is
between 6 and 15 feet, and they weigh between 250 and 500 pounds. The best
lure is skirt or live bait.
Black marlin: While similar in characteristics to the Blue Marlin, the Black
Marlin is very timid. Because of this, they are a rare and prized trophy.
Their length is between 8 and 12 feet, and they weigh between 300 and 400
pounds. The best lure is skirt.
Striped marlin: This beautifully striped member of the sail fish family is
smaller than other Marlin and, though powerful, is not as active during a
struggle. Their average size if 6 feet in length, and they weigh between 150
and 250 pounds. The best lure is plug or skirt.
Sword fish: Characterized by their finely pointed bill, this Marlin relative
has been dubbed the "sword fish". This aquatic fencer is very aggressive and
has been known to attack. They average from 12 to 14 feet in length, and weigh
between 50 to 200 pounds.
Sail fish: Equipped with a dorsal fin resembling a sail, they are magnificent
to observe during a struggle. They are extremely active, despite the large
size of their bodies. They range in size between 6 and 16 feet in length, and
they weigh approximately 300 pounds. The best lure is fluorescent or live
bait.
White shark: Known as the terrifying killer of the ocean, sharks use their
keen sense of smell to detect blood, which leads them to their helpless, briny
victims. Once hooked, the white shark is too dangerous to fight. You will not
earn any points for catching these deadly prehistoric creatures.
Tuna: These tasty swimmers are bullet fast and travel in schools feeding
greedily on any smaller schools that fall in their path. Tuna are powerful
fighters, nearly impossible to catch once they run at back-breaking speeds.
They average around 10 feet in length, and weigh between 50 to 100 pounds. You
will not gain any points for catching one.
Barracuda: This vicious pike is known for its full mouth of sharp teeth, and
potentially poisonous flesh. These toothy devils may bite off the line if
given a chance. They are approximately 5 feet in length, and weigh between 50
to 100 pounds. You will not earn any points for catching one.
Dorado: The male of this special is easy to distinguish, because the shape of
its head is rather large and juts out. The Dorado averages 5 feet in length
and preys on smaller and weaker, or disabled fish. You will not earn any
points for catching one of these charmers.
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12. Tournament locations
* Florida
Located along the Atlantic Ocean, Florida is a world reknowned resort "hot
spot" with its ideal climate, and warm blue waters. This is where THE BLUE
MARLIN adventure begins. You will depart from a choice of three ports: Cape
Canaveral, Palm Beach or Miami Beach. ENJOY!
* Hawaii (Hawaii island)
Hawaii is the largest of the Hawaiian Islands. The famous volcano, Kilauea, is
located on the scenic southeast portion of the island. Kailua, on the Kona
Coast, has long been known as the premier locale for Marlin fishing.
Tournaments are held at three places: Kailua Beach, Kawaihae Beach and Hilo.
* Hawaii (Oahu, Kaui islands)
The captal of the state of Hawaii, Honolulu, is located on Oahu. Waikiki Beach
is the largest resort area and home to the incredible Don "Tiny Bubbles" Ho.
Located on Maui, is the towering but dormant volcano, Haleaka. Tournaments are
held at three places: Kahaului, Kaunakakai, and Honolulu Beach.
* Hawaii (Kauai & Nilhau islands)
In 1778 Captain James Cook and his elated crew landed on "the wettest spot on
earth," Kauai. It was the first of the Hawaiian Islands to be discovered by
explorers. The swift and powerful Kauai Channel, located between Kauai and
Oahu, is the widest among the Hawaiian Islands. Tournaments are held at three
places: Newiliwili Beach, Port Allen and Nilhau Island.