Endless Ocean: Luminous

A monotonous underwater exploration game that relies too heavily on simple scanning mechanics with little gameplay depth, artificial presentation, and disappointing online multiplayer that fails to justify its $50 price point.

A deeply relaxing, divisive ocean-exploration game best suited to players who want Zen-style discovery rather than tangible progression. Tight, surprisingly satisfying swimming controls and some breathtaking moments like exploring shipwrecks are highlights. Let down by an obtuse story mode that locks content behind grindy objectives, long murky stretches of nothing, inconsistent music that cuts out at key moments, and a feeling it strips back too much compared with Endless Ocean 2.