Endless Ocean

[Grave]

Hooray! It's 2.

[MarkRyan]

Played this for about an hour tonight. I really do wish this idea was executed by a better development team, 'cause it's definitely a welcome change of pace and the gotta-catch-'em-all bug is strong enough that I'll probably turn it on from time to time just to chill. I just wish it didn't feel so low-budget, and really wish the loaded swimming areas were larger. It's too easy to hit the invisible walls--I imagine it'd be especially annoying when playing online.

But for what it is, I'm actually enjoying Endless Ocean. It's cool finding new special areas--I found a deep cavern that's too deep for me explore until I get some equipment, so that gives me something to check out later. Also came across a hump back whale and it was pretty sweet--the sub woofer started booming while I tried to catch up to it.

Some of the presentation is elegant and beautiful (load screens, finding new areas, the sea charts) while other parts are kinda shoddy (like the walking around on the boat). I do like the music, though--love how it changes when you reach new areas to match the mood, and I kinda dig the Enya-lite that kicks in every once in a while.

Another thing I love: Plays with just the Wii Remote, no nunchuck, which is key for the laid-back, relaxing play. Another thing I hate: The pointing is awfully laggy. Wish there was a standard IR pointing code that Nintendo would let everyone else use--pointing on the Wii menus is so much easier.

[Giga Power]

So how much ocean space is in the game? You made it sound like each area is kinda small.

[MarkRyan]

So how much ocean space is in the game? You made it sound like each area is kinda small.

The ocean map is pretty large, but the game only loads a certain bit at a time. Basically, you position your boat on the map and the game loads the area within a certain radius of the boat. You can swim from one far side of the loaded circle area to the other in probably two minutes max. There's definitely a fair bit to explore in each loaded area, but it should be wayyy bigger. I was hoping the game would stream the entire ocean map.

[Yoshi]

When the Wii was being designed, Nintendo thought they said lamb instead of RAM and shaved theirs.

[Josh]

invisible walls

ENDLESS OCEAN!

[kingoffighters]

When the Wii was being designed, Nintendo thought they said lamb instead of RAM and shaved theirs.

But it is so pleasant to boot up the Wii, like it is massaging his nuts or something.

[Grave]

This game is really, really great. I wish I could recommend it to more people, but obviously not everybody's going to dig a game where you swim around with fish and occasionally find neat stuff. And then sometimes take pictures of fish. And then help dolphins do tricks.

I found a monkfish today! I was really happy. I want to make the false killer whale be my friend, but it doesn't seem to be working yet.

[Finch]

Are there Wobegons and Coelacanths?

[Compass]

Goddamnit, Finch. Get off your unemployed ass and dive, baby, dive. The privilege is but a scant $30!