Constantly compared to Hollywood, the videogame industry is practically built of on bombast, with big-budget, big-thrill blockbusters being churned out at a rate comparable to its celluloid cousin. Take a look at the hot new titles for the current generation, and you will see a whole lot of action – from the hyper-realistic gun-wielding of 'Call of Duty 4' on the 360 and PS3, to the boundless energy of Nintendo's own chubby mascot in 'Super Mario Galaxy'; game shop shelves are literally straining under the weight of titles fighting for your attention.

Where does Arika's 'Endless Ocean' fit into to all this, arriving in the shops with zero advertising, almost no anticipation from the vast majority of gamers, and tackling a subject matter that is possibly about as niche they come? If ever there was a title destined to be overlooked amidst the Christmas rush, then this is it. If indeed this is its fate, then it's a damn shame, because it has a lot to offer.

The easiest way to describe 'Endless Ocean' is as 'Blue Planet – The Game'. Assuming the role of nameless diver, you leap from the side of your luxury yaught and plunge head-first into a pristine underwater paradise, free to explore to your hearts content. Where you go, and what you do is entirely up to you, and from this simple premise Arika have managed to deliver a truly exceptional and unique experience.

At first glance, 'Endless Ocean' appears to be fairly empty and shallow. Its location, Manaurai Sea, though beautifully realized is devoid of any kind of threat or obvious challenges. There are no enemies to harass you, no goals to restrain you and no 'Game Over' screens punish you. However, much as a soggy, prune skinned BBC cameraman will tell you, the ocean has a wealth of secrets that only inquisitive patience will unveil.

Despite any initial misgivings, there is plenty in 'Endless Ocean' to keep you occupied. From researching and photographing sea life, to locating and exploring hidden caves to discovering lost undersea treasures, it feels like an amalgamation of 'Pokemon Snap!', 'Animal Crossing' and 'Pilot Wings'. Underwater photography is particularly gratifying, using a camera with realistic aperture settings, capturing the perfect photo is immensely rewarding.

As you progress, the possibilities increase as new equipment is acquired and wider range of customisation options made available. Tools such as the flashlight enable night dives, and other areas of the map remain tantalising out of reach until the correct equipment is obtained. Progress is made by completing simple tasks - take paying customers on undersea tours, catalogue fish, train your pet dolphin etc., and all remain consistently engaging. Much in the same way that 'Animal Crossing' managed to capture the imagination of millions of gamers the world over, 'Endless Ocean' sinks its hooks into you by the freedom it offers– freedom to explore, to relax and to soak up the gorgeous visuals…

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And what visuals they are! While the PS3 is flinging round realistic mud in 'Motorstorm' and the Xbox 360 is busy rendering Marcus Fenix and his Locust buddies in all their grisly glory, the Wii is left wrestling with what many believe to be last-generation technology. It is with a somewhat cocky nonchalance then, that 'Endless Ocean' comes paddling into view. Bluntly put, this is a stunning looking game. Through a combination of breath-taking animation, a firm grasp on atmosphere and an immense attention to detail, 'Endless Ocean' immerses you (or should that be 'submerges you') in its watery depths like no aquatic game before it (not that it has much competition!). Simply swimming from reef to reef is a joy, managing to be immensely relaxing while retaining your attention. The subtle and elegant controls that the Wii remote offers allows you to concentrate on the game, and the importance of this should not to be understated. Add to this an excellent soundtrack and atmospheric audio, and 'Endless Ocean' can envelop your senses like no other Wii game to date.

The authenticity of the visuals lends a sense of apprehension and intrigue that can be rare in video games. Never knowing what will dart or lumber out of the darkness, it is common to be perched on the edge of your seat, swimming just that bit further to (hopefully) uncover another secret. Persistence is rewarded, not with points or level progression, but by memorable moments. Seeing the gliding gracefulness of a humpback whale for the first time is unforgettable, and more often than not beautiful. Moments like induce a feeling of having witnessed something unique – something that no one else has seen, and, in a game with exploration as its focus, this is a real triumph. Diving with a friend via WiFi allows you to share these experiences, and is a great addition.

There are blemishes to the package. The graphics above the ocean lack the polish of the world below the waters surface, with the animation of your avatar being particular stiff. The option to play your own MP3s via an SD card is welcome, but the single-track play-list seems an obvious oversight. That being said, finding the perfect track to accompany your dives is likely to become an obsession (we suggest Sigur Ros's 'Ágætis byrjun' as a good starting point….) and can add hugely to the experience.

'Endless Ocean' certainly isn't for everyone. Without a doubt some will play it and consider it the most boring gaming experience of their life. However, that it achieves its goals with focus and a sense of purpose is clear.

In short, 'Endless Ocean' is Nintendo's much publicised 'Blue ocean strategy' writ large. Arika and Nintendo have effectively leapt into uncharted waters, and produced a title that feels immensely fresh, offering genuinely new experiences. Much like big 'Big Brain Academy', 'Wii Sports' and the Wii Channels, 'Endless Ocean' effortlessly slips into your gaming routine, offering a fantastic respite from shooting, racing and mushroom collecting. Above all else, it feels like a new kind of gaming experience, with the potential to open the door to a whole new genre. And that is a rare thing indeed.