Despite its repetitious nature, Endless Ocean Luminous is a very soothing game with tons of sea life to discover and a laid-back atmosphere. Even though it’s not a really thrilling game, it’s a nice one to play after a hard day.
Initial release date: May 2, 2024
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Developer: ARIKA
Mode: Multiplayer video game
License: proprietary license
Composers: Shinji Hosoe, Ayako Saso, Eguchi Takahiro
Genre: Adventure game
My knowledge of Endless Ocean is limited to what I was told about the series’ earlier releases in the late 2000s. Still, I’m usually up for a more laid-back game, so the thought of delving into the ocean’s depths while nodding off appealed to me. It’s not the most complex or exciting game out there, but it’s a nice little diversion.
While exploring the titular vast sea, Endless Ocean Luminous’ primary goal is to see various underwater living types. You may dive alone or with others online, and while diving alone can be a little more zen, seeing other people swim about does help the vast chasms you explore feel a little less lonely. Because the majority of communication consists of waving and tagging stuff, people who are uncomfortable being highly involved online can still have a great time with others because there is no expectation or need to contribute anything or even acknowledge other participants.
The sheer number of fish and crustaceans to scan astounded me, especially considering that each one has a unique description provided by the in-game AI. If you would like, (called Sera) can read aloud to you. Because each species is fairly detailed, the process of discovering them is always satisfying. Considering that you’re only studying these uncommon creatures—you’re not actually trying to catch them or anything—finding them is also rather exciting.
It is particularly simple to get lost in the carefree atmosphere that comes with searching for hidden treasures and observing fish thanks to the tranquil noises and background noise of the ocean.
In Endless Ocean Luminous, you can locate a wide variety of items underwater in addition to fish categorization. Excavating various items, ranging from legitimately astounding treasures to garbage or silly artifacts, is fun, especially when you mark them for other players to find. It’s a clever loop that may make time fly by without you realizing it—seeing a fish to scan, then a nearby gleam of wealth to study, and then another fish (on repeat).
Everything in Luminous is visually striking, from the intricate fish to the enormous ocean. Even while playing on relatively huge oceanic maps with others, I didn’t experience any significant performance concerns or stutters. The gentle tones and background aquatic noise in the pleasing sound design make it particularly simple to get lost in the carefree atmosphere that comes with searching for hidden treasures and spotting fish.
Review Overview
Gameplay – 72%
Story – 65%
Aesthetics – 85%
Content – 70%
Accessibility – 75%
Value – 68%
Overall Rating – 72%
Good
Summary: Although Endless Ocean Luminous isn’t the most engaging or energetic game, its calming ambiance and easygoing gameplay combine for a distinctive experience. You can’t do worse than this game if you’re searching for a more laid-back option to play in between larger and wilder ones.