Endless Ocean - Swim With the Fishes Online - $30

[mephitical]

Dammit Woman You'll See A Goddamn Bower's Clownfish When I Find A Goddamn Bower's Clownfish You Stupid Dipshit

Why Couldn't You Want To See A Dualfin Tang They're Friggen Everywhere

Other Fish Must Shit Them That Is The Only Explanation

Arrrrrrrrrrrrrgh
I wanted to beat that hairy Richard Dreyfus with a Tang when he made me go find him a Bigeye Trevally.

[RollingSkull]

I wanted to beat that hairy Richard Dreyfus with a Tang when he made me go find him a Bigeye Trevally.

Now you're just making shit up. Bigeye Trevally?

[mephitical]

Now you're just making shit up. Bigeye Trevally?I'm not allowed to lie about fish.

[pittpizza]

I'm friends with a Bigeye Trevally I think. There are a few kinds but one of him is big and yellow and another kind schools/shoals right?

Spoilers for anyone who has not yet gone to the Abyss or Ruins:


Wow, just wow. While at first it seemed to big to handle, I'm pretty confident I found every species there was to find on the first trip at least. The Giant Squid was cool as hell. The sharks (goblin and bigmouth (I think) were huge and pretty scarry looking. Whalebones graveyard: Sick!!

I really like the attention to detail they paid in this game, finding things like a T-Rex skeleton embedded in deep ocean walls is really cool. I did think it was pretty stupid though, that they made you scribble to befriend some fish. It's just too unrealistic and kind of silly IMO. The whisle, petting, poking, and feeding were enough but to add a fish that can only be befriended by scribbling? How the hell are we supposed to know to do that? EDIT: It says so in the manual, oops!

I was somewhat disappointed wtih the ruins but w/e. The whale shark was cool.

[ArthurDigbySellers]

Just got this game yesterday afternoon and played it for my daughter. She wasn't as impressed as I thought she would be (she is 2.5), but I had fun. I've only played for around an hour but I can see this game being something that I pop in every so often to do some exploring.

[pittpizza]

I've atually found this game to be quite addicting. I'm desperately trying to fill out my fish encyclopedia and trying to advance the story as fast as I can. It seems that just about eveyr dive there is a huge surprise though sometimes in small packages, (I love you Green Mandarin Goby!)

I was surprised to see that the game actually can be "beat" in some sense. There are alot more story missions and side assignments than I thought there would be.

The locations are so expansive and have so much diversity, it really is captivating.

I may be biasd though b/c i love the ocean and really like diving.

For $30 I'm really really happy. My girl actually played a little (though for like 2 mins) last night as well.

[Tybee]

I'm heartened to see all the love for this game (even though I haven't picked it up yet). It makes me sad that EGM has basically been trashing it as a "non-game."

[rjung]

Just got this game yesterday afternoon and played it for my daughter. She wasn't as impressed as I thought she would be (she is 2.5), but I had fun.
I'd be surprised if she was hooked on it -- IMO, this is a game that's more appealing for adults (who have longer attention spans and can appreciate taking time to appreciate the setting) than younger kids (who want instant gratification). And people say the Wii doesn't have adult games. ;)

It makes me sad that EGM has basically been trashing it as a "non-game."
Eh, they're already irrelevant, they just don't realize it yet. If it wasn't for the free subscriptions, I wouldn't even read it.

--R.J.

[UltimoRey]

I'm heartened to see all the love for this game (even though I haven't picked it up yet). It makes me sad that EGM has basically been trashing it as a "non-game."
In the newest issue they agian slam it in thier letter pages. They have a serious wii-hatred. In that "election" issue, each preview had a negartive comment in the wii section.

[ArthurDigbySellers]

In the newest issue they agian slam it in thier letter pages. They have a serious wii-hatred. In that "election" issue, each preview had a negartive comment in the wii section.


They, and I mean 1Up, not EGM, actually had a good segment on The 1Up Show that showed Endless Ocean in a positive light. It was Ryan and some freelance guy talking about it for a good five minutes or so.

There is derision within the Ziff family over many games, and EO just happens to be one of them.

My free EGM subscription ran out so I haven't seen an issue in months, so if there is a true anti-Wii slant, I think it is coming from the fact that these reviewers are hardcore, traditional gamers. Most of them do not like the fact that the Wii is succeeding in bringing gaming to the masses because they feel like it is "dumbing down" gaming and possibly shifting the industry in the process.

What I find funny is that these same detractors of so-called casual games often bemoan the fact that gamers and videogames are not taken seriously and are not treated with "respect" like television, movies and books. They don't realize that in order for gaming to become mainstream, at least in the view of the media, more people need to be exposed to gaming, and that is exactly what the Wii is doing.

Oh well, it must suck for them that Ziff is at the precipice of shutting down and print media for games is all but obsolete.

