Will you be picking this one up? Let us know in the comments section! Looking for eshop credit? Get OFFICIAL Nintendo Eshop Cards and other bits and bobs, at our new website and online store here - switchup.gg/ - Earn 5% cashback in points that you can redeem against future purchases. If you are a physical collector looking to import, you can use code "SWITCHUP24" to save 5% at PlayAsia www.play-asia.com Save 10% on Red Art Physical releases like this one by using code SwitchUp at: www.redartgames.com/15-nintendo-switch Save on the Premium Edition games using our link shorturl.at/tuzKQ Shopville www.myshopville.com/products/raji-an-ancient-epic-enhanced-shopville-exclusive-nintendo-switch Happy gaming! Glen

This game feels like a mobile game compared to the previous EO’s. I was and still am a MASSIVE fan of the first two and still play on the Wii, with that being said, this game is merely a shell of the former. The lack of soul and life in this game is heartbreaking. It’s literally an AI narrator. The worlds are randomly generated. There’s freshwater fish in the ocean. This is so saddening as someone who has been waiting 15 YEARS for another game. Unbelievable.

The music is such an integral part of the Endless Ocean games. I still get the chills from the first game and the music featuring Hayley Westenra.

Bought this and I'm happy. I never played the original games so I can't make the same comparisons. I play this with my daughter (8). Some will be disappointed in the lack of shark attacks, whereas my daughter wouldn't play this game if we had to keep running away from sharks! It's very relaxing to swim with the fishes, but some places could be improved: ship wrecks feel the same, there could be more flora covering the ground with life on the ocean floor bed, more interactions with the animals and more murky water areas just to name a few. I've hardly touched SP mode as that's not where this game is at for me, and the constant intermissions during a dive can become a little annoying at times. It's not a perfect game and I do hope they can take on some of the community feedback to improve the game. I will say overall this game is very relaxing and as a Dad playing this with my daughter, we have a lot of fun exploring. I do disagree with your score and personally believe it should have received a couple more points. Happy Gaming

I just want to say that I appreciate how you guys don't rush to do reviews like all of the other gaming news outlets and individual KZfaq Channels. You take your time with these games to get a truly fair opinion.

I'm a huge fan of the Endless Ocean series. I put countless hours into the first two games, and I'm also enjoying this one (30+ hours and going strong). That said, it's not for everyone, and that holds true even for some fans of the EO series. Luminous presents the core of the EO experience, and only the core. That core includes things like swimming around, exploring underwater areas, scanning and learning about various marine life, and collecting treasures. That is why I've always played this series, and that experience is fully intact in Luminous. I'm also currently working on getting decent (sometimes amazing) photos of every single creature in order to fill out the in-game photo album, which will take awhile, so there's quite a bit to do for those who see it as a collectathon type game as well. That said, the second game in the series in particular offered a lot of "dressing" on top of that core gameplay, and while I'm having fun with Luminous, I would absolutely love to have some of those dressings back as well. Things like a stronger story, trainable dolphin companions, top notch music, impactful gear choices, and an aquarium are sorely missed in this game (the aggressive creatures can stay gone, however). I'm hoping this game might get some updates in the future (ongoing support via special community events is planned, so you never know), but for the most part I feel like the devs used this game to test the waters of community interest in an older series that was admittedly niche even in its prime. My guess is they're planning on perhaps releasing a more full fledged game for the Switch 2, and I would be all in on that. Regardless, I think your review is fair. Lots of people are enjoying this game. But it's not going to be for most people, and it's not as good as it *could* be. Those looking for a completely relaxing experience can find it here. Those who need a great story, amazing music, variety in the tasks that they do, or the occasional adrenaline surge from aggressive creatures or fear of running out of air in the game are best served elsewhere. I'm glad this game came out, even if its core experience is lacking the extra dressings included in its predecessor.

For the Aussies, a "Marmite Game" is an equivalent to a "Vegemite Game". Personalty love Vegemite, can eat it by the spoonful straight from the jar but certainly understand how some can detest it. Like this game, I'm not at all keen but others will be absolutely tickled pink to play and thats awesome. Cheers SwitchUp!

Absolutely love how honest these reviews are. And you can really tell throughout listening how much thought was crafted into it. Appreciate the review as always as this is one I've been on the fence about.

