Sit back – Relax – Dive!

Endless Ocean places the player in the role of a scuba diver exploring the fictional Manaurai Sea in search of sea life and sunken treasure. Here, they will encounter a number of marine species ranging from smaller fish and penguins to massive whale sharks, manta rays and humpback whales. The range of marine wildlife in the game is extensive and includes many common and rare species. The player will also encounter dolphins that can be trained to perform certain tricks and become companions on dives. Species such as sharks are also present; however, they pose no threat to the player.

We recommend Endless Ocean to players ages 6 years and up.

When you start up the game for the first time you’re given the opportunity to customize your diver, but of course you’re able to change him/her at will throughout the game when you’re given new suits, hairstyles and accessories. After you’ve made you’re diver, you’re thrown into the ocean and given a tutorial. In Endless Ocean, you’re only going to be using the Wii Remote, so put that nunchuck away! The controls are incredibly simple, which makes it an easy game to pick up and play. You swim by holding down the B button and you can control your diver’s direction by pointing the Wii remote in said direction. That’s pretty much the gist of it!

There’s a bit of a story to the game and it has to do with finding a mythical whale known as “The White Mother.” I’ll be the first to say that the story wasn’t the games strong suit, but I was engrossed nonetheless. The game really shines when you’re underwater, because it’s so pretty to look at! There are so many things to do and discover that you can unknowingly spend 3 -4 hours with the game, and not even realize. What really adds to the games atmosphere is the soundtrack, which is sung by a female talent called Hayley Westenra. But, if you’re not up for listening to what the game has to offer, you’re given the option to upload Mp3’s to your SD Card and listen to them in the game.
Other than the main story, you’re given a variety of tasks to perform in order to gain your reputation as a diver. Such tasks include escorting people on personal dives, taking photos, working at an aquarium and my personal favorite, training wild dolphins to do tricks and to accompany you on dives. In addition, the game also makes use of Nintendo’s Wi-Fi Connection, so you’ll be able to go diving with a friend! There’s also a fair bit of learning going on as you play through this game and start discovering the different species, and believe me there are tons! It’s a fun way to get kids excited about marine life and science in general.

There are a few gripes to be had, though, most of which lie with the camera. You have no control over the camera and that’s not really a problem, until you try and lock on to a mischievous dolphin or penguin. The way that certain animals move causes the camera go crazy, but it doesn’t happen enough to hinder the game play. Secondly, as gorgeous as the game looks underwater, the same can’t be said for the above water scenarios. Luckily, you’re not required to spend very much time above the water to really care. Finally, other than the Wi-Fi mode, the game is a single player endeavor. Players got to be able to read and follow directions fairly well, I therefore recommend the game for players 10 years and up. Though, younger kids might enjoy just swimming around and enjoying the scenery.

Endless Ocean has a certain charm to it; a charm that kept me coming back for hours, several times a day. Albeit, it may not be a must have game for everyone, but it’s definitely a must play game. It’s is currently available in Japan (Forever Blue) and in Europe, and is set for a United States release on January 24th 2008. Despite its minor flaws, the game is highly addicting and its simple and imaginative concept was brilliantly executed.

A great game for the entire family!