[Tybee]

In the newest issue they agian slam it in thier letter pages. They have a serious wii-hatred. In that "election" issue, each preview had a negartive comment in the wii section.

Yeah, I noticed that. I was like, here is an opportunity to amend your shortsighted opinion, and instead they just echoed their previous flippancy.

And yeah, the election issue was a joke. Honestly, and I say this as a 360 owner, Nintendo Power has been a much better read lately than EGM.

[ma]

Just got this game yesterday afternoon and played it for my daughter. She wasn't as impressed as I thought she would be (she is 2.5), but I had fun. I've only played for around an hour but I can see this game being something that I pop in every so often to do some exploring.

My daughter is 4 1/2, and she absolutely loves it. She loves finding new fish, the treasures, and changing her outfit (she changes hair & outfit between every dive). 2 1/2 is pretty young for almost any video game--some kids get into them at that age, but in my experience most kids just don't have the attention span when they're that young.

[ArthurDigbySellers]

My daughter is 4 1/2, and she absolutely loves it. She loves finding new fish, the treasures, and changing her outfit (she changes hair & outfit between every dive). 2 1/2 is pretty young for almost any video game--some kids get into them at that age, but in my experience most kids just don't have the attention span when they're that young.

She is definitely too young to play it herself, but I thought she would really like seeing the fish as she loves animals and went nuts the first time we took her to an aquarium.

Maybe it wasn't immersive enough on my 32 inch screen. I'll need to invest in a big flat panel ;)

[hack]

Picked it up a while ago and finally got around to playing it, I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed it. Though some of guiding missions when finding specific fish are quite frustrating (humphead wrassle anyone?).

My roomate complains about the lack of a more detailed mapping system that lets you know where you're going and where you've already been, but I like the idea of not knowing where to go. Its always exploration and less of getting to a specific point because I know I have to go there.

And the opening music - I love. I can't wait to unlock more of the tracks by the artist. Anyone know where I can get the music?

If anyone wants to swap codes, let me know. Could be fun.

[CouRageouS]

She is definitely too young to play it herself, but I thought she would really like seeing the fish as she loves animals and went nuts the first time we took her to an aquarium.

Maybe it wasn't immersive enough on my 32 inch screen. I'll need to invest in a big flat panel ;)
Speaking of immersive, I was thinking how great this game would sound if it had real surround sound support. The great water sounds of Undertow made me think of this.

[Snake2715]

I might like to pick this one up for the wife.

[mephitical]

My roomate complains about the lack of a more detailed mapping system that lets you know where you're going and where you've already been, but I like the idea of not knowing where to go. Its always exploration and less of getting to a specific point because I know I have to go there.

I couldn't agree with you more. I was playing last night and realizing how much I was enjoying making a mental map of the ruins and also how familiar I had become with the early areas like the Coral Garden.

[pittpizza]

The humphead wrasse is in the Coral Forest. It's big and blueish-green.

Re: the map and exploratin. A few hours in, its fine. At first, especially ina new area, it can definitely be disorienting but I find the map/tracking coupled with teh compass quite effective. At first I found myself checking the map ALOT!! It can be tough to stay on track when you're trying to travel somewhere, especially with so much to distract you.

IMO the game is meant to be played and is best played by allowing yourself to get distracted and wander off track. The tanks are long enough that you usually have plenty of time to get back to wherever you were trying to go.

I loved it and just "completed" it Saturday; though I still have alot of fish left and treasure left to find.

[Snake2715]

Pitpizza,

What the heck do you do to complete it? Have you swam the entire ocean I take it? I have yet to get this one, but I guess its good and bad that its not endless...

[pittpizza]

Pitpizza,

What the heck do you do to complete it? Have you swam the entire ocean I take it? I have yet to get this one, but I guess its good and bad that its not endless...


Umm...there is all kinds of things you have to do. Basically you must explore every area, find every type of a certain type of species (dont wanna give it away), find some specific items (she tells you where to look) and do some little tasks and assignments that Kat asks you to do. It's really not that long and I don't advise rushing through it b/c you sort of get an "Awww....it's over?" feeling after it.

Now I still have to find some fish but not too many are left.

[Snake2715]

Well Best Buy was out of it today... thats surprising actually I wonder how the sales have been.

[pittpizza]

Best Buy was probably out of it becasue they only got like 5 copies to begin with. Across almost all of the boards I post on, there has been VERY little chatter and activity in this game's boards. I'm actually surprised to see CAG's Endless Ocean thread so busy.

It is just not a very popular game and out of all the gamers I know I only know one other person with this game. It is VERY different and not for the majority of people who own Wii's. It's definitely off the beaten path and this has made me like it very much.

Well, the unknown "eliteness" of the game coupled with the fact that it looks, sounds, and plays like a dream.