I need a zen game in my life, thanks for the honest review of this one! You made perfectly clear what this game is and what it’s not. And I learned what Marmite is 💪🏼

Sadly, I kind of regret purchasing this at full price. :/ I think I was looking for more of a Blue Planet type of feel with sweeping melodies drawing you into the beauty of the sea. I wish I would've watched this before buying.

They had what, 15 years? How does this have less to it than the second game??? I was a huge fan of the original two games and was excitedly looking forward to buying this day one. Sadly, after seeing a few reviews I’ve decided to wait for a sale if not abstain completely. I don’t give a crap about multiplayer. This series was about the single player experience and I am sick to death of every franchise doing this same maneuver, satisfying the demands of multiplayer-loving gamers first.

Ooooh, I've been looking forward to this review. I've heard you can't find it anywhere in stores.

Hopefully they fix the single player glitch where you can’t get the 1 item. Which means you can’t beat the game

I'm from the US and I think this is one of the most beautiful games on the Switch. But not many people appreciate what the game sets out to do. This is in my too five Switch games. There is SO much to do here. Unlockable treasure, emotes, jestures, creature bios + taking pictures of them all, achievements, titles, icons, cosmetics. I only hope they add more content, and flesh out everything a bit more.

I bough it digitally and phisically, love the serie, so calming and relaxing.

I havent been able to pick it up yet due to me moving, but im so excited to eventually play this. I love this series so much and this game feels made for me

I miss a lot of good stuff from the past EO. Music, close up explorarion, real story mode, species variety ( no land animals, no jellyfish). But exploring and finding new fish is always a joy

I've never played the other games but I like the idea of a more chilled/relaxed game. I won't pick this one up just yet - will wait for it to go on a sale physically.

I loved the previous game on the wii and was looking forward to this. I'm so grateful for the honest review as I'll definately wait until its cheaper I think! Great work guys as always!

It’s definitely not going to be for everyone, but I’m personally loving it so far 🐠

I ooved this game on the Wii, it genuinely unique and the exploration elements especially deep sea elements are genuinely haunting.

I hope we get some good news in that June direct for the back half cause this year has been pretty mid so far, not that that's totally unexpected at this point but it would still be nice to get a big swan song or two!

I really hope they release a proper Demo because I want to like it (and maybe buy it) but I'm on the fence and won't get it without a big discount unless I can play a Demo before.

I personally love the chilled out relaxing in this. I can’t play Subnautica. I wanted to as it looks good but no it would scare me and the having to worry about oxygen etc would make it unfun for me. This and Abzu are much more my thing. I recently got Beyond Blue on sale and enjoying that too. I never played the other Endless Ocean games so I don’t have anything to compare it too. It would be nice if they ported those over to the switch in a pack together.

looks cool! Actually, makes me think of the game Crystal Project, Would be really cool if you reviewed that as well! Thanks Mark and Glen!

I was curious about this before release, not having played the original two. I was initially put off by the low scores from critics but honestly, this looks like it could be really fun and relaxing... Hmmmmmm what to do

Story shouldn't have been gated & should have been presented as the tutorial to the main meat of the game. Also would have been better if level up rewards were exploration progression upgrades rather than multiplayer cosmetics. I don't see an issue with its lack of dangerous aquatic life, that aids in keeping it a chill exploration based game.

New drinking game: take a shot every time you hear the phrase “in terms of…”

While looking up info on Luminous i found someone suggesting Abzu, what an amazing game!! A bit short but oh so memorable as a gaming experience

I'm not sure if this would be my cup of tea, but for those interested, I hope you enjoy!

Yay! Been waiting for your review on this game since it was released. Never played the other games in the series but I love the ocean so I'm tempted. Edit after watching: I'm waiting for a very good sale.

I never played any of the previous games so I wasn't let down by missing features. This popped my Endless Ocean cherry, and I'll always love my first.

This totally reminds me of Beyond Good and Evil...How has that game not had a new release. It seems like it would fit right in with todays gamers. Such a cool game.

I love that we have a new EO game, but i really want to see the previous games on the switch too. I loved Blue World

Nice, we've been waiting for this review in our house - thanks!

6:56 Where did you find the Phantom Ray? I noticed you labeled it and gave it a thumbs up.

