Set in the fictional waters of the Manaurai Sea, players take control of a customisable diver who is a simple enigmatic figure, displaying a level of discreteness that is rare in Nintendo releases. He or she (depending on the choice of gender) never speaks, never displays emotion and never offers a reason for us to care. Additionally the human movements are poorly animated, walking stiffly along the boat's deck with equally poor bodily expressions. But it doesn't matter, not here. What matters is the peace and serenity of the underwater world and the sea-life that populates it, which fortunately is presented beautifully.
All two-hundred or so species move with a graceful sense of realism and the surroundings are equally as impressive, coated by a shimmering wet light. Sit back and you will notice silver airy fabrics swishing and swirling along the blueness whilst particles float around like bright mist, or shadowy shapes blending into the gloom hidden behind stalactites that hang from crystal caverns. It is so easy to just melt in your chair as the atmosphere thickens as you explore deeper - especially when drifting slowly, very nearly blindly, into the darkest depths of the abyss, your torch casting a ghostly light amongst the shadows, intensifying the mood and mystery. It really is superb, allowing the player to be captivated by the total impression.
Endless Ocean is similar to other 'Touch Generation' titles alongside Nintendogs or, indeed, Animal Crossing, where it never forces the player down a particular path and there is no threat of danger. The player will never take damage and will never lose a life. This almost complete lack of challenge actually strengthens Endless Ocean‘s appeal, allowing the player to feel awash in a pool of tepid relaxation as they roam the ocean.
However, there are elements of structure. Most significant is the diving guide who offers advice, practical information and a useful sense of direction. She is a young woman, troubled by feelings of depersonalisation and later wishes to complete her late father's quest to discover the 'White Whale'. There are also occasional objectives sent via the boat's e-mailing system, which range from taking photos of specific species of fish, discovering lost items, or acting as a guide for inexperienced divers.
But where the game truly shines is not in its narrative, but its ability to provide an exceptional sense of discovery. With a simple point with the remote the player can select anywhere on the map, marked or unmarked, and is free to explore within a circular parameter. Doing so will lead to a unique experience for each player where it is possible to randomly discover a temple ruin with a labyrinth of corridors concealing hidden artefacts; or a dinosaur graveyard where fossils leave their trace in the rocks; or hot springs gushing from the cracks in the ocean floor; or discovering a community of creatures, including red fish, sharks, jellyfish, the occasional purple octopus, giant sea spiders and shrimps with comb-like fronds where their eyes ought to be.
Additionally, it is just as rewarding to waste time taking photographs with your underwater camera, which is unlocked early in the game. It is such a simple idea, but one that provides hours of aimless entertainment. There is something gratifying about taking a beautiful shot, all of which are stored safely in the photo gallery on deck. There is rarely a reward for capturing a fine image (unless requested via e-mail), apart from your own satisfaction, but you will find yourself becoming creative, looking closely at the surroundings and waiting patiently for the desired effect. For instance: Imagine swimming underneath a circling White Shark, the sun shining reflectively above on the water's surface. You aim the camera up, waiting for the giant beast to swim into the right position - just in front of the sun's glare. Or imagine a shark drifting between the rotten rib cage of a fallen whale, or capturing an aerobatic dolphin just as it leaps out of the water. Each shot will be individual and unique to you. It is a shame, then, that there is a limit to the number of saved photos and that there is no option to share these captured images with friends. Such a missed opportunity.
Endless Ocean's music is lovely. Whether a light symphony or the soothing vocals sung by Hayley Westenra, it always rests gently in the background. Better still is having the privilege of adding your own tunes via a SD Card. There is something quite therapeutic about humming along to, say for instance, the menu music from Ocarina of Time or the prologue from Shadow of the Colossus whilst exploring the deep blue. Somehow it makes the experience ever more enchanting.
Although primarily a single-player experience, it is possible to delve into the deeps with a friend using the Wii's online options. Unfortunately though, this feature is limited to friends only within your region (Pal owners can only swim with Pal owners). It is a nice addition - where players can play hide-and-seek or tag - but being able to swim alongside a friend doesn’t add anything to the experience.
Still, Endless Ocean is a game that is easily shared with family and friends as it is just as relaxing to watch as it is to play. The younger members of the family will particularly enjoy watching the sea-life creatures, forming attachments with familiar visitors, mostly penguins, that pop up on the boat's deck. Additionally, the interactive scenarios, where it is possible to rub a seal’s tummy, poke a dolphin’s snout or tickle a passing fish, will induce a smile on anyone's face. It all feels very natural.
There are of course more features to Endless Ocean, including the ability to teach tricks to your sea-life partners (including the already mentioned dolphin) or storing creatures in the Aquarium, but these are mere afterthoughts, feeling somewhat shallow.
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.
Score: 8/10