[rjung]

According to some of the retailers on NeoGaf, Endless Ocean has been selling surprisingly well and people have been asking for it by name. O_o Was there an ad campaign on the Discovery Channel or something?

Finally got to the ruins last night... after I picked my jaw off the floor, I spent 90 minutes just exploring the bejeebers out of it. Can't wait to go back...

--R.J.

[UltimoRey]

According to some of the retailers on NeoGaf, Endless Ocean has been selling surprisingly well and people have been asking for it by name. O_o Was there an ad campaign on the Discovery Channel or something?

Finally got to the ruins last night... after I picked my jaw off the floor, I spent 90 minutes just exploring the bejeebers out of it. Can't wait to go back...

--R.J.

As far as I know, there haven't been tv ads, but there were someprint ads and the nintendo store did a dispaly.

As for the ruins I think that was the most visually impressive moment I've had had yet. I still need to find one more idol piece, which is hard in such a big area.

[pittpizza]

According to some of the retailers on NeoGaf, Endless Ocean has been selling surprisingly well and people have been asking for it by name. O_o Was there an ad campaign on the Discovery Channel or something?

Finally got to the ruins last night... after I picked my jaw off the floor, I spent 90 minutes just exploring the bejeebers out of it. Can't wait to go back...

--R.J.


You know what, I doubt it was planned but your comment really reminded me of a funny timing coincidence b/w my gaming and TV watching.

When I watch TV (big gamer and movie watcher so TV time is less frequent) it's usually the Discovery channel, Animal Planet, History channel, etc..

Anyway I get done with some Endless Ocean last week (weeknight but I forget which) and there is some show on called something like "Into the Abyss". It was a special, on the Animal Planet I beleieve, about the DEEP DEEP Abyssal Plane. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abyssal_plane Some guys went like 3 miles down in a sub where they visited a decaying whale carcass that created an ecosystem (A BIG ONE) all of its own.

It visited deep sea sharks, shrimp, squid, fish, tubeworms, crabs, and all kinds of other animals, some of which I would not even be able to describe. Some creatures were so wierd (<--actually hate that term, replace it with "different") they could have just as easily been a fish as a snake as a jellyfish or octopus, all just as likely.

They then visited ecosystems created by geothermal vents (first discovery of life on earth sustained by something other than the Sun) and ecosystems created by harnessign energy (via bacteria) exuding from methane vents in the earth.

It was a really really really cool show to catch right after playing EO for sure.

[Veronica Mars]

So, is this a good game?

[Ikohn4ever]

beat the game and then got my killer whale to ride. Don't know if i will try for all fish since it seems like a real pain, have like 44 or so more to get. It really blows that Co-op doesnt let u discover new fish.

[rjung]

So, is this a good game?
If you like exploration adventures, yeah.

If you have an EGM-style attention-deficit disorder and need immediate gratification, no. ;)

--R.J.

[leveskikesko]

According to some of the retailers on NeoGaf, Endless Ocean has been selling surprisingly well and people have been asking for it by name. O_o Was there an ad campaign on the Discovery Channel or something?

Finally got to the ruins last night... after I picked my jaw off the floor, I spent 90 minutes just exploring the bejeebers out of it. Can't wait to go back...

--R.J.

Yeah surprisingly a lot of hardcore gamer around forums such as this one have really taken notice to this game. I'm not sure if casuals and nongamers have as much, but it's great to see there aren't only shallow hardcore gamers out there.

Endless Ocean is quality, for hardcore or casual/nongamers.

[UltimoRey]

Wooo. I got to the title sequence. I "beat the game". Now i just have to find all the small itty bitty fish that i missed.

[CombatCraig]

I must say this game is fun and my wife really likes it.

We're just super bummed that you can only 2 player dive online. I mean if you built it into the game then why not make it available to dive with someone sitting next to you!

[pittpizza]

That does seem silly combat craig. I really have no idea why they would make it that way. I doubt I will end up getting every fish. Maybe I will but I doubt it. THe only incentive to go back and play more is to do co-op but you can't store new fish info so WTF?

[rjung]

Wooo. I got to the title sequence. I "beat the game".
If you haven't found the white mother, I don't think you have. :)

And you can see the credits at any time by sitting in the beach chair during sunset.

--R.J.

[pygmy carnotaur]

Yeah, for some reason certain groups(specifically EGM) are giving the mistaken impression that this isn't a game... which implies that there is nothing to do in this game. There actually is a story.

I've almost beat the game, I'm at the part where you have to set the sonar sensors to find the Ancient Mother . I've still got plenty to do though, since I know for sure there's one secret area I haven't found yet(plus lots of animals I haven't found or unlocked yet).

I have a stupid question though, how can I return to the ruins? I can't figure it out for some reason, I tried following a whale shark but that didn't work, and just going to that area on the map doesn't work either.

[mephitical]

Yeah, for some reason certain groups(specifically EGM) are giving the mistaken impression that this isn't a game... which implies that there is nothing to do in this game. There actually is a story.