It’s my first EO game and I love it, the group dive with the hour time limit is just perfect. I can play and not worry I gonna stay too long or won’t have time to finish or something else. It’s very relaxing to play by end of day to unwind and everything is so pretty. If you want to know more you can or just skip all the info and keep sightseeing. A good game.

The best way I can describe this game as a die-hard Endless Ocean fan- this game is like a caramel apple. The caramel being the "Endless Ocean" title, and when you bite into it, you find a kind of apple you're not expecting. On the outside, people who like candy apples will buy the game, but for people who know their confectionaries well, will notice the difference. I'm glad you feel the same way with the marmite haha.

The Scuba Diving in the game “Go Vacation” for Switch and Wii, is excellent as well. A much more compact experience in that game.

By the way, I've been following you guys for a couple of years and this is probably the review I've been looking out the most for. I knew the game was great for some people and boring for others so I really wanted to watch your review. Great work like always! Made me think of a game called Scar's Above (sci-fi third person shooter. Being honest and fair that game is probably a 5.5 or a 6, but for people like me that like/enjoy a lot what they went for it turns out to be a 7-8 game. If it clicks with you then it's a very interesting and entertaining experience. If it doesn't click with you then it's simply an average game. Same thing happens with Endless Ocean Luminous.

This game is a thing of beauty. When you turn on this game you don't expect to encounter unbelievable fears and unpredictable moments. It's an ocean diving game. That's it and which is really cool. 🌊

I absolutely love SwitchUp. Even though I rarely touch my Switch at the moment I still always click if I see a SwitchUp review. With today’s announcement of a Switch 2 being on it’s way, I hope SwitchUp will continue provide us with the exceptional reviews we’ve all come to rely on. Keep it SwitchUp =P

As someone who has never played any of the other games and am collecting Switch games, I already picked this up. Alternating between 2 Switchs and a PS5, I try to keep the genres mixed for what I am playing. Something to kick back and chill should fit right in.

I just bought Abzu for switch, it was at 4,99 € in a 75% disscount, and is way better than this excuse of a game. I hope with the 49.99 € Endless Ocean price they would be able to do a better game in the future 👍🏻

Currently stuck at home with my 8 weeks old newborn and I’m tempted to buy this game !

I can see what people might enjoy in such a game but for me that swimming is far too janky. It needs to be water fluid and it’s not. The ocean is far too barren, they could’ve area’d it off like coral section, kelp forest etc etc. And that price it typical Nintendo too high for what you’re getting

I think that making the player go to play the normal game inbetween story mode is a great choice! Because it connects the solo or co-op play to the story mode, by using the scanning feature, which if following the story you learn helps heal The World Coral. So I feel this a great edition to the game. But thats just my thoughts.

What they needed was a Dave the Diver Story mode

I'll get this if i find it a bit cheaper or have a spare Switch voucher - looks nice and chill, not thinky game where I can catch up on podcasts and youtube :).

I think I have Subnautica collection on the switch and haven't had the chance to play it yet because it's a niche game imo. I'm glad I listened to a review before I got the game. I might listen to another before I make a decision.

Yeeessss! Let's go let's go! 😋

This will be something that my daughter might enjoy albeit at a steep sale.

I can see the appeal, I do agree that it's a bit weird that you have to go so hard into the free play mode to continue the story. Kind makes it not entirely free play at that point.

I must say, I am so happy that V Rising's Castlevania DLC made me be unable to afford this game at launch. I was going to get it after, but I think I'll hold off now. I LOVE the original Endless Ocean game, and have waited for so many years for a new one. This is so disappointing though. You only get 1 hour to explore the map before it's reset. I hate that. Let me explore til my hearts content, then let ME choose when to go to a new map. Plus, there isn't near enough ruins and areas to explore in this one. I wasn't really a fan of the oxygen meter, or getting attacked in the second game, but they did have SO much to explore in that game. Luminous feels like 3 or 4 steps back, rather than a step forward.

Thanks for the review. Never heard of this series before now.

Thanks for the review, I’m still on the fence with this one. Maybe I’ll grab it down the road when it’s on a sale.

This is one I’ll pick up on a sale to play in bed to relax before I go to sleep it seems the perfect game for that

10/10 Marmite review - on my way to the shops now!

