“Endless Ocean: Luminous” offers a serene and straightforward experience on the Nintendo Switch. Unlike its predecessors in the scuba diving game series on the Wii, Luminous presents players with a narrative to follow and objectives to complete, albeit relatively mundane ones. However, the true charm of the game lies in its freedom for exploration.
One of the most relaxing aspects of Luminous, particularly during solo dives, is its complete lack of constraints and obstacles. Players are granted access to a vast expanse of the Veiled Sea, with each dive generating a new map. There’s no need to fret over oxygen levels, temperature drops, or the threat of encountering dangerous marine creatures like sharks. In fact, there’s no possibility of failure or getting stuck.
While some may find the absence of challenges frustrating, I personally found it liberating. It allowed me to leisurely explore at my own pace, unhindered by external pressures. Moreover, the game boasts a plethora of marine life to discover, with nearly 600 species to scan and observe, ranging from common fish to ancient creatures. Alongside these creatures, players can stumble upon intriguing artifacts and ruins, adding an element of mystery to the underwater world.
In my exploration of various dive locations, I observed a considerable diversity in the maps. From vibrant coral reefs to icy expanses and intricate cave systems, each environment offers its own unique allure. Despite the graphical limitations inherent in the Switch platform, the environments retain a certain beauty, capable of evoking moments of wonder, such as encountering a playful pod of dolphins or witnessing the graceful movements of a majestic whale in the distance.
While Luminous attempts to incorporate traditional gaming elements, such as a story mode and artifact discovery, I personally found the allure of exploration to be far more engaging than these features. However, it’s worth noting that beyond the joy of discovery, the gameplay primarily revolves around swimming, scanning, and photographing marine life, which may not appeal to all players.
Personally, I’ve found myself indulging in brief sessions of Luminous, spending around 30 minutes at a time diving into new areas, immersing myself in the underwater vistas with the UI turned off. In an era dominated by time-consuming live-service games and sprawling open worlds filled with tasks, Luminous offers a refreshing and tranquil alternative, allowing players to unwind in a serene aquatic setting.