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.002 Leagues Under the Wii (Ocean Exploration Games)
JamesDM
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
I recently acquired a Wii and one of the many game I have been looking forward to purchasing(read: purchasing today) is Endless Ocean. After looking around for other games similar to this one I started thinking about some of the game I used to play when I was younger and wondered why the concept of undersea exploration has never really blossomed even after many fun games over time were released. So, G&T I call unto you, look upon my OP at some great undersea games I have played/heard of and share you similar experiences.
Starting with the two games that most likely have the most exposure:
Endless Ocean (Forever Blue)
Video-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpHQinpnum4
Aquanaut's Holiday: Hidden Memories (Aqua)
Video-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sV1oZQgm-GE
Probably one of the first underwater exploration games that really grabbed me was...
Titanic: Challange of Discovery
Am I the only one who enjoys this sub-genre and it's sub-genre's sub-genres or are there more like me that would love to see more games of these types?
Starting with the two games that most likely have the most exposure:
Endless Ocean (Forever Blue)
Basic Info-
Developer: Arika
Publisher: Nintendo
Platform: Wii
Release date:
JP August 2, 2007
EU November 9, 2007
AUS January 17, 2008
NA January 21, 2008
Modes: Single player, co-operative multiplayer.
Spiritual Successor of Everblue and Everblue 2 for the PS2.
Background-
Endless Ocean places the player in the role of a scuba diver exploring the Manaurai (Manoa Lai) sea in search of sea life and sunken treasure under the guidance of an assistant named Catherine Sunday. In the sea, they will encounter a number of marine species ranging from smaller fish and penguins to massive whale sharks, manta rays and humpback whales. The range of marine wildlife in the game is extensive and includes many common and rare species. The player will also encounter dolphins and other cetaceans that can be trained to perform certain tricks and become companions on dives. Species such as sharks are also present; however, they pose no threat to the player. The player also has access to a large aquarium that they can populate with species they have identified. The sea's various locations providing a means for the player to experience general diving, cave diving, deep-water trench exploration, wreck diving, and other activities that might not otherwise be possible in a single real world setting. The game is controlled solely using the Wii Remote, with the player using an on-screen cursor to guide their diver. The game features Wi-Fi play over the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, allowing two players to dive together. Arika, the game's developer, previously released the games Everblue and Everblue 2 for the PlayStation 2. Both titles featured very similar game play to that of Endless Ocean, revolving heavily around scuba diving in search of underwater treasure, as well as underwater photography. The Everblue titles are both played from a first person perspective, while Endless Ocean uses both first person and third person perspectives for movement. Additionally, a fixed first person perspective is used for close examination. The game contains mythology about certain animals, like orcas and sharks.
Music-
The song "Prayer" composed by Secret Garden and performed by Hayley Westenra is featured in the trailers for Endless Ocean, as well as in the game itself. Westenra also contributes several other songs including her rendition of the Maori folk song "Pokarekare Ana". Players are also able to transfer their own MP3 music files to an SD card, and listen to them while playing, providing a customizable soundtrack for the game. This is the second game on Wii to provide such a feature, the first being Excite Truck.
The game will be followed by a sequel, Forever Blue 2: Beautiful Ocean, in 2009.
All info shamelessly stolen from Wikipedia.
Developer: Arika
Publisher: Nintendo
Platform: Wii
Release date:
JP August 2, 2007
EU November 9, 2007
AUS January 17, 2008
NA January 21, 2008
Modes: Single player, co-operative multiplayer.
Spiritual Successor of Everblue and Everblue 2 for the PS2.
Background-
Endless Ocean places the player in the role of a scuba diver exploring the Manaurai (Manoa Lai) sea in search of sea life and sunken treasure under the guidance of an assistant named Catherine Sunday. In the sea, they will encounter a number of marine species ranging from smaller fish and penguins to massive whale sharks, manta rays and humpback whales. The range of marine wildlife in the game is extensive and includes many common and rare species. The player will also encounter dolphins and other cetaceans that can be trained to perform certain tricks and become companions on dives. Species such as sharks are also present; however, they pose no threat to the player. The player also has access to a large aquarium that they can populate with species they have identified. The sea's various locations providing a means for the player to experience general diving, cave diving, deep-water trench exploration, wreck diving, and other activities that might not otherwise be possible in a single real world setting. The game is controlled solely using the Wii Remote, with the player using an on-screen cursor to guide their diver. The game features Wi-Fi play over the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, allowing two players to dive together. Arika, the game's developer, previously released the games Everblue and Everblue 2 for the PlayStation 2. Both titles featured very similar game play to that of Endless Ocean, revolving heavily around scuba diving in search of underwater treasure, as well as underwater photography. The Everblue titles are both played from a first person perspective, while Endless Ocean uses both first person and third person perspectives for movement. Additionally, a fixed first person perspective is used for close examination. The game contains mythology about certain animals, like orcas and sharks.
