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The Cortica River Midstream is a stage in Endless Ocean 2, and the first freshwater region the player will unlock access to. The player is not introduced to any new mechanics in this area, though some previously-introduced mechanics are expanded upon, most notably the introduction of conditionally dangerous creatures.
During the player's first visit, "Dúlamán" by Celtic Woman will play in the background. Following the completion of Chapter 4, the track becomes available via Nineball Island's jukebox, provided it has been purchased from Nancy beforehand.
"This Amazon tributary is known for its many shallows and large variety of freshwater animals. Divers must be careful when swimming along its narrow channels, as its muddy waters cause poor visibility."
"The Cortica River is a medium-sized river that flows eastward from its source in northeastern Brazil.
It merges with the Amazon at longitude 53° west, which then empties into the Atlantic. Its location means that the Cortica River's ecosystem is very similar to that of the Amazon.
Even in Brazil, where the rivers are being actively developed, there are parts of the river basin that have never been explored. There was a sensation when ancient ruins were discovered there two or three years ago."
Dive Points
The locations from which the player can enter the water from the boat in this area are:
This section of the river, ranging from coordinates C3 to D3, contains dense shoals of red piranhas. They are mainly a passive fish, though they are able to attack, acting similarly to luna lionfish. They can be easily distracted if the player drops pellets of food for the fish as they swim through the area.
This spot, located south of the west end of the Western Sandbank, is originally blocked by a fallen tree. The player needs a special companion to remove the debris and explore inside. Once there, they will find a tranquil lake mainly populated by Amazonian manatees and tambaqui. A legendary creature will also appear here after the area's been unblocked, but only while it's raining. If the player uses the Multisensor here, they'll usually be able to find a large crate.
This comparatively barren area north of the Mangrove Maze functions as the stage's second dive point, as well as the passage to the Cortica River Upstream. The only residents of the area are some silver arowanas and tambaquis, as well as some zoom-mode life. Utilizing the Multisensor here, the player can often find a small sphere.
Located past the Perilous Waters, the Eastern Sandbank is a shallow area with an island in the center of it. If the player goes ashore on this island, they'll find giant otters lounging about. In the narrow channels to the north and south of the island, many spectacled caiman adults and young swim. Here, it is recommended that the player equip the Pulsar, as the adult caimans will attack if their young are approached.
The Western Sandbank is similar to the Eastern Sandbank, though a slightly different array of creatures appear here. Resident caimans still patrol the waters to the north and south of the local small island. Going ashore here greets the player with more spectacled caimans (which are not dangerous on land). In the wide, relatively-shallow area to the west, there is a large group of giant otters.
Animal and Event Scenes
When diving in this stage with Hayako Sakurai, the player has the option to replay previously viewed scenes by talking her. The scenes available for the Cortica River Midstream are as follows:
Animal
Red-bellied piranha
Arapaima
Giant otter
Event
Amazonian manatee eating: Automatically plays upon entering Queen's Lake for the first time.
Spectacled caiman with young: Unlocked by surfacing near one of the Sandbanks for the first time.
Story Significance
After completing the Weddell Sea portion of the story, Gaston Gray joins L&L Diving Service, and informs the group of some rumors surrounding Cortica River. This will unlock Cortica River as a stage.
Upon entering at the stage's southmost dive point, Hayako will inform the player of the dangerous creatures in the river. Finding ways around these hazards as they arise, the player makes their way through the stage, arriving at the River Upstream.
Gallery
An Endless Ocean 2 promotional image, showcasing an arapaima in the Mangrove Maze.
The preview screen for the Cortica River Midstream while it's raining.
The view from the Western Sandbank island, looking towards the Mangrove Maze while it's raining.
Notes
An October 2008 pre-release screenshot of Cortica River.
In a pre-release screenshot of Endless Ocean 2 first revealed in October 2008, an early Cortica River was showcased. This version of the stage looks much different to the final, with vibrant green water, different plant life, and an arapaima sharing the same space as a group of piranhas.
The Cortica Midstream is the only map in the game that contains more than one resident dangerous species; these are the red piranhas, spectacled caimans, and electric eels.
.png "Cortica River Midstream (Raining).png (1.82 MB)")
.png "Cortica River Surface (Raining).png (1.52 MB)")