I've almost beat the game, I'm at the part where you have to set the sonar sensors to find the Ancient Mother . I've still got plenty to do though, since I know for sure there's one secret area I haven't found yet(plus lots of animals I haven't found or unlocked yet).

I have a stupid question though, how can I return to the ruins? I can't figure it out for some reason, I tried following a whale shark but that didn't work, and just going to that area on the map doesn't work either.
I think it depends on what time of day you go. Sometimes you go to the entrance where you first rode the whale shark and you get dialogue that says something along the lines of "that's weird, when we were here before the current was too strong and now it's calm. I wonder what's going on". Then it automatically takes you there.

[UltimoRey]

If you haven't found the white mother, I don't think you have. :)

And you can see the credits at any time by sitting in the beach chair during sunset.

--R.J.
I did and it's Ancient Mother, BTW. Now it's sending me around to spots that were previously hidden.

[Snake2715]

I must say this game is fun and my wife really likes it.

We're just super bummed that you can only 2 player dive online. I mean if you built it into the game then why not make it available to dive with someone sitting next to you!

While I have not played the game, I assume its because online the diver can leave you, where as it would need to be split screen or a joint decision where to go if it was multiplayer. Given the game i think that would take away from it.

[pittpizza]

I did and it's Ancient Mother, BTW. Now it's sending me around to spots that were previously hidden.


Wait, does this mean that Kat gives you more assignments and places to go? If I already uncovered every part of the map, would this happen for me to or do you think you're only being sent around to areas that you haven't been to yet becasue you haven't been there.

I didn't turn it back on after teh credits yet so I'm curious about what else there is to do after you find the Ancient Mother.

[UltimoRey]

Wait, does this mean that Kat gives you more assignments and places to go? If I already uncovered every part of the map, would this happen for me to or do you think you're only being sent around to areas that you haven't been to yet becasue you haven't been there.

I didn't turn it back on after teh credits yet so I'm curious about what else there is to do after you find the Ancient Mother.
so far its opened a cave and pointede out some stuff i missed

[Mr. Anderson]

I think I'm gonna pick this up from TRU today with my $25 gift card I've had since November. :D

[pittpizza]

I think I'm gonna pick this up from TRU today with my $25 gift card I've had since November. :D


Thats what I did Mr. Anderson. It came out to like 7bucks and some change. VERY worth it IMO.

Not much else on the Wii currently interests me and I was pretty comitted to trying to use that $25 on a game priced 29.99 or less.

It really is a great pair, a great way to go.

[Mr. Anderson]

Thats what I did Mr. Anderson. It came out to like 7bucks and some change. VERY worth it IMO.

Not much else on the Wii currently interests me and I was pretty comitted to trying to use that $25 on a game priced 29.99 or less.

It really is a great pair, a great way to go.

Unfortunately, my TRU was sold out, so I grabbed Zack and Wiki instead. This is definitely at the top of my to-buy list though, so I'll be getting it soon. I've been wanting to play a game like this since Aquanauts Holiday on the PS1.

[lilboo]

So how does this look on an HDTV w/ component cables.. ??:cry:

[mephitical]

So how does this look on an HDTV w/ component cables.. ??:cry:
It looks good. Really good. Good enough that you can easily forget about any graphical limitations within a few minutes of playing and lose yourself in the world of the game, which is what really matters. If you are looking for flaws, you will find them for sure, but they fade away if you're not searching for them. The lighting effects are pulled off really well, but if you get too close to some fish you will be reminded that you're playing a video game. Which you are doing, so it's not a terrible distraction.

Some people hate the way the "overworld" of the boat looks, but I don't see why; it's on a similar scale to the underwater graphics without the fluidity, which makes sense. I think any clunkiness out of the water only helps to make underwater that much more beautiful and freeing.

[lilboo]

Mephitcal, my response is in no way to attack you. Really :)

But I think what happened with me is that a lot of people were saying exactly what you are saying about the Wii with component cables. "It looks great!"..I am disappointed actually.. :-( (I posted a lengthy response in the "Whats ___ Wrong with my Wii thread if your curious to what my complaints are about).

This game seems beautiful, and like I've said earlier in this thread that I would pick it up once it hits a decent price point, but I really don't want to be disappointed with how it looks.. :-(

BEFORE I GET FLAMED: No it's not the graphics that matter, but everything looked much better on my standard TV, then it does currently on my new HDTV. I think this is a legit complaint for me.

[mephitical]

Mephitcal, my response is in no way to attack you. Really :)

But I think what happened with me is that a lot of people were saying exactly what you are saying about the Wii with component cables. "It looks great!"..I am disappointed actually.. :-( (I posted a lengthy response in the "Whats ___ Wrong with my Wii thread if your curious to what my complaints are about).

