Blue Marlin
NES-8N-USAHot-BBlue Marlin(tm)Instruction manual---1. The world of blue marlin fishingTo sports-fishing fans the world over, the Blue Marlin provides the mostenjoyable and dynamic challenge of all. Dubbed the "king of fish", Blue Marlinhave an average body length between 6 and 10 feet, with the largest being morethan 16 feet long! Blue Marlin are found mainly in the Pacific, Indian andAtlantic oceans.Writhing and jumping, the frenzied motions of the challenged Marlin requiredetermination, intense concentration and physical skill. The anticipation oflanding one of these magnificent creatures captures the angler's sense ofadventure. Now, THE BLUE MARLIN from HOT-B USA provides all the realisticdrama of this exciting sport for play on your NES.---2. Starting the fishing tournamentThe Blue Marlin Fishing Tournaments depart from four of the best ports forMarlin Fishing. The fishing day begins at 6:00 AM and ends at 4:00 PM. It isimportant to note that you must win a tournament in order to advance to thenext. The angler who catches the largest Blue Marlin during the fishing daywill be the winner. Your goal is to win all four tournaments, but it's noteasy.Time:The time displayed during the fight indicates the time of day during thetournament. Be aware that even though you may be in the middle of fighting afish, 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 arethree different fishing points to choose from off each location.---3. Starting the gameHow to beginInsert THE BLUE MARLIN Game Pak into any NINTENDO ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM andturn the power on. The HOT-B logo will appear on the screen, followed by thegame introduction. You may wait until the end or press the Start Button. TheBlue 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 BlueMarlin 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 aname.If you select RESUME GAME to continue an earlier game, enter your previouspassword, and resume.How to enter your name & passwordTo 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 notwish to enter a name, press any Button to proceed to the end, or press theStart 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 gameTake 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 followingoptions: Resume Fishing, Select Point, or Return to Port.Control Pad - Press UP/DOWN to select option.A Button - Press to enter selection.---4. How to use the controllerUse 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.---5. Let's go fishingYour Marlin fishing journey will begin when you select a point of departure.The screen will display the tournament location, the weather conditions andthe current tempurature. Three different points are available from each port.Press the Start Button and press the Control Pad LEFT/RIGHT to view thefishing points available. The windshield of the boat will change, showing aview of each fishing point.Press the Start Button to begin. To move the boat, press the A button foracceleration and press the Control Pad LEFT/RIGHT to change direction.---6. Locating the blue marlinAs you cruise through the water you will notice schools of fish. You may spotthe Blue Marlin following behind. Pass the lure behind the schools to get theMarlin to hit your line. Be careful not to drive the boat directly into theschools 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 towardsthe sun, the sunlight may temporarily blind the fish, decreasing the possibility of a hit.---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 oneWhen 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 theplayer, the motions of the fish, and the durability of the line; because thefighting takes place within the elapsed time during the tournament. You mustcatch the fish.Stubborn fishWhen fighting a stubborn figh, it is important to keep the drag tight. Do thisby 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 boatA menu will be displayed if you press the Select Button during the fight. Thiswill allow you to either cut the line or reverse the boat. If you cut the lineyou will lose the fish. If you reverse the boat it will help you reel, but thefish will not tire out as easily. (In order to stop the boat from reversingyou must hit the Select Button and choose "REVERSE THE BOAT" to deselect theoption).Physical strength of the fishDuring the fight, a box containing a Marlin will appear on the lower rightside 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 hookIt is possible that you may lose the fish if the hook is not embedded deeplyenough in the fish's mouth.Hint: During the fight, watch the line coming out of the Marlin's mouth. If itbegins to vibrate rapidly, let up on pumping until it slows.Player's vitality gaugeThere 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 lengthof 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.---Information regarding the lineLine snaps easilyA sound will indicate that the line is in danger of snapping. When you hearthis sound you need to stop reeling. If the sound continues, press the BButton to loosen the drag, or thumb by pressing the Control Pad UP.DIfficulty reeling in the lineUse Pumping to reel in the line: press the Control Pad DOWN to pull the rodup, then release the Control Pad DOWN motion, and press the A Button to reelin the slack. Repeat this procedure as long as necessary.Hint: 512 feet is the maximum line length; you will lose the fish when thislimit is reached. Conversely, 0 feet indicates that you can hook the fish.---LineThere are two factors to consider when choosing the line length: the distancebetween the angler and the lure, and the thickness of the line.For example, the longer the line, the less chance of scattering the schoolswhen trolling. However, once the fish has hit the line, there is that muchmore line to reel in.Hint: If you can control the boat well you can use a shorter line. But, oncethe fish hits you cannot make your line longer.Line thickness is more difficult to judge. When considering the thickness ofthe 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 experienceyou will acquire. This relates to the player's overall physical strength. (See Player's Information.)