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How Metascores Are Calculated
68
Active Life: Outdoor Challenge
Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games. |
The beauty of Endless Ocean is that players can do as much or as little as they like. The relaxed and calm atmosphere of the game gives divers the freedom to explore special locations such as shipwrecks and underwater ruins, discover and interact with sea-life, complete fish logs or simply relax in the soothing environment. The game opens with players onboard a diving boat, with a crew member who provides advice and tips on finding the best locations for fish and helps players advance the storyline. Players must assume the role of the diver, opting to go into the water to explore sea-life at their own pace utilising tools such as a camera or fish bait. In the cabin on the boat, divers can access the fish log to check out the fish that have been spotted, as well as carry out missions like photographing marine life. These missions unlock content, such as new items to use underwater, or different diving gear that can be used to customize the diver. Navigating their way through the depths using the Wii remote, players guide their character using the pointer's cursor, visible as a bright blue dot. When players wish to interact with fish or plants they can highlight them with the pointer and press the A Button. By doing so, players discover new species and build up their fish log. What's more you can also befriend companions like a dolphin which will become your partner and with whom you can train and swim with. [Nintendo]
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more... 88
NGamer UK
Okay, so it doesn't win the award for most action-packed adventure on Wii, but it is a beautiful, innovative and very different kettle of fish. A breathtaking experience. [Christmas 2007, p.46]
 85
Play Magazine
Endless Ocean is a perfect non-game, whatever that means. [Jan 2008, p.60]
85
NintendoWorldReport
It’s a no-brainer for open-minded gamers looking to diversify their collection. Dive in.
84
Official Nintendo Magazine UK
As freeform a game as you're likely to get, offering depth beyond measure. [Jan 2008, p.80]
84
Games Master UK
If you fancy a radical change of pace, this is for you. Action fans need not apply. [Jan 2007, p.74]
82
Gaming Target
This game defines what Nintendo meant when they first used the word 'new-gen.'
81
Jolt Online Gaming UK
If you ever played Ecco The Dolphin on the Mega Drive, or its conversion on the DreamCast, and you spent some time just happily swimming around on that first level doing flips and jumps while enjoying the simple delights of the whole virtual-swimming experience, there’s a good chance that Endless Ocean is going to be right up your watery boulevard.
80
NTSC-uk
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.
80
AceGamez
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.
80
Boomtown
It’s something worth experiencing even if you end up coming to the conclusion that it isn’t for you, your gaming perspective will have been broadened.
80
IGN
Arika has created a very good, albeit different title that centers on the process of exploring the ocean and both seeing and cataloging its inhabitants. There is almost no way to lose (and the aquatic life is all safe, sharks included), but you will have fun all the same simply discovering new things, whether that encapsulates a humpback whale or a long-lost underwater civilization.
80
1UP
Endless Ocean isn't like most games. While others drive tension and excitement to a fever pitch, Endless Ocean's deep-sea visuals and bubbling sound effects slowly dissolve your cares and stresses -- while occasionally eliciting gasps of awestruck disbelief.
80
G4 TV
There’s something pretty telling about a game that can suck away hours of your time before you know it. That’s just what Endless Ocean did to me. Despite not being a game in the classical sense, Endless Ocean is a solid and fascinating diversion.
80
Zentendo
A great value with a surprising amount of modes and depth. While there is no overriding goal to the game, you still will have plenty of things to do and tours to give during your stay in the ocean.
80
GameDaily
It's strictly a deep-sea diving simulator with heavy emphasis on exploration, treasure finding and aquatic discovery. With that said, it's a mesmerizing experience. Nintendo produces a vivid, wondrous underwater abyss to explore, complete with plenty of missions to fulfill.
80
Cubed3
It's going to last you as long as you want to keep on exploring. There's a lot of sea to explore before you can say you've seen it all.
80
GameZone
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.
75
GamerNode
This isn't a game for everyone, but for those who get the appeal, it's a success. Over-acheivers need not apply; you'll either quit within minutes or go insane and break the disc. Endless Ocean is a break, not a conquest.
75
The Wiire
Of course, a game about diving will probably never have mass appeal of Mario, but it is surely fun - a welcome change against the rash of speed and violence often found in today's games.