This game seems beautiful, and like I've said earlier in this thread that I would pick it up once it hits a decent price point, but I really don't want to be disappointed with how it looks.. :-(

BEFORE I GET FLAMED: No it's not the graphics that matter, but everything looked much better on my standard TV, then it does currently on my new HDTV. I think this is a legit complaint for me.
I wouldn't have thought it to be an attack at all; in fact it's a totally valid complaint. I was playing Scarface when I switched to the component cables, and what I noticed was that there was a difference. Not necessarily a difference for the better, but a distinct difference. Some things were sharper and clearer, some things were too sharp, and some things got muddier. Ultimately, I preferred the look of component, and I was lazy (I have a multi-plug cable joining my PS2 and Wii). Despite everyones raves about HDTV, the better CRT TVs (especially in smaller sizes) had the potential to look amazing. I went from playing Burnout Revenge on a CRT to the new LCD last year and pretty much stopped playing the game it looked so bad on the HD set.

If you have enough of an eye to notice the changes in your existing games, you will not be awed by this game. I am not awed by it, but I enjoy it immensely. In the same way that I still enjoy playing the TI-94A game Hunt The Wumpus; it's fun, there are new things to discover, and a little mystery. I can lose myself in a stick figure as well I can in lush graphics if I'm enjoying myself.

If you haven't already, you may want to futz about with your TV settings a bit too. Zelda looked much better for me once I turned my brightness up and contrast down.

[eugaet]

We've been playing this game for about a week or so. The kids love it. My son is playing it like Pokemon, he's blazing through it in gotta-catchem-all mode. I'm taking a more relaxed pace.

[pittpizza]

I have a serious case of the gott-catch-em-all disease.

I'm not rushing through it, heck I don't even know how you could since there is only one swim speed, but I definitely get very happy when I see those three "???" pop up in the fish ID screen.

"ALLRIGHT NEW FISH!!!" Who would have thought such relaxing game could be so exhilarating.

Anybody who hasn't played Endless ocean would probably read that last sentence and be like "WTF is wrong with these people?" but if you play you know exactly what I mean and probably feel the same way too.

Lilboo it does seem if you mention the two words "graphics" and "wii" in the same sentence, the average CAG's reading comprehension plummets and you get a two page flame about how you bought the wrong system or its not what N was going for. Makes me sick.

I completely completely agree with what you said about how so many on here will say "oh no, the graphics are fine" Guess what people, they're NOT! There are jaggies, there are crappy clunky muddy graphics on some Wii games. IMO component cables and an HDTV are still worth it though b/c the advantages of the HD improvement are outweighed by the detriment of the minor flaws being exaggerated. Now you have a HD jaggie instead of a muddy jaggie <--no BD.

Still EO looks great once you get in the water. I have been one of the people who point out how shitty the above sea-level parts look but also always qualified it with statements about how this is a very small percentage of the time spent in teh game and it does accentuate the beauty/fluidity of the underwater environments as mephitical pointed out.

[lilboo]

That's exactly why I was so disappointed. Too many people were saying how AMAZING it looks with the component cables and when I hooked everything up and realize it DIDN'T look great, I'm already assuming something is wrong with my Wii or TV or component cables.

[Tybee]

One of the curses of HDTV is that it lays bare all the flaws in an SD source -- and even HD sources if they are too compressed (chronic macroblocking of Comcast content has become de rigeur, for example). I've had an HD set for two years now, and I am maybe more forgiving of the kinds of flaws you see in the Wii's 480p signal. You do get used to it.

[pittpizza]

Yeah you do get used to it, and it isn't even really that bad, but to say they're top notch or to maintain that it's blashpemy to tell it how it is is comletely ridiculous.

If I want to play a pretty game for it's graphics, I'll look for one on the 360. Generally good graphics aren't really that important to me. They're important but not relative to alot of other factors I value, (I own endless ocean for pete's sake).

The first time they really bothered me was for the first 30 minutes or so of RE:4. I was like "WTF? Is this a Wii game b/c it's got teh Cube's graphics. Worst Jaggies ever. But an hour later I was so into the game they never really bothered me again.

[rjung]

The first time my mother saw me playing Endless Ocean, she asked if it was a documentary.

(55" widescreen rear-projection HDTV)

--R.J.

[Doomed]

Holy crap. I just bought this and played this for (using in-game timer) a little over three and a half hours straight. Definitely full of crack. Gonna go change my Wii gamercard (I think I've gotten 5 new Wii games since I last changed it. Heh, Metroid.) and add my Endless Ocean FC. I'm afraid if I turn on my Wii again to get my FC I'll be sucked in for at leas an hour. Don't understand why people hate the boat. Not as cool as underwater but I only saw two jaggies. Who gives a shit?

One of the first things I thought of when I was on the boat was "this reminds me of Hey You Pikachu". It has a vague resemblance to it. Don't think HYP had specific rules either.

