Dive in to the Endless Ocean

Endless Ocean is a diving simulation game, allowing players to float their way through the pristine waters of fictional Manoa Lai Island. With no time limits, point systems or possibility of failure, itâ€™s a pick-up-and-play ‘game’ for the entire family to enjoy.

As mentioned in our top 10 games of 2008 list, this underwater exploration game is scheduled to be released at the end on January. The game has already been released and well recieved in Europe, as well as Japan where it is known simply as ‘Forever Blue ‘. Starting out on a boat in the middle of ocean, the game sees you playing as a diver researching aquatic life by swimming alongside fish, offering them bait and taking photographs. Using the Wii Remote, you guide your diver through increasingly deep waters, discovering strange and more beautiful sea creatures.

For players really looking to kick back and relax Endless Ocean features several soothing modes. One can simply chill out on the deck of the boat is a deckchair that allows the player to sit and watch the sea. Alternately, players can select fish they have seen and add them in an aquarium for a closer inspection. While little is known, one of the screenshots below clearly illustates a dolphin in the act of being trained to preform tricks. This game even doubles up as a tranquil screensaver if the Wii Remote is left untouched and the relaxed setting of the game itlself is further heightened with a tranquil soundtrack from new-age artist Hayley Westenra.

If players prefer to dive with a buddy, the Wii’s unique Nintendo WiFi Connection Service allows players link up with their friends. In co-op mode friends have access to all the tools that can be used in single player mode, as well as an additional mode of communication. With a fish logbook to complete, items to be salvaged and collected and the ability to listen to your own music while you dive, Endless Ocean is sure to provide hours of entertainment.

While there is little doubt that Endless Ocean will not appeal to all gamers, a loyal fanbase is sure to be established here, as it has already in Japan and Europe. While Endless Ocean may blur the boundaries between ‘game’ and ‘experience’, it sounds like there could be far worse ways to spend a cold Sunday - or perhaps all of them. Happy diving!

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