Classic Games Database
ClassicGames DB

Umihara Kawase

Review
Also known as
海腹川背

Use a fishing line as a grappling hook to swing through a surreal world of fish and platforms.

Umihara Kawase was originally released for the Super Famicom (SNES) in Japan on December 23, 1994. This is the earliest commercial release of the game on any platform, and the SNES version is the original version.


							Umihara Kawase cover
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About Umihara Kawase

Umihara Kawase presents a platforming experience centered on a fishing line with a detailed physics system. The protagonist navigates a dreamlike setting populated by walking fish, using this tool to swing and descend between platforms.

Movement relies on the elastic and variable length properties of the rope, enabling a range of traversal techniques. The structure features numerous levels, many offering multiple exits that create branching paths through the game without requiring a strictly linear progression.

A replay recording function allows successful attempts to be saved and viewed later. The level design, with its many alternate routes, suggests a challenging approach to exploration and mastery of the physics.

Umihara Kawase Screenshots

12 images
Title Screen
Tutorial screen - learn how to control Kawase.
Your fishing rod is your main way of navigating levels.
You can also use your fishing rod as a weapon.
Kawase mixes up grappling with platforming.
Ladders are another way of moving up the level.
Hmm, now what.
Going up the slow way.
Riding the conveyor belt.
Enemy attacks will stun you.
How to get to the door without the floors falling.
Finishing a stage.