[Ranzak]

OK I am new to the Wii and to this forum. Doomed, I added your WFC and your EO # in the EO game. send me an email if you want to try to visit in EO would like to see how that works. If any one else wants to Co-Op play EO let me know.

MY Wii console code: 7641 4046 3421 0011 and my EO code is 9824 6040 4391

[mephitical]

OK I am new to the Wii and to this forum. Doomed, I added your WFC and your EO # in the EO game. send me an email if you want to try to visit in EO would like to see how that works. If any one else wants to Co-Op play EO let me know.

MY Wii console code: 7641 4046 3421 0011 and my EO code is 9824 6040 4391
Have you dived with a friend yet? I guess I don't really see the point, especially if new fish don't register. I still play this a few hours a week (I'm slowly getting to the "end" of the ocean) and don't see how my experience would be improved with a friend dive.

[Doomed]

Have you dived with a friend yet? I guess I don't really see the point, especially if new fish don't register. I still play this a few hours a week (I'm slowly getting to the "end" of the ocean) and don't see how my experience would be improved with a friend dive.
I have. It's not that much fun, but still amusing.

[leveskikesko]

I REALLY need to start playing this gem again.

Hyped games can take a rest for now.

[lordxixor101]

I bought this a few weeks ago, and it's only been in my system a few times. The thing is, everytime I play it, I really enjoy it. I really need to put in a few consecutive hours into it. But, with Asssassin's Creed (360) and maybe buying Metroid Prime on the Gamestop deal of the week, this could be backburnered even longer.

[super_ultra]

To me it seems like this game is unknown by the average person. Do you think it will become rare and worth a lot later on? Maybe like Electroplankton (http://cgi.ebay.com/Electroplankton-Nintendo-DS-NEW-COMPLETE-MINT_W0QQitemZ190215608062QQihZ009QQcategoryZ62053 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)?

[Veronica Mars]

I finally bought this game.
Only played once, and got bored :/

[tankexmortis]

I picked this up recently 'cause I was sick and wanted something relaxing to do, and I've gotta say that I'm impressed. This is a real quality experience, and lots of fun. I'm kind of surprised to hear it hasn't sold well; it seems perfect for casual gamers.

[elwood731]

I'm kind of surprised to hear it hasn't sold well; it seems perfect for casual gamers.

Yes, it does. But unfortunately, casual gamers also don't read gaming sites or magazines and so miss out on a lot of games that don't have huge advertising budgets.

[tankexmortis]

Yeah, I've been thinking recently that the lack of advertising dollars available to most third-parties has got to be the biggest hurdle in Wii game sales; since with the casual gamer as the typical user they can't rely on traditional game advertising. That, I think, is the biggest cause of the lack of third-party sales - they can't penetrate the casual market even if they try and pander to it.

Not sure how I feel about that. I don't think the Wii is lacking in quality titles, but it could sure use some more hardcore stuff, so maybe this will work out in my favor, with the third-party devs focusing on the core gamers and Nintendo mostly working on the soccer moms.

[hero101]

Endless Ocean should be $20 soon at least on the next DOTD. I'm hopeful.

[mephitical]

I'm glad to see renewed interest in this game, because I am also sad it didn't sell better. This was possibly my favorite experience on the Wii so far, and even after finishing the "story" I still put it in late at night to relax and explore. And find more fish; I'm still missing some. I could probably look at a FAQ online to find them, but a huge part of the charm of this game is the aimless swimming and stumbling on something you've never seen before.

[tankexmortis]

So how did it sell in Japan? In other words, is there a chance of a sequel? This seems like a great idea that could use some serious expansion; a bigger world with more variety, more fish, and better graphics would be amazing. Not that I don't love EO the way it is, I just feel like it could be even better and I'd hate to miss out on what could be.

EDIT: Oh, so I guess the devs made two similar games for the PS2. That bodes well for a spiritual sequel, at least.

[Snake2715]

We recently got this from Goozex. I am as excited as ever to put it in... the wife keeps refusing until she beats Folklore on the Ps3..

So I am hopeful that this week or early next we will get some time.

[espy605]

This game is okay, I liked Everblue 2 a lot more though.

[mik]

Took a chance on this one from Gamefly after checking out this thread. I figured my daughters might really like it. Um, yeah, just a little--they've put in over 20 hours in a week's time. The Wii needs more titles like this one. It's a really smart choice for the system.

[mephitical]

Took a chance on this one from Gamefly after checking out this thread. I figured my daughters might really like it. Um, yeah, just a little--they've put in over 20 hours in a week's time. The Wii needs more titles like this one. It's a really smart choice for the system.
Man, how I love to see this game keep popping up. It's totally my wind-down game forever, despite having "beat" it. I would buy endless variations on this theme.

