Endless Ocean

"Has to be played to be believed!"

Right this is my first review so please forgive me for any idiocy that may come up.

Firstly I'd like to say, if you have no sat down and played this game you cannot possibly fathom how much fun it can be. But how fun can swimming around discovering fish be fun? Well, it's all the experience. The sound the art style, the atmosphere. Everything adds up to the most unique experience I've played since the N64 days.

Music 10/10
The music, although not 'whistle along with it later' re-memorable, the music sets an atmosphere that is unforgettable, that I personally remember it with a smile on my face hours after playing. It's beautifully done and set the mood well and could not be more appropriate. With the added bonus of SD card support so your own tunes can be played while exploring. But as I found, Slayer, Director and Bad Religion don't really set the mood well, so although it's a nice feature, I don't think any music could fit the game more perfectly then what is already in there.

Graphics 9/10
Now everyone knows that the wii is the most underpowered system this generation. But as this game proves, that statement means absolutely nothing. Everything is bright, colourful (I'm British so forgive my spelling or certain words) and vibrant. The fish look like.. Well fish.. and some of the water and particle effect included, especially for a budget game are mind blowingly good. As far as comparing to other games (which I've played), it looks a lot better than Echo! The only slight drawback is, that at a distance, you may find it occasionally hard to distinguish different between certain types of fish. I only play this with the original cables so I'm not sure how it would differ in 480p. But this is a small SMALL problem. It is only at the furthest distances and is rectified quickly when you get closer. Another nice feature is the fact that the levels switch between day and night seamlessly, depending on your Wii's internal clock. So in short.. Brilliant.

Controls 7/10
For controls as basic and those in this game, (point wiimote and hold B) you'd wonder why they got such a high score (you do use the wiimote to pet and feed fish and other such things.. I'll try not to spoil it too much) but the fact it is so simple and easy, you have a great chance to sit back and just look around.. Enjoy the nice feels that start to wash over as you play this game.

Game play either 6 or 10/10 don't worry... I'll explain.
The main aspect of game play in this game is a major collectathon. Go to an area, find every fish.. Become good friends with all of them.. Wait until night. Repeat. Change area repeat. I make it sound boring like this but if collecting things is enjoyable to you then this is your wet dream of a game. If not, you will learn to love searching out every nook and cranny and when you find a rare or interesting fish, or it'll do is spur you on to try it again.


Overall 9/10
You can train dolphins, befriend sharks, swim with friends over Wi-Fi.. If you're looking for an action game.. God of war is thata way --->
This is an idea game for anyone who wants games to be fun and unique and relaxing again. Rather than high stress and only played for a competitive rush. And at only £20 (I think it will be $20 in the US), it is a bargain. This game has engrossed me for hours and I think it will to a lot of others to if people give it a shot.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 01/04/08

Game Release: Endless Ocean (EU, 11/09/07)