Aquanaut's Holiday: Hidden Memories
Encyclopedia
is a PlayStation 3
game developed by Artdink
and published by Sony Computer Entertainment
. A Japanese version was released in Japan and South East Asia on September 25, 2008. A translated English and Chinese version (Aquanaut's Holiday ~堡礁秘辛~) was released in South East Asia on November 20, 2008.
2007 official teaser.
This PlayStation 3 release is the latest installment in Artdink's Aquanaut's Holiday
game series which started on the PlayStation
in 1995.
The game takes place in Kisira Atoll, in Polynesia. An oceanographic research facility named Kisira Base is the starting point and where you always come back to, for supplies (such as batteries for sonar navigation buoys) and equipment.
Two scientists work at the base, the young and dreamy Jessica Porter and the conservative chief Robert Kemelman.
Both assist you in solving mysteries, each in their own way. Jessica likes to believe fairytales and legends, while Robert usually comes up with a scientific explanation.
All the fish, animals and other discoveries are added to a database. Some fish can communicate and the player has to repeat the sounds made by a fish, using the four trigger buttons of the Sixaxis controller.
At all times, the unlocked area of the map is free to explore as you like.
evident in the translation. The English language version is also available in Korea.
magazine.
PlayStation 3
The is the third home video game console produced by Sony Computer Entertainment and the successor to the PlayStation 2 as part of the PlayStation series. The PlayStation 3 competes with Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles...
game developed by Artdink
Artdink
is a Japanese developer of console and computer games, currently based in Tsukishima, Tokyo.By far Artdink's biggest international success was the award-winning A-Train strategy game released for the PC and Amiga, which was published by SimCity creators Maxis...
and published by Sony Computer Entertainment
Sony Computer Entertainment
Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc. is a major video game company specializing in a variety of areas in the video game industry, and is a wholly owned subsidiary and part of the Consumer Products & Services Group of Sony...
. A Japanese version was released in Japan and South East Asia on September 25, 2008. A translated English and Chinese version (Aquanaut's Holiday ~堡礁秘辛~) was released in South East Asia on November 20, 2008.
History
Aquanaut's Holiday: Kakusareta Kiroku was previously known as Aqua which was the title used in the Tokyo Game ShowTokyo Game Show
The , commonly known as TGS, is a video game expo / convention held annually in the Makuhari Messe, in Chiba, Japan. It is presented by the Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association and the Nikkei Business Publications, Inc...
2007 official teaser.
This PlayStation 3 release is the latest installment in Artdink's Aquanaut's Holiday
Aquanaut's Holiday
Aquanaut's Holiday is an early PlayStation game by Artdink, in which the player assumes the role of an overworked marine explorer who returns to the water for pleasure after having brought harmony to the world's oceans...
game series which started on the PlayStation
PlayStation
The is a 32-bit fifth-generation video game console first released by Sony Computer Entertainment in Japan on December 3, .The PlayStation was the first of the PlayStation series of consoles and handheld game devices. The PlayStation 2 was the console's successor in 2000...
in 1995.
Gameplay
The actual story mode of the game can be compared to an adventure game. The main - unnamed - character is a journalist, in search of the missing oceanographer William "Bill" Graber. Using a submarine called the Dolphin no.2 you explore the seas for clues.The game takes place in Kisira Atoll, in Polynesia. An oceanographic research facility named Kisira Base is the starting point and where you always come back to, for supplies (such as batteries for sonar navigation buoys) and equipment.
Two scientists work at the base, the young and dreamy Jessica Porter and the conservative chief Robert Kemelman.
Both assist you in solving mysteries, each in their own way. Jessica likes to believe fairytales and legends, while Robert usually comes up with a scientific explanation.
All the fish, animals and other discoveries are added to a database. Some fish can communicate and the player has to repeat the sounds made by a fish, using the four trigger buttons of the Sixaxis controller.
At all times, the unlocked area of the map is free to explore as you like.
English version
The game is currently only available in Japan and South East Asia (Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore), however the Asian version was re-released in November 2008 with Chinese and English languages replacing the original Japanese. Given the fairly simple gameplay, the English version is understandable for teens and older players, but young children may be confused by the significant EngrishEngrish
refers to unusual forms of English language usage by native speakers of some East Asian languages. The term itself relates to Japanese speakers' tendency to inadvertently substitute the English phonemes "R" and "L" for one another, because the Japanese language has one alveolar consonant in place...
evident in the translation. The English language version is also available in Korea.
Reception
Aquanaut's Holiday: Hidden Memories entered the Japanese sales charts at number 9, selling 18,000 units. The game received a score of 32 out of 40 by FamitsuFamitsu
is a line of Japanese video game magazines published by Enterbrain, Inc. and Tokuma. Currently, there are five Famitsū magazines: Shūkan Famitsū, Famitsū PS3 + PSP, Famitsū Xbox 360, Famitsū Wii+DS, and Famitsū Wave DVD...
magazine.