Topic: Dive: The Medes Island Secret impressions

[Pandareus]

This game came out today on Wiiware. I had been keeping my eye on it pre-release because the premise was interesting (an underwater exploration game) and the fact that it used NyxQuest's engine (though it's a different developer).

The first thing you notice is that this game is pretty. Oh boy, is it ever pretty. NyxQuest had some kick-ass lighting, but it seriously lacked colors and detail, and the environments weren't very animated. Well, the awesome lighting is back, in a game way more colorful, detailed, and teeming with life. It's really quite a sight.

The controls are extremely simple, but they word: you only use the Wiimote's pointer. Hold B to swim, press A to shoot your dart gun, and that's it. It takes no time at all to get used to and swim around like a pro.

I've heard the word "metroidvania" thrown around to describe this game, and while it's true that it's very much about exploration, you don't exactly find yourself having to find the super missiles to open the green door, here. Instead, what you're looking for is treasure, which gives you funds to upgrade your equipment: swim faster, dive deeper, get a bigger airtank, etc. Other than your suit which determines how deep you can go, there isn't an instance where you need a specific item to get somewhere.

So far I'm really enjoying it. I played for 2 hours in one go without even realizing it. I'm really wondering how long it is, since I don't even have even half of the "main treasures" (one per level). This could end up being quite a meaty Wiiware game, longer than NyxQuest or LostWinds by a long shot.

[AV]

sounds pretty good

[Halbred]

I played it for twenty minutes last night...got a review code. Is there a way to change "areas?" I've gotten as far as I can in the initial level without the need for a better suit, and I don't have enough money for a better suit yet.

[Pandareus]

To get access to the next area, you only have to find the "main" treasure, the one mentionned right when you start the level. And in the first level, you're supposed to be able to get to it without any upgrades.
 
Check your compass at the top left of the screen. It marks the direction of the main treasure  with a gold star.

[vudu]

I really liked NyxQuest, so I might have to check this out.

I assume the game uses an "air gauge".  How quickly does it deplete?  Do you refill it in-level (e.g. by swimming through air bubbles) or does it just act like a level timer?  If you do refill the gauge in-level does each power-up only fill it a little bit (meaning the developers use them to lead you through the level) or do they fill it a lot (meaning its used to reward the player for exploring)?

[Pandareus]

Yeah, the air gauge is a timer and also your health bar. It depletes very slowly unless you're touching a creature, then it depletes VERY fast.
 
Also, pressing B twice gives you a quick speed boost at the cost of one bar on your air gauge. It's definitely worth it if you need to avoid a creature.
 
In a very game-y way, you simply find air tanks in the levels, they replenish your gauge completely. Your air gauge also gets refilled when you reach a checkpoint.
 
Most of the time when I've died in the game (half a dozen times already), it was due to touching a creature and not because I simply ran out of time. I know some people despise time limits, but in this game it's pretty generous and I don't generally feel pressured into going fast.

[Jonnyboy117]

Please keep posting impressions, I am on the fence but leaning towards the download.

[TheBlackCat]

Please keep posting impressions, I am on the fence but leaning towards the download.

Ditto

[Pandareus]

Hmm. Not sure what else I can say about it. After playing more tonight, it does look like I've not even seen half the levels in the game, after roughly 3 hours of play. That would put the total play time way above something like Nyxquest.

Now my concern isn't the length anymore, but whether the game can stay fresh, because I've unlocked all but one upgrade, now, and it won't be long before I have them all. At least, so far the game has done a good job introducing new enemies in each new level, so we'll see if they can keep it up.

My OCD alone pretty much ensures I'll see this game through to the bitter end even if absolutely nothing new is introduced in the 5 next levels. But still.

[TheBlackCat]

That is good to hear.  One of the reasons I am hesitant is because of how short nyxquest way.

[NWR_Neal]

I put two hours or so into it tonight and I really dig it. It's like Endless Ocean if Endless Ocean was more of a conventional game experience. It has that same sort of relaxing vibe, though there are a lot more 'enemies' in Dive.

I'm nearing the same point as Pandareus. I don't know how long the game will hold up, as I've got almost every upgrade, and I think I still have five or six levels to go.

The level design in each location isn't amazing, but it's still engaging. Also, it looks awesome.

[TheBlackCat]

I got it.  I am currently on the fourth map.  It is good, except for the crashes.  Some of the music definitely seem reminiscent of Metroid (especially the "danger" music in the first few levels is similar to some of the Norfair music from Super Metroid).  And seriously, if you are going to call it a "tranquilizer spear gun", don't have the creatures roll over and evaporate when shot with it.  "Yeah, it is a tranquilizer, but the dose is set to tranquilize a sperm whale".

When you do a review, I thought of a good title for the review:

"Endless Ocean: The Game"

[Halbred]

I've through the first two levels now. You can think of it as a side-scrolling Endless Ocean game. Exploration is rewarded because every nook and cranny has a treasure to find. The levels are maze-like and surprisingly large. My only complaint is that there are enemies everywhere, and it's easy to run out of spear gun ammo.

It's a beautiful game, and the soundtrack is nice, even if the musical theme is quite brief and cycles quickly.

[TheBlackCat]

In Tortuga, did anybody else encounter a treasure they could not get to because what looked like an open space was blocked?

[Pandareus]

Hadn't played in a while. I've been busy, being the best man at my brother's wedding and all. 
 
Just finished Tortuga, and yeah, there was definitely an invisible wall preventing me from reaching a treasure. Sucks, especially since I'm 100% sure the game will never get patched.
 
I haven't had a single crash yet, though. *knocks wood*
 
I also just read IGN's review and I pretty much agree with Lucas Thomas: it's a cool unique experience, but it wears a little thin before the end, especially once you've gotten all the upgrades.
 
The game's difficulty has really ramped up in the 6th level or so, I keep dying, despite all the upgrades.

[Pandareus]

I felt like writing up a review, so I did. Hope you enjoy.