I notice that you push L button until the circle complete to scan. You dont need to do that. As long as it is locked on the object it can still scan.

There really could have been a better middle ground between EO2's aggressiveness (and the annoying electro gun and oxygen mechanics) versus the complete passiveness of predators in Luminous. Maybe just have the predators ram/tail whip you and push you back slightly (or stun you for just a second) if you get right up in their faces, but that's all. That would have added just a bit more tension when swimming through the dark in deeper waters, without any real consequence that would prevent younger players or those who have physical limitations from playing.

I played the original two and loved it, but it sounds like I should wait until the price drops (or get it used) before "diving in".

First time trying marmite, I thought it was some kind of sweet fruity marmalade. Was unpleasantly surprised

Honestly I’m curious about this one. I’ve never played it before, but it feels kinda like the perfect game to play in the dark before you go to bed to help you wind the rest of the way down.

Underwater sandbox open world. Looks interesting

Unravel Two is on sale. Just played it with my daughter, great game!

I just spent 6 hours straight in Luminous,it's a chill game and i love it for that,gives me a great alternative to gliding through the waters of Maneater eyring up my next victim 😂.

I was cautiously optimistic about this game after its announcement. From the reviews I've seen, the main thing that killed my interest is the lack of overall interaction with the wildlife, and the lack of depth (pun intended) in the gameplay. Also, I'm disappointed that there's no local split screen. The online multiplayer did look fun in the trailers, and despite the flaws mentionned before I would have loved to explore the sea with my 7yo. On a funny sidenote, I just received a set of Hori Split Pad Compact through the mail, and coincidally the Joycon sound effect at 12:40 happened at almost the exact same time I was attaching them to my Switch. 😆

Honestly this game should have been 20 to $30 at most and it should have marketed itself as endless ocean spinoff. They have something going for them as far as focusing on these multiplayer dives. But instead it feels like you have free game modes where nothing is fully fleshed out to its potential. And I don't really know if I see this game lasting online without adding a lot of new features quick If you're looking for something to just chill out with, especially if you are like me and have a fascination with real life, there's some fun to be out here. But it kind of feels like you're playing an interactive screensaver It's not much to it when it gets down to actual gameplay. I've heard it compared to pokémon snap underwater and I think that is an incredibly valid comparison But again if it had just been cheaper and there was more interaction with other players it could be a lot of fun, especially just kind of for a game where you and some friends can hang out virtually together But as somebody who was a big fan of the last game, this is a massive disappointment. Never mind having an actual narrative, but just handcrafted environments and carefully placed for you to find, the interactivity that you actually had with the animals you're finding, sense of wonder and danger as you explore deeper oceans shipwrecks and caves. The better sense of discovery whenever you came across rare or extinct mythological animals. The ability to custom design your own aquarium, to have your own home base boat, to be able to surface and see animals on land and islands, and the ability to train your own dolphins Some of that I think would fit really well with the multiplayer setting as well, imagine being able to see each other's custom built aquariums. I don't know It just seems really expensive for something that has all of these features stripped away and instead just kind of serves to be a fish tank that you can swim around in I'm going to get my time out of this game again just because of I am interested in marine biology and the vast array of animals that live under the sea But even if somebody else has that same love for the subject, I would advise them waiting until there's a sale Otherwise, I don't know. I suppose I hope the game does well so that they don't abandon this franchise forever and can make a proper sequel. But at the end of the day I don't really want to encourage a $50 tech demo Also I really wish there was a way to get rid of that annoying blue outline around fish before you scan them. I don't want to keep rescanning species I've already scanned, I just want to swim around and look at the damn fish. It's annoying especially when you're going to take a picture and it's obstructed now by a bunch of animals with glowing blue outlines

I absolutely loved endless ocean blue world! I was so excited when they announced the game for the switch. However, this game SUCKS… terrible story mode.. no side quests.. no aquarium… and on and on… what a heartbreak!

I'm i "right",if i say, this is the "No Man's Sky" in water/ocean? Oh,and thank you guys for an super informative good job. Love Switchup.

Finally I game I also got! xD Unfortunately I’m stuck.. I can’t manage to find that big fish to finish the story.. I checked that pink area far and wide but the depth is also so much area I really don’t know where to look for that one..

Recorded through a snorkel?