Music-
The song "Prayer" composed by Secret Garden and performed by Hayley Westenra is featured in the trailers for Endless Ocean, as well as in the game itself. Westenra also contributes several other songs including her rendition of the Maori folk song "Pokarekare Ana". Players are also able to transfer their own MP3 music files to an SD card, and listen to them while playing, providing a customizable soundtrack for the game. This is the second game on Wii to provide such a feature, the first being Excite Truck.
The game will be followed by a sequel, Forever Blue 2: Beautiful Ocean, in 2009.
All info shamelessly stolen from Wikipedia.
Video-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpHQinpnum4
Aquanaut's Holiday: Hidden Memories (Aqua)
Basic Info-
Developer: Artdink
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Native resolution: 720p
Platform: PlayStation 3
Release date:
JP September 25, 2008
HK November 20, 2008 (English+Chinese version)
Part of the Aquanaut's Holiday series.
Background-
The actual story mode of the game can be compared to an adventure game. The main character is a journalist, in search of the missing oceanographer William "Bill" Graber. Using a submarine called the Dolphin No.2 you explore the seas for clues.
The game takes place in Kisira Atoll, in Polynesia. An oceanographic research facility named Kisira Base is the starting point and where you always come back to, for supplies (such as batteries for sonar navigation buoys) and equipment.
Two scientists work at the base, the young and dreamy Jessica Porter and the conservative chief Robert Kemelman. Both assist you in solving mysteries, each in their own way. Jessica likes to believe fairy tales and legends, while Robert usually comes up with a scientific explanation.
All the fish, animals and other discoveries are added to a database. Some fish can communicate and the player has to repeat the sounds made by a fish, using the four trigger buttons of the Sixaxis controller.
At all times, the unlocked area of the map is free to explore as you like.
There is a decent amount of info on this game if you look around, it would take me forever to summarize it, but there is a great review here.
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/index.html?curid=18419290
Developer: Artdink
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Native resolution: 720p
Platform: PlayStation 3
Release date:
JP September 25, 2008
HK November 20, 2008 (English+Chinese version)
Part of the Aquanaut's Holiday series.
Background-
The actual story mode of the game can be compared to an adventure game. The main character is a journalist, in search of the missing oceanographer William "Bill" Graber. Using a submarine called the Dolphin No.2 you explore the seas for clues.
The game takes place in Kisira Atoll, in Polynesia. An oceanographic research facility named Kisira Base is the starting point and where you always come back to, for supplies (such as batteries for sonar navigation buoys) and equipment.
Two scientists work at the base, the young and dreamy Jessica Porter and the conservative chief Robert Kemelman. Both assist you in solving mysteries, each in their own way. Jessica likes to believe fairy tales and legends, while Robert usually comes up with a scientific explanation.
All the fish, animals and other discoveries are added to a database. Some fish can communicate and the player has to repeat the sounds made by a fish, using the four trigger buttons of the Sixaxis controller.
At all times, the unlocked area of the map is free to explore as you like.
There is a decent amount of info on this game if you look around, it would take me forever to summarize it, but there is a great review here.
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/index.html?curid=18419290
Video-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sV1oZQgm-GE
Probably one of the first underwater exploration games that really grabbed me was...
Titanic: Challange of Discovery
Basic Info-
Publisher: Panasonic Interactive Media
Developer: Maris Multimedia Ltd.
Platform: Windows
Release Date:
1998
Background-
A strategy/simulation game that includes a little bit of education, Titanic: Challenge of Discovery puts you in the lead of an underwater archaeological team charged with finding three diverse famous wrecks: the Roman galley Isis, the German battleship Bismark, and then the starring ship, the RMS Titanic.
With both a limited budget and window of opportunity, you must assemble a crew and equipment, then research the legends and tales of the wrecks to find a general area to search. Once you're out at sea, you'll use the common tools of the trade, from towed sonar to remote controlled submersibles to look for signs of debris. With a probable location, you can then excavate valuable historical pieces. Doing all this while maintaining a happy, healthy crew and not losing any equipment will give you the points you need to tackle the next target.
Crew members have hidden stats, which affect how long it takes for jobs and how well they're done. Weather and sea conditions can affect your choices for the day, as poor situations could make searching not only difficult, but also dangerous.
The game is played primarily through a bunch of control panels similar to ship systems. In addition, the Jason remote controlled vehicle and Discovery sub are controlled in a first-person sim like situation, with the dark ocean bottom displayed before you in 3-D Graphics.
The game is primarily for those interested in the deep sea searching, as much of the time is spent listening to sonar traces and examining the ocean floor, determining what is a piece of a Roman galley and what's a WWII fighter.
Source: http://www.mobygames.com/game/titanic-challenge-of-discovery
I really couldn't find much information on this game, it is pretty old and wasn't exactly a top seller. It was however endorsed by Robert Ballard, the man credited with discovering the Titanic and many other historical ship wrecks.
