Endless Ocean on its surface is a simulation masquerading as a video game. Two years ago, Endless Ocean would never have had a chance outside of Japan. Flash forward to today, and the Wii is the number one console in terms of sales figures and Endless Ocean arrives with a fresh scent of ocean air.
Endless Ocean will not appeal to everyone on the surface, however, once you complete your first dive into the pristine waters of Manoa Lai Sea and experience the tranquility and beauty of the underwater world you will become hooked. Endless Ocean provides a perfect solution to short, yet enjoyable gaming sessions that the Wii audience seems to thrive on.
While the underwater segments of the game are superbly executed with fluid animations, vivid colors, and awesome scenery, the segments aboard your boat are flat and hollow begging the question, why is it included? The time spent above the water is tedious and should have been cut on the production room floor.
Another issue I had with the game involved the game's RPG-like elements of upgrades to your dive suit for completing Dive Tours and collecting artifacts on the ocean floor. These elements did nothing to enhance the game and in fact dragged the overall gameplay experience down. This game should have been an entire underwater simulation and had pre-rendered cut scenes to drive the story.
Endless Ocean for the Wii is a perfect example of the "New Generation" of gaming that Nintendo has ushered in this console cycle. While again not for everyone, the game has enough charm to entice everyone to dive in for a little while.
TechRaptor writes, "When people start talking about educational video games, chances are they’re talking about kids games. I bet the first thing that came into your head when reading that was something like Reader Rabbit, Jumpstart or The Oregon Trail, right? The thing is, a game doesn’t have to be labeled educational to teach something worthwhile, nor does it have to make it boring or repetitive to do so. So here are six picks for educational games aimed at adults."
Break out your scuba gear! This week, Lisa looks at the top 5 games that take you under the sea.
Scared of the Dark? Terrified of tarantulas? Despise thin men in suits? It’s safe to say that horror gaming isn’t for everyone. In fact, aside from the occasional dare, few people really dabble with scary games. As if horror movies weren’t bad enough, titles like Slender, SCP Containment Breach and Silent Hill force players to experience shocks and scares only possible from an interactive medium. For those who prefer hugs and kisses over stalkings and screamings, Halloween is typically a pretty unpleasant affair. So what better time to take a look at some of the most calming, peaceful and cheerful games available right now. Snuggle up in bed, grab your collection of teddy bears and put on some whale sounds, let’s chill out and dig in.
Flower was actually very dark in parts, I wish they made it a little bit "happier" but I understan the ecological theme...anyway, my daughters stopped playing it when it turned dark, they lost interest even when I told them it would get cheerful again after certain parts. Kids are a tough audience :)
Um... What?!?
Loco Roco is the most cheerful game and it's not on the list!
Journey is not cheerful. Endless Ocean can be cheerful at times, but the pacing is just too slow. :/ Flower is cheerful during the first few levels, but then takes a dark turn.
You're missing:
- Secret of the Magic Crystals (It's a freaking unicorn game)
- LittleBigPlanet
- Free Realms
- Katamari (Any of them)
Yeah this is a fun game but not for everyone. Heh I like your attitude towards the in-game music 15 dives sounds about right. The boat stuff was alright it was there so you can check your book and get your "jobs" if you wanted and move your boat. Kind of had a purpose however minute. Good stuff :)