- Platform: Switch
- Publisher: E-Line Media
- ESRB Rating: E for Everyone
- Release Date: November 11, 2021 Metadata by Giant Bomb
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I have to admit that I haven’t touched an underwater simulator game in quite some time. Matter of fact, not since 2016’s Abzu which was one of the best ones I’ve played. Originally released last year on PC and consoles back last summer, E-Line Media’s Beyond Blue swims over to the Nintendo Switch that offers some portable diving fun whenever the mood strikes you.
Our editor Sebastian reviewed this release when it hit last year, and you can check out the review for the plot details as I go into how the experience is on the Switch. It’s not quite as fun as Abzu, but I still had a nice time controlling the diver Mirai and having to scan for sea life while also getting to interact with her team and family members between dives.
The main story mode is a bit short, so sadly you don’t get to really know the characters as much as you’d like. But at least you get to enjoy the tranquility that comes with just swimming around and discovering sea animals. You can tell that the BBC had a hand in helping with this part as navigating your way through the waters often feels as though you’re watching one of their many Blue Planet documentaries.
Another thing I found myself enjoying as the pretty cool soundtrack. I wasn’t expecting to hear tracks such as “All We Have Is Now” by The Flaming Lips before going off on a diving mission, but it was a welcomed surprise. It would be nice if you could listen to songs during your dives, but you’ll have to settle for the calming, ambient sounds of being underwater instead.
I’m also happy to say this runs pretty good on the Switch as I didn’t have any issues while playing. Granted the resolution is lower here than on it’s PC and console counterparts, but everything still looks and animates well which is always a plus when it comes to a simulator.
Overall, I had a good time with Beyond Blue as it gives diving fans the fix they need and can now do so on the go. A great soundtrack, awesome sea creatures to discover, along with fun missions and being able to take breaks to interact with family and friends make this title beyond cool to play.
