Wii

Endless Ocean

This game is perfect for your mother and your grandmother or anyone else that hasn't played a game before. No goals, time limits in terms of hours, and they aren't cynical technogeeks like us.For the older gamer I can also recommend this title, just so you can have something different to do. Some classic music, a full moon night and a big whale just swimming by you which you can pet also. Bliss...

In Endless Ocean, from Japanese studio Arika, you step into the wetsuit of a deep sea diver out to make a name for himself, but if this all sounds like the premise for a new Jaws movie, well, we're here to forewarn you that there is about as much straight-up action in this oceanic exploration effort as there are sharks at your local mall. You will swim with all sorts of sea life, discover seemingly endless abysses, befriend dolphins, and even come unto ancient underwater ruins, and you'll shoot it all, too, if you so desire – uh, with your camera, that is. We're certain that some players will find little point in traversing the beautiful underwater environments in Endless Ocean, but for those who are fascinated by the aquatic universe, the game will provide a tranquil and ambient escape into the depths below.

Endless Ocean is a paramount, shining example of the escapist side of gaming. It contains a surprising amount of traditional game elements, yes, but the real draw here is the relaxing and soothing world of Manoa Lai that Arika has so lovingly crafted. It probably isn't for the Madden / GTA / Halo only crowd, but chances are most other gamers will get a lot out of this one. The visuals, controls, and music are top-notch efforts, all pushing towards the end result of a laid-back gaming diversion. Readers, consider this one highly recommended.

Endless Ocean is a charming and unique experience. Gamers with an open mind toward design will find a lot to admire here. It may even make you question what makes a game a game.

The fact that Endless Ocean is at a budget price (most online stores are selling it for under £20) is very much the cherry on the parfait. It may not have the splendid story of BioShock or the incredible environmental detail of BioShock, or indeed the cool name of BioShock, but it's a real breath of fresh air in a gaming environment that has become stale with relentless shooting and violence. Whether or not you'll find the game charmingly addictive or simple to the point of tedium depends on what kind of gamer you are, but if you want a break from the guns and the gore often synonymous with gaming then Endless Ocean is definitely worth a look, a little fish that's dived into the sink-or-swim environment of pre-Christmas entertainment and stayed afloat just fine.

Once all areas of the map have been fully explored, the replay value is threatened by repetition, but amongst the violence and destruction found elsewhere in videogames, it will always be refreshing to sit back – cup of tea in one hand, a remote in the other – and simply just relax in the deep blue.

Ein Spiel wie ein Südseeurlaub. Lassen Sie die Seele baumeln und erforschen Sie ohne Zeitlimit Korallenriffe, Unterwasserhöhlen und zahlreiche Arten. Wenn Sie mögen, bieten Sie Tauchführungen für Touristen an, schießen Auftragsfotos oder richten ein Aquarium ein. Müssen SIe aber nicht, Sie können auch einfach auf eigene Faust auf Erkundungstour gehen. Alleine oder mit einem Delfin und, wenn Sie mögen, sogar via Internet mit einem Freund.

Estamos ante un título innovador que está pensado para ofrecer una diversión fácil. Es un juego totalmente carente de acción, no tiene un desarrollo demasiado profundo, y no hay retos ni nada que pueda poner al jugador en dificultades. Esto, que podría ser un aspecto negativo en cualquier otro juego, resulta ser el concepto que Endless Ocean quiere ofrecer, y bien que lo consigue. Es un juego pensado para relajarse y para disfrutarlo sin preocupaciones de ningún tipo. Es una experiencia rica, entretenida, e incluso con carácter educativo, apta para toda la familia, tal como mandan los cánones de la Touch Generations. Pero al mismo tiempo puede ser un juego que no guste a todo tipo de públicos, especialmente entre los jugadores más veteranos, quienes verán en Endless Ocean un juego descafeinado.

Endless Ocean ist eine gelungene Abwechslung zum öden Shooter-Alltag aller Konsolen- und PC Spieler. Nicht nur der gelungene Soundtrack (gesungen von der neuseeländischen Sängerin Hayley Westenra), sondern auch die Atmosphäre und Freiheit, die man unter Wasser genießt, machen dieses Spiel einzigartig. Nichts desto trotz gibt es Punktabzug für die Grafik über Wasser, die fehlende Sprachausgabe und den geringen Umfang des Titels. Zum Entspannen und „einfach mal abtauchen“ ist Endless Ocean nicht nur wegen seines geringen Preises aber dennoch empfehlenswert.

Endless Ocean ei olisi oikein mitenkään voinut olla suuren yleisön mielestä kova juttu. Ikävää on kuitenkin, että se ei onnistu tyydyttämään edes kaltaistani aiempien Arikan pelien ja ylipäätään kaikenlaisen Japani-outouden fania. Palautan arvostelukappaleen maahantuojalle ilman sen kummempaa omistamisen halua - ehkä tämän voi joskus poimia käytettynä tai marketin kympin laarista erikoisuutensa vuoksi.

Endless Ocean succeeds in it's goal of being a relaxing, educational experience. However, it fails miserably when it comes to feeling like a game. It reminds me more of a screensaver - occasionally hypnotic, but never truly entertaining. I'd take the flying toasters over this any day.

Endless Ocean is simple to the point of being quite dull, and certainly no masterpiece. But sometimes all a game needs to do is offer you something different, and it's an honest relief to play something that doesn't shout in your ear, set any time limits, or feature a single explosion; a game whose raison d'être is just beauty and peace. Playing this game is almost like taking a holiday from gaming. If you can live with that paradox - and if you can find it reasonably cheap - it's worth dipping a toe in these calm, blue waters.

Beautiful, serene music plays throughout the game, making it feel surreal at times. Staying awake can be a problem though. Occasionally you'll encounter something interesting like a whale or hammerhead shark, but when I tried to harass the shark, he completely ignored me! Where's the realism!? I just wanted to be eaten alive - is that asking too much?! Since you can't be devoured by sharks, Endless Ocean is a colossal waste of time. Did I learn anything? Only that the ocean is very small, and sharks are not dangerous.

Endless Ocean's underwater atmosphere is soothing and relaxing but it lacks a crucial element, fun. It could pass as a mildly interesting educational title but it's presented in a manner that can only be described as sleep-inducing. I can only recommend this title for children, especially those who are obsessed with marine biology, but even they might have trouble staying awake through extended sessions.