Images-
There was also a Playstation game where you would pilot a Diver Propulsion Vehicle through semi linear maze like trenches to complete missions, while avoiding or fighting enemy frogmen and finding treasure or other salvage. The name escapes me at the moment but I would love to figure out what it was and pick it up again.Publisher: Panasonic Interactive Media
Developer: Maris Multimedia Ltd.
Platform: Windows
Release Date:
1998
Background-
A strategy/simulation game that includes a little bit of education, Titanic: Challenge of Discovery puts you in the lead of an underwater archaeological team charged with finding three diverse famous wrecks: the Roman galley Isis, the German battleship Bismark, and then the starring ship, the RMS Titanic.
With both a limited budget and window of opportunity, you must assemble a crew and equipment, then research the legends and tales of the wrecks to find a general area to search. Once you're out at sea, you'll use the common tools of the trade, from towed sonar to remote controlled submersibles to look for signs of debris. With a probable location, you can then excavate valuable historical pieces. Doing all this while maintaining a happy, healthy crew and not losing any equipment will give you the points you need to tackle the next target.
Crew members have hidden stats, which affect how long it takes for jobs and how well they're done. Weather and sea conditions can affect your choices for the day, as poor situations could make searching not only difficult, but also dangerous.
The game is played primarily through a bunch of control panels similar to ship systems. In addition, the Jason remote controlled vehicle and Discovery sub are controlled in a first-person sim like situation, with the dark ocean bottom displayed before you in 3-D Graphics.
The game is primarily for those interested in the deep sea searching, as much of the time is spent listening to sonar traces and examining the ocean floor, determining what is a piece of a Roman galley and what's a WWII fighter.
Source: http://www.mobygames.com/game/titanic-challenge-of-discovery
I really couldn't find much information on this game, it is pretty old and wasn't exactly a top seller. It was however endorsed by Robert Ballard, the man credited with discovering the Titanic and many other historical ship wrecks.
Images-
Am I the only one who enjoys this sub-genre and it's sub-genre's sub-genres or are there more like me that would love to see more games of these types?
If you have any complaints about this poster then feel free to: Иди на хуй, Сучьи 
Steam, PSN, XBL, Xfire and everything else JamesDM
Steam, PSN, XBL, Xfire and everything else JamesDM
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Steam, PSN, XBL, Xfire and everything else JamesDM
I wish I still had my PS3 as I would do the same. Aquanaut's Holiday looks great, I like the idea of having freedom to explore, but also having a set storyline to follow with separate rewards for doing so.
Steam, PSN, XBL, Xfire and everything else JamesDM
http://www.audioentropy.com/
In Japan it is.
You can just freely explore around or you can take small missions like photographing a certain species or leading someone on a guided tour to find species they like, these missions net new gear and info on new locations(?) There isn't much real structure, it's mostly just an exploration game. I guess filling up your book with all the species probably counts for something too.
Steam, PSN, XBL, Xfire and everything else JamesDM
Where can I order the *with English* version?
3DS: 1521-4165-5907
PS3: KayleSolo
Live: Kayle Solo
WiiU: KayleSolo
http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-bp-49-en-15-aquanaut%27s-70-34md.html
$49.90
Thank you, thank you very much. 8-)
3DS: 1521-4165-5907
PS3: KayleSolo
Live: Kayle Solo
WiiU: KayleSolo
Much respect to this guy over here.
Steam, PSN, XBL, Xfire and everything else JamesDM
In which case I also recommend Ecco for the Dreamcast. Awesome, and again, amazingly beautiful game.
Is this something i'll encounter with Endless Ocean?
Animal Crossing - 3566 5318 4585/2492 7891 0383 Deacon/Akisha in Crayon
Glad to help, I played the shit out of that game so I instantly knew what you meant.
Yeah, but not in a frightening way.
3DS: 1521-4165-5907
PS3: KayleSolo
Live: Kayle Solo
WiiU: KayleSolo
I loved Endless Ocean on the Wii, and I've been looking forward to the one on the PS3. I'm so glad it's not region locked and includes English! It looks like I might have to order it.
Does anyone have it and can talk about it some more?
And the game culminates in
Exploration is key but there is more to it as you go.
I was watching the gameplay video on the 1Up review page, and it was in English. It had a few hiccups here and there, but it seemed fine. If I had the money for it I'd buy it right this minute. I'd love to hear some opinions on the game from here, though, first.
Hm, I hadn't even contemplated getting Endless Ocean, but this thread has me thinking about it now...
dream a little dream or you could live a little dream
sleep forever if you wish to be a dreamer
Getting to the Floating Waters makes the whole thing worthwhile.
dream a little dream or you could live a little dream
sleep forever if you wish to be a dreamer
My only major problem with Treasures of the Deep was that I was expecting more of an exploration game and instead got more of an underwater FPS. An awesome underwater FPS though so I can't complain much. I don't know how well it's held up though.
Zeboyd Games Development Blog
Steam ID : rwb36, Twitter : Werezompire, Facebook : Zeboyd Games
Steam, PSN, XBL, Xfire and everything else JamesDM