Endless Ocean (Wii) Review
Endless Ocean provides a unique gaming experience for anyone willing to abandon the traditional video game staples and embrace the non-conventional aspects which come together in this accomplished package. Similar to Animal Crossing, the game doesnt really have any particular overarching objective other than to explore the game world and interact with its various inhabitants. A simple premise, which sets the tone for what is a wonderfully relaxing journey through a beautifully recreated underwater realm.
The main objective in Endless Ocean is to catalogue a multitude of fish and other marine species while exploring the waters surrounding a fictional South Pacific Island. Spending more time interacting with a specific species will help you add to the information contained in your catalogue. The act of cataloguing the many varieties of marine life is akin to collecting furniture in Animal Crossing or capturing Pokmon. Most people will be satisfied with cataloguing whichever species they come across, some will want to catch em all and completists will want to discover every last bit of information they can about every single species. The choice is yours, because there is no reason to do any of it. Some people might find all this cataloguing and interacting a little pointless, but I think those who do, have completely missed the point of what Endless Ocean is trying to achieve.
Endless Ocean is not about the story, not about the missions or the objectives, and it is certainly not about winning. Its about discovery, about exploration, and about rediscovering that childhood sense of amazement at seeing something wonderful for the first time. Whenever you encounter a new species, especially the first time you come across a huge whale, it can really create an authentic wow moment and cause a genuine sense of wonder which requires you to just stop and enjoy the experience.
Graphically, Endless Ocean is somewhat of a mixed bag, with the superbly detailed and diverse fish far outshining the competent, but slightly repetitive underwater landscapes. Some more attention could have been paid to making each section of the ocean floor stand out when compared to other parts, but overall it is a very pretty game.
Controls have been reduced to the Wii-Remote only and benefit greatly from the simplification. Your diver is easy to control and it feels far more interactive than it would if you were required to use a traditional control pad. Moving around is as simple as pointing to a spot and pressing a button and interacting with the inhabitants is a mixture of button presses and gestures. There is nothing that couldnt be done on another system, but it is certainly enhanced by the Wiis unorthodox controller.
One of the great touches of Endless Ocean is the ability to load up your own mp3 tracks to play while you are swimming around. It is amazing how much the atmosphere can change depending on the type of music you play. The hypnotising effect I experienced when playing with some of the more laid-back, acoustic guitar-based Rodrigo and Gabriela tunes in the background was amazing. Playing the right music is one of the most important things in Endless Ocean, get it right and the game goes from great to out-of-this-world. Sound effects take a back seat though and are somewhat limited by the fact you are underwater, but it all feels very authentic and does a good job of helping you become immersed in the atmosphere of the game.
There are plenty of things to see and do in the game, but like Animal Crossing, it is best to attack it in smaller, bite-sized chunks rather than in long, extended play sessions. Those who want to play for hours on end will most likely become bored after a few days, but those willing to play for regular 30 minutes sessions will find the game keeps them entertained for a very long time. The ability to go diving with a friend over the Nintendo WiFi Connection expands on an already good package, but I do wish it was possible to use voice chat to communicate better.
Whether you will like Endless Ocean entirely depends on what you want to get out of your video games. If all you are after is adrenaline-pumping action, edge of your seat thrills or mind bending puzzles, Endless Ocean is not for you. On the other hand, those who appreciated the slower pace and collection process in Animal Crossing will lap up the do it at your own pace style and plethora of things to see and collect.
I doubt the younger, gore and guts set will be able to appreciate the relaxed atmosphere and laid-back tone of the game, but for those wanting a little bit more than the opportunity to shoot things, Endless Ocean is an experience not to be missed.