[mik]

It actually makes me wonder if Sony's mythical Afrika might be something like this. I certainly hope so.

[utopianmachine]

I was feeling a little stressed tonight, and although my first inclination was to pop in my recently borrowed Godfather: Blackhand Edition, I turned to my recently received Endless Ocean from Goozex. I had played once before for half an hour or so, and today I played for about twenty minutes more, exploring Blue Holes. I swam around and identified different fish and such. Just really had a relaxing time seeing the pretty sites and zooming in to view plants and coral. Sipping a Sparks beer and this was all a dandy time. I currently have my character sitting in the chair on the ship, watching the ocean. About to call a friend of mine for late night talking and intend to keep the ocean view up the whole time. Just a really calming experience. I don't see myself selling/trading this game for a long while.

[Rockaway BeachBQ]

I rented this when I had the Flu, and it was great to play with a head full of DXM. Definitely a nice low stress game.

[Doomed]

I rated all of my games via the Nintendo channel, and Endless Ocean was the only one I gave a perfect score. :D
Man, I want to play this some more. My encyclopedia is calling.

[utopianmachine]

Does the game provide any help on finding any of the fish? Like, areas where they might be? Forgive me if it's a silly question, but I've only put about an hour into this game.

[Doomed]

Does the game provide any help on finding any of the fish? Like, areas where they might be? Forgive me if it's a silly question, but I've only put about an hour into this game.

Mmm, I think a Sparks beer and some Endless Ocean could do me some good this evening. Off I go then.
Not really, except MAYBE your partner does for a very few special fish.
Just go on GameFAQs or stop complaining. This game is all about exploring, but I feel your pain.

[mephitical]

You shouldn't WANT to use a FAQ with this game. It defeats the whole purpose. And now I am reminded that I have a few gaps in my encyclopedia as well and I want to swim randomly some more. I never get tired or riding whales either.

[UltimoRey]

You shouldn't WANT to use a FAQ with this game. It defeats the whole purpose. And now I am reminded that I have a few gaps in my encyclopedia as well and I want to swim randomly some more. I never get tired or riding whales either.
After a few months of playing you WANT to find those last few fish/mammals/birds/aquatic-lizards, even if it requires a FAQ.

[mephitical]

After a few months of playing you WANT to find those last few fish/mammals/birds/aquatic-lizards, even if it requires a FAQ.
Yeah, I guess after a few months. I'm still content to wander, but I can see wanting to be done with it all. utopianmachine's only been playing for an hour though.

[Scrubking]

Here's hoping E3 brings an Endless Ocean sequel.

[hero101]

I got this from Goozex. Now all the game on my shelf and random piles are fighting for game time. I haven't even started this game.

[Doomed]

Reviving because this is such an amazing game and I want a sequel. To anybody reading this who does not own Endless Ocean:
BUY IT
It is not for everybody, and even I wasn't sure about it, but then I played it. I think only the most stubborn hardcore gamer wouldn't like it. It is my favorite Wii game and I have played SSBB, MKW, and MP3 and this still tops all of those. It is such a relaxing and different kind of game, there's so much to do, I love every second. This game is worth at least $50 to me, and you should be able to get it for like $15 used.

[lilboo]

$30 is still too much. It really even hasn't been on sale either :(

[Doomed]

Even more reason to BUY ENDLESS OCEAN, Circuit City has this on sale (or maybe MSRP drop) for $19.99 from August 17 to 23. If this game doesn't get a sequel I'm holding you responsible lilboo. [-( Come on, you know you want to! There are four people on GameFAQs who have actually completed this game, and it took them 200 hours.

Courtesy of speedy1961 (http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=193284). Without him, I wouldn't have such an awesome fad avatar that died a year ago!

If anybody needs help or wants a WiFi diving partner, I'm still playing this awesome best game on Wii.

[Doomed]

On sale at CC starting today. OOS online, no in-store pickup. (http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/productDetail.do?oid=198842)

[io]

Well, not knowing anything about the CC sale (sorry, I tend to ignore those weekly ads as $10 off retail in real cash rarely excites me ;)) I ended up picking this up at Gamestop using the 25% off Wii games coupon for $17.54. Not bad considering I have oodles of GS credit right now so it really cost me much less in real money. I know absolutely nothing about the game, though. Maybe I'll give it a shot tomorrow night.

[Doomed]

This is a great game, you won't regret it. If you need any help with the game like I said I'm still playing this.

[Strell]

Stop it, Dewm'd. You're making me want to crack this baby open.

[Doomed]

It's fair game. You made me play DotT and EarthBound.

[Strell]

Yeah - I made you play only two of the best games ever devised by mankind. Woe is you.

[Daisydog]

Well, not knowing anything about the CC sale...
I actually looked at the ads and still didn't see it! :lol:
I bought this from Bestbuy yesterday, although I did have a travelers check thing and a rewards certificate to bring it down to $7.02.
I think if I had tried to price match it, it would have been another incident to add to my growing list of misadventures at that particular Bestbuy. They're still on my bad side! :bomb:

I'm going to crack it open today to see what all the yelling is about.

