Summary
The February 21 Nintendo Switch Partner Direct concluded with the surprise announcement ofEndless Ocean Luminous,a new title in theEndless Oceanseries of underwater exploration games. The game retains the originalEndless Oceantitles' focus on exploration over combat or puzzles. However, the addition of a constantly changing underwater layout, larger sunken ruins to explore, and prehistoric and mythical fish species brings to mind theSubnauticaseries as a potential influence on upcomingNintendo SwitchtitleEndless Ocean Luminous.
Luminous Moves Away From Previous Endless Ocean Titles' Grounded Setting
Luminousis the third title in theEndless Oceanseries, which began with the Nintendo Wii titleEndless Oceanin 2007 and continued with the sequelEndless Ocean 2: Adventures of the Deep,also known asEndless Ocean: Blue World.While both previous titles featured fictional settings that contained a mix of sea creatures that would not be found together in the real world, they focused primarily on modern, existing species.
EvenEndless Ocean: Blue World’sLegendary Creatures, a series of thirty rare specimens that could only be encountered under specific circumstances, were primarily large or unusually colored versions of real fish and mammals. There were, however, a few exceptions, such as:
Endless Ocean Luminousfully embraces both prehistoric and mythical sea creatures in its Veiled Sea setting. The trailer showed off several examples, including a Mosasaurus, a massive prehistoric predator which gained popularity following its appearance in theJurassic Worldfilms. Only one mythical creature is seen, an enormous white being that is not given an official name, but the trailer seemingly confirms that multiple legendary underwater denizens will make an appearance.
Some Subnautica Elements May Be Present In Endless Ocean Luminous
Subnauticais primarily a survival game, with players having to stay alive in a chaotic underwater world.Endless Ocean Luminousseems to be more sedate and focused on exploration; players will likely not have to worry about managing hunger or thirst. Additionally, if the first trailer is accurate, it seems that combat with hostile creatures, introduced inEndless Ocean 2,will not be returning. In this way,Luminousis most similar toSubnautica’sCreative Mode, which removes health, thirst, and the need for resources to craft items.
Aesthetically, however,Endless Ocean Luminousdefinitely seems to have been inspired bySubnauticain many small ways. The Partner Direct trailer showed a group of players exploring a coral-covered ancient ruin that definitely givesmajorSubnauticavibes. The setting of the Veiled Sea, an ever-changing expanse of water that looks different each time players dive into it, also brings the popular ocean survival title to mind. AndSubnauticaand its sequel are, of course, filled with unique fauna, although they tend towards fictional creatures and bizarre hybrids of existing ocean dwellers, such as the Jellyray (jellyfish stingray) or Ampeel (anglerfish eel.)
Luminous Could Tide Players Over During The Wait For Subnautica 3
The most recentSubnauticaproject released wasSubnautica: Below Zeroin 2021. Initially imagined as a DLC pack for the firstSubnautica, it later became large enough to be developed as a standalone game. Developer Unknown Worlds did eventually confirm thatSubnautica 3was in development, and hinted that it may enter Early Access as early as 2024. However, players waiting forSubnautica 3could definitely giveEndless Ocean Luminousa try in the meantime. The two games are not completely similar, but both will likely offer fascinating underwater adventures in a richly designed world.
Endless Ocean Luminouswill release on June 04, 2025 for the Nintendo Switch. Preorders are currently available.
Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch is a hybrid portable and home console that aims to be the only gaming system anyone needs. The hybrid controller is an undisputed success because it provides a high degree of portable visual quality and converts easily into a home console.
