Aquanauts Holiday

If there was ever a game to be endorsed by the Relaxation Guy, it would be Aquanaut's Holiday. Looking more like a therapeutic cable access show than a video game, AH will have you groovin' to New Age music as you build your underwater sanctuary.

Some gamers might be turned off by this concept, but we find it to be quite interesting.The object is to build a coral reef along the bottom of the ocean. Relax as you travel around your creation, encountering sharks, sea turtles, manta ray and numerous other exotic aquatics.

You can travel all over, discovering shipwrecks, underwater ruins and, just maybe, the Lost City of Atlantis. AH is a stress-free adventure with no threats, puzzles or the like to get in your way.The whole point of the game is to explore and enjoy. AH includes such features as being able to develop your own underwater language to communicate with the denizens of the ocean.The fish will react differently to you, as will they to the different styles of reef that you build. Aquanaut's Holiday is definitely a title to watch for.

Underwater antics are the order of the day in the surreal, soothing and ultimately absorbing Aquanaut's Holiday. Sony has released this Japanese hit in the US in an attempt to give PlayStation owners a little more than action and sports titles to cut their teeth on. Aquanaut's Holiday gives you the chance to build and manage a complete undersea environment.

The graphics are smooth and detailed, but it has to be said that there isn't a whole lot going on most of the time.This is a slow and taxing title. It can best be described as a damp version of Sim City, er, or perhaps an undersea Populous? OK, we don't know how to describe it, but we'll tell you this much: It's enjoyable, entertaining and relaxing stuff. Physically moving your Aquanaut around the reef is almost as much fun as building and planning. And yes, you will have to read the instruction manual, or you'll be in trouble.

Graphics - 6

Sound/FX - 6

Gameplay - 7

Rating - 7