---8. Variables to consider when fighting the fishDuring the fight, you will be faced with several dilemmas. These dilemmas mayhelp or hurt the player's chance for catching the fish. Sometimes you will beasked to use your own judgement. The Command menu will appear, and you willneed 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 haveno 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 youcatch it.---9. Interpreting the dataAt anytime while you are cruising the waters you may obtain information on thepresent conditions by pressing the Select Button. This will display the Command Menu. The menu allows the player to view and change data from thefollowing 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 theCommand 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.---10. Information on the lure/depth of lureThere are several factors to consider when choosing the right lure and luredepth, including the kind of lure, the depth of lure, the weather, temperature, and the time of day. Type of lureFeather jig: This lure has a plastic or acrylic head and is made with actualfeathers that flow out behind for added motion in the water. Veteran fishermenswear by this one. This lure is great for smaller fish.Plug head: This is a surface or underwater lure made of wood, acrylic orplastic. 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 oroctopus with eyes colored in on either side of the head. This makes it lookmore realistic and easier to see from a distance.Fluorescent head: This lure is aptly named because its brilliant colors areclearly visible in deeper waters. Therefore, it is best to use this lure inlow light conditions.Skirt (small): This type of lure has plastic flowing tentacles which resemblethose 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 helpfulto 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 thefreshness when using live bait, and replace as needed. It will quickly loseits 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 onlyafter the player's overall strength has improved.Depth of lureThe following graph illustrates suggestions for lure depth:Weather        Morning/evening  MiddayCloudy         Shallow          MiddlePartly cloudy  Shallow          MiddleClear          Middle           Deep---11. Types of fish featured in the gameBlue marlin: This is a migratory fish found primarily in the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans, and is the most popular fish amoung saltwateranglers. 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 bestlure is skirt or live bait.Black marlin: While similar in characteristics to the Blue Marlin, the BlackMarlin 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 400pounds. The best lure is skirt.Striped marlin: This beautifully striped member of the sail fish family issmaller than other Marlin and, though powerful, is not as active during astruggle. Their average size if 6 feet in length, and they weigh between 150and 250 pounds. The best lure is plug or skirt.Sword fish: Characterized by their finely pointed bill, this Marlin relativehas been dubbed the "sword fish". This aquatic fencer is very aggressive andhas been known to attack. They average from 12 to 14 feet in length, and weighbetween 50 to 200 pounds.Sail fish: Equipped with a dorsal fin resembling a sail, they are magnificentto observe during a struggle. They are extremely active, despite the largesize of their bodies. They range in size between 6 and 16 feet in length, andthey weigh approximately 300 pounds. The best lure is fluorescent or live bait.White shark: Known as the terrifying killer of the ocean, sharks use theirkeen sense of smell to detect blood, which leads them to their helpless, brinyvictims. Once hooked, the white shark is too dangerous to fight. You will notearn any points for catching these deadly prehistoric creatures.Tuna: These tasty swimmers are bullet fast and travel in schools feedinggreedily 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. Youwill not gain any points for catching one.Barracuda: This vicious pike is known for its full mouth of sharp teeth, andpotentially poisonous flesh. These toothy devils may bite off the line if given a chance. They are approximately 5 feet in length, and weigh between 50to 100 pounds. You will not earn any points for catching one.Dorado: The male of this special is easy to distinguish, because the shape ofits head is rather large and juts out. The Dorado averages 5 feet in lengthand preys on smaller and weaker, or disabled fish. You will not earn anypoints for catching one of these charmers.---12. Tournament locations* FloridaLocated along the Atlantic Ocean, Florida is a world reknowned resort "hotspot" with its ideal climate, and warm blue waters. This is where THE BLUEMARLIN adventure begins. You will depart from a choice of three ports: CapeCanaveral, Palm Beach or Miami Beach. ENJOY!* Hawaii (Hawaii island)Hawaii is the largest of the Hawaiian Islands. The famous volcano, Kilauea, islocated on the scenic southeast portion of the island. Kailua, on the KonaCoast, 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 Beachis the largest resort area and home to the incredible Don "Tiny Bubbles" Ho.Located on Maui, is the towering but dormant volcano, Haleaka. Tournaments areheld 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 onearth," Kauai. It was the first of the Hawaiian Islands to be discovered byexplorers. The swift and powerful Kauai Channel, located between Kauai andOahu, is the widest among the Hawaiian Islands. Tournaments are held at threeplaces: Newiliwili Beach, Port Allen and Nilhau Island.