Glenn I gotta say your mic quality jumps a *lot*, especially during this video :D

Hmmm well interesting glad for the review .hope everyone else enjoys it

This was very hard to find in stores physically. I got one for my daughter and she liked it. She had played the original two and now that she is older was looking for a bit more like Subnautica in that eerie feeling sort of way. She was disappointed a bit when she found Thanatos and he didn't attack like in part 2. She played it hard-core for about two days, then quickly moved on to Graveyard Keeper and his communist donkey.😅

I love this game! But I also totally agree on the review, all of it! Good job! :)

Thanks for the review guys, i was wondering whether to get it or not, thanks to your video i know i ll wait for a discount and get it at around 50% then

I am new to thi franchise, but so far i am loving the game

But Marmite is glue made from the horses that bear the four harbingers of the apocalypse. I'm not sure you're supposed to eat it at all...

I'm not interested in this game. However, I am interested in Marmite. Good job Glen - I knew you were a legend 😀

Thanks for the great review. I was really looking forward to this one but had my doubts and unfortunately still do after watching this. I love diving and diving games like subnautica and deep diving adventure (having also done some marine biology research myself), but what is said about the story progress and also it not being that realistic I think in animal interactions or for instance oxygen consumption makes it a bit disappointing. The things you can buy are just cosmetic, no increase in swim speed with other fins or staying under water with larger tanks or something like that? On the other hand, I absolutely loved Abzu and that is not realistic and very relaxing and about exploration, so maybe I should go into in expecting more that kind of experience. I think I will wait for a sale on this one.

I will be foregoing the endless ocean this week in leiu of a sea...of stars...physically...😁

My first time trying this game but I was genuinely surprised by how little aquatic vegetation there was and it's feel barren despite having so many species to find and discover I'm disappointed because I was hoping to get a closer feeling like how Forza Horizon does when traversing the environment

Wasn't sure what to expect but I really appreciate your honest review. If you want the most relaxing/challenging/puzzle game then try Stitch. I literally have been playing 2 days straight. It's sooooo awesome

I was eying this up on the side, not a priority buy. But after this review and another similar from another trusted source well I think I'll reinstall Abzu! Thanks Switch Up gurus

Not really for me, but I hope it scratches an itch for some of you. Thanks for the review guys. P.S. I love Marmite, and I'm an American.

Great review.

A lot of people are not getting this game because the gameplay loop is too boring for them I don't blame them but I am personally playing it way way more than even I thought I would

Sounds good, but Stitch is my current go to game for relaxing at the moment.

I like the game but I was expected more than the previous 2 games, I would gladly give up multiplayers for all the lost features of the previous 2 games, I never played the previous 2 games as I never had a wii but I watched tons of videos of those games as a young teenager

Would be nive if they had a survival or realism mode and then the base mode

I love this game as much as Vegemite LOL. I guess because I also love dinosaurs

Well that’s too bad, I had higher expectations. Another run of Abzu then?

90/100 For those that like simple exploration without guns and high scores.

Looks so relaxing!

I've only played it twice since I got it but that's added up to 6 hours. Love it so far but I treat it like a visual novel. I play it when I am too tired to play games that I need more alertness for but not so tired that I want to watch someone else play a game or watch a show or movie. I've been tired a lot lately so I've been switching between Endless ocean and The Letter a horror visual novel. It's the same thing as animal crossing, it's only designed to be played so much a day but people will binge it to "beat it" or get everything. For me it's there when I'm in the mood or for a little bit each day. I watch the nautilus livestreams and though maybe disappointing stretches of nothing is very realistic but also that shows I really enjoy water exploration. But yeah the story mode is complete arse but I don't care about it. That first chapter is necessary though I think even if you want to ignore the story. Still nothing like seeing your first Manta Ray in each game like this though.

In NZ we have marmite and vegemite. So you can have both! Or neither. Because some people dislike both. I prefer marmite. I understood what you meant immediately. I know a lot of people who don’t like marmite.

Between Abzu as a casual explorer and Subnautica being a more rich and diverse game - This doesn't feel necessary. 😅

I know this game has been getting bad reviews. Mostly because people are like " there's nothing to do but swim and look at fish". I am just like well duh dip shit that's what we fans have wanted.

I think what’s the most offensive is the $50 price tag lol.