[Scrubking]

Yes this game awesome. BUY IT.

[io]

My oldest son (8 1/2 years old) has lost interest in most games except Guitar Hero these days. But he is absolutely obsessed with this game now since I got it a few days ago. He actually insisted I sit down and play it with him tonight - that's the first time that's happened in a long while. Even Mario Galaxy didn't do that for him (and he used to play Mario Sunshine ALL the time).

[Doomed]

Played some more today. I'm at 28+ hours now. This game is beautiful. There's been a lot of schoolwork lately and my video game time has been limited. I reached for Endless Ocean for the first time in a while. It was fun all the same. If this game or one similar to it came to XBOX 360 or PS3, that would probably push me over the edge to get one. Apparently ARIKA (the company who developed this) is making an African safari game for PS3. :-k

Endless Ocean 2 has been dated for 2009 in Japan and Europe. Chances are NA will get it in 2010.

Instead of mucking around with Audacity, I just play songs through my PC. Most of them only work in certain areas, so phase two will involve me splitting the playlist into different areas and times of day. Upbeat music in the Abyss doesn't really work. For now I kinda split it into groups, but it's untested. My findings are that a large number of songs from Super Mario Galaxy fit well, as do a few from World of Goo.

You Are A Pirate from LazyTown and Under The Sea also work well. Tell The Mana Knight.

Off-topic rant:

Going through all of these soundtracks from games that I hate but love the music from, (Super Mario Galaxy, Super Smash Bros. Brawl) I realize that I'm too hard on them. Even though the adventure mode of SSBB is one of the worst adventures I've played, the multiplayer was a lot of fun with my friends and with a few CAG members.

Super Mario Galaxy, in spite of its easy difficulty, has great graphics, a better storyline than past Mario games, and there were times when I did have fun.

Finally, the game I sold off Super Mario Galaxy for, Mario Kart Wii, sucks much more than SMG, and I miss SMG every time I look at MK Wii. :cry: I still own Brawl... I wonder if I'm still any good, or for that matter if I was any good in the first place.

I'm sorry, SMG. Will you take me back? For $25 new like you were at Toys R Us the week you came out? Please?

[eugaet]

I'm sorry, SMG. Will you take me back? For $25 new like you were at Toys R Us the week you came out? Please?SMG has been new for $25 at BBV since at least November.

http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=207038

I should get back to Endless Ocean some day...

[wii skiier]

I like to see that you come back to Endless Ocean every so often, Doomed. I thought I was the only one. I actually picked it up for a bit last week after taking a few months off. I'm around 30 hours like you and still have plenty of fish to find. Even without that as motivation, I love just swimming around.

[crunchewy]

I got this game for my 6 year old but it didn't resonate with him, at least not yet. I've been addicted to Animal Crossing and so haven't played it myself, but mean to play it eventually. Hopefully before the new version comes out. Maybe I'll start on it this weekend. I didn't see any obvious internet play option in the bit we did. I guess you have to play the game up to a point before you can play online?

[wii skiier]

I got this game for my 6 year old but it didn't resonate with him, at least not yet. I've been addicted to Animal Crossing and so haven't played it myself, but mean to play it eventually. Hopefully before the new version comes out. Maybe I'll start on it this weekend. I didn't see any obvious internet play option in the bit we did. I guess you have to play the game up to a point before you can play online?
Sort of. There's not really free and open "online play". You have to set up a dive with a friend. That's one thing I'm kind of hoping will be expanded on in the sequel, but at the same time I really appreciate the sense of solitude.

It didn't catch instantly with our five-year-old, but now a year later he asks to put it on every so often. He doesn't even want to play, he just wants me to find fish and read to him about them. Which is actually kind of surprising, since I don't really ever play video games around him so for him to choose EO over playing Mario Kart or something with me is a big deal.

[Doomed]

lilboo, if you don't buy this at some point, I will hold you responsible for the lack of an Endless Ocean 3. 32 hours+ for my save now. It is on clearance at Target for $20.98 as of 4-14-2009. (http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=209765)

My latest playlists. I was surprised how little of Finding Nemo could fit into EO. The playlists are a combination of some of my old EO playlists (before iTunes sapped them from me) and some new ones. Missing some, which I am working on.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c305/dabob51/Endless%20Ocean/eo-calm.png

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c305/dabob51/Endless%20Ocean/eo-creepy.png

A single location spoiler included -
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c305/dabob51/Endless%20Ocean/eo-ship.png

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c305/dabob51/Endless%20Ocean/eo-upbeat.png

[tsmvengy]

I totally bought this on clearance at Target a couple weeks ago. I haven't played it yet though...