One of the first games revealed for Microsoft's Xbox Series X console was Call of the Sea, a first-person adventure/puzzle game where players step into the shoes of Norah, a woman exploring a mysterious island in search of her missing husband. Those who have played through Call of the Sea know that there's a lot more to the story than what meets the eye, with the plot culminating in a major choice that players have to make that leads to two decidedly different outcomes. For those wondering what happens when selecting the other option, or for those who simply want to know what happens in Call of the Sea, here's what exactly went down.
Before diving into Call of the Sea's ending and exactly what happened during the story, please note that this article will have MASSIVE SPOILERS for the game. Call of the Sea is a short game, so anyone interested may want to make an effort to play through it before reading on. Plus, Call of the Sea is on Xbox Game Pass, so many can try it out without making any kind of big financial commitment.
Here is Call of the Sea's ending choices explained.
Call of the Sea Story Explained
As players go through Call of the Sea's puzzles and make their way across the island, they learn that Norah's husband Harry and his expedition have had a rough go about it. Harry and his team were searching for a cure for Norah's strange illness, which makes her mostly bed-ridden and covers her skin in bizarre spots. Norah starts to feel better when she spends time near the ocean and explores the island, which is the first big hint at what Norah really is.
It's discovered that Norah is not entirely human, but rather a being that can transform between being a human and being an amphibious, Lovecraftian-esque creature. By completing a ritual on the island, Norah can become one of these amphibious creatures permanently, though doing so would mean leaving her human life with Harry behind forever. Harry, knowing his wife would never agree to do this without first thinking he was dead, faked his own death and sent her clues to get her to go to the island and discover her fate for herself.
With most of Harry's expedition team dead and Norah unaware of Harry's location, she's faced with a big choice. She can accept her fate as one of these creatures, permanently transforming into an amphibious humanoid and living forever in the ocean. Or she can reject her fate and decide to live out her life as a human with Harry, though she will eventually succumb to her illness and potentially die a painful death.
Ending 1 - Norah Accepts Her Fate
If players choose the first ending, Norah accepts her fate and transforms into an amphibious creature yet again, and for the last time. During the end credits, Norah and Harry sing their favorite song together, "Dear Old Pal of Mine," and seemingly have made peace with Norah's decision. Years go by, and an aged Harry is left to think about what transpired with Norah and wonder what could have been.
Ending 2 - Norah Rejects Her Fate
If Norah rejects her fate, she returns to a life of human living with Harry to live out the rest of her days. The ending sequence is mostly similar, with Norah and Harry singing their "Dear Old Pal of Mine" song together. However, the ending is a little more depressing, as Norah's illness and coughing fits interrupt the two. Sadly, Harry still has to grow old alone in this ending, as no matter what choice Norah made, she wasn't going to be able to live a full life with him.
So no matter what choice Call of the Sea players make, they are in for a rather depressing ending. No matter what, Norah is resigned to a grim fate. Either she sheds her humanity to live forever, or she stays with the love of her life, but only for a short stretch of time.
Call of the Sea's story is an engaging one, and one of the better video game storylines of the year. And with Call of the Sea reviews mostly positive, it will be interesting to see what developer Out of the Blue produces next.
Call of the Sea is out now for PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.