Today’s Nintendo Partner Direct unveiled an unexpected surprise for fans: a revival of the beloved Wii diving series, Endless Ocean, making its debut on the Nintendo Switch.
Scheduled for release on May 2, Endless Ocean Luminous brings back the immersive experience of exploring underwater worlds and documenting the diverse array of marine life.
With over 500 species to discover, including extinct or “mythical” creatures, players will delve into a dynamic environment that changes with each dive, hinting at a possible roguelike element. Moreover, the game offers the option for multiplayer diving adventures, accommodating up to 30 players online.
The announcement marks a significant return for the Endless Ocean franchise, which traces its origins back to the PS2 era with Arika’s Everblue series, published by Capcom. Although the initial entries in the series received mixed reviews, they captured the interest of Nintendo, leading to the development of Endless Ocean for the Wii in 2009.
Serving as a spiritual successor to Everblue, the Wii installment showcased Nintendo’s commitment to innovative gameplay concepts during the mid-2000s. Despite receiving a sequel in the same year, the franchise appeared to fade into obscurity with the conclusion of the Wii era.
Therefore, the resurgence of Endless Ocean on the Nintendo Switch comes as a pleasant surprise to fans and industry observers alike. While Nintendo is listed as the publisher of Endless Ocean Luminous, the identity of the developer remains ambiguous.
Interestingly, the presence of a copyright attributed to Arika on the store page sparks speculation about their involvement, though further details regarding the game’s development team remain elusive.