75
GameShark
Endless Ocean is a unique experience that showcases the Wii in a whole new way, and at $29.99, the game represents a good value. You’ll never have the same dive twice, and it’s nice to have a game the kids can play where a shark won’t accidentally eat them.
75
PALGN
If you’re looking for something that’s different and is completely about exploration, then you’ll enjoy what Endless Ocean has to offer.
75
Nintendo Power
The game's absence of goals won't please everyone. If you want drama, suspense, and action, you'll have to look elsewhere. [Feb 2008, p.87]
75
GameCritics
Despite the uncomfortable number of missed opportunities and graphics that fall short of current-generation standards, tooling around underwater and leisurely unfolding the central events in Endless Ocean remained unexpectedly delightful and engaging until the end—and even a few hours after.
74
GameTrailers
Endless Ocean is a specific type of game for a specific kind of player. Leisurely swimming and looking for wildlife may be a bit slow paced for some, but if you find yourself glued to Animal Planet on Friday nights, it gives you a chance to live out your dreams of undersea discovery.
70
Gamervision
It comes across as more of a toy then a real game, and with a budget price of $29.99 it is well worth the purchase for anyone seeking a way to wind down that won’t numb the brain.
70
DailyGame
More a learning tool than a game, Endless Ocean will appeal best to anyone interested in marine wildlife or gamers who cannot resist "collecting them all."
70
VideoGamer
Endless Ocean is a game that goes out of its way to ease the player into its world. It's so calm and relaxing that at times you'll wonder if you have a pulse, only to suddenly spring back to life when something catches your eye - be it a massive shark or some sunken treasure.
70
Edge Magazine
Arika reminds us that so little of our gaming relaxation time is actually spent relaxing, making this a healthy diversion that deserves recognition. [Jan 2008, p.88]
70
GameSpot
Endless Ocean is a unique game that will strike a chord with some and fall flat with others.
70
Nintendojo
If you’re into adrenaline-pumping thrills and any game slower than F-Zero,, don’t expect to get much, if anything, out of this game. If, however, you enjoy paced simulations and the thought of collecting stuff, you may want to put Endless Ocean on your sonar, at least for a rental.
70
PTGamers
What we have here is a different and interesting “game”, and time feels well spent, as long as the players are into the subject matter. if not, you may as well pick up your BFG and go waste some more zombie/soldier/alien scum.
68
Cheat Code Central
Endless Ocean is definitely an interesting experience. Whether you will enjoy it or not really depends on the kind of gamer you are. If you really enjoy action, plot, intense gameplay or objectives, you will most likely not want to even attempt to try this title.
63
Pelit (Finland)
Although there are lots of areas to explore, there is too little to do. You can just swim, feed the fishes, pat your dolphin and stare at the ocean. Though the soundtrack is nice and game has a nice atmosphere, I would call my feeling of the game “bored” rather than “relaxed”. [Jan 2008]
60
Kombo
Strangely enough, Endless Ocean is a very well made game. The problem lies in something else: as a game, Endless Ocean isn't very entertaining.
60
GameTap
If you’re looking for a game for the kids, or you’re really into marine life, then Endless Ocean is worth checking out, but adrenaline junkies and HD fanatics will likely find themselves disappointed.
60
Game Informer
With an excellent soundtrack and a simple concept, Endless Ocean succeeds in its goal of being a relaxing, educational experience. However, it fails miserably when it comes to feeling like a game. [Jan 2008, p.95]
60
EuroGamer
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.
58
The Onion (A.V. Club)
A chill-out session better suited to gamers than grannies.
55
Destructoid
Endless Ocean is an interesting experiment that could lay the groundwork for something deeper and more fleshed out in the future (I kept imagining how cool a multi-layered RPG would be set in a similarly vast ocean). As is, though, I really can’t see the average gamer (translation: everyone that isn’t me) being entertained for more than an hour of two. Not to use a bad water pun, but the experience ultimately feels shallow.
50
Gameplayer
It's neither a good depiction of the real thing, or fun.
49
NZGamer
Purchase for your grandmother rather than yourself.
25
GamePro
Endless Ocean's underwater atmosphere is soothing and relaxing but it lacks a crucial element: fun. [Feb 2008, p.84]
Cardoso gave it a10: Mark P. gave it a2: Allen V. gave it a9: DJ T. gave it a10: [Anonymous] gave it a10: Peter C. gave it a10: Samuel M. gave it an8: |
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