Lost in Open Waters

[Xastabus]

I have suddenly become aware that I've spent over 3 hours wandering aimlessly in Open Waters and some of the areas beyond as much as I apparently can with only Shield, Bind, and Energy form.  I've even explored part of The Abyss with the help of some luminescent jellies.

If you would be so kind, I would appreciate two minor clues.

What is the name of the area I should really focus on exploring now?

How long is the average first play-through of Aquaria?

Thanks!

[Alec]

If you're running 1.1.1+ you should be able to double click the minimap to get the full map. Here you can see the areas you have explored and a beacon of where there might be something else to check out. (if you've come across certain interesting looking landmarks, you'll receive a beacon)

[Xastabus]

Thanks for the tip, Alec. 

[Chibi]

The average playthrough is 10-20 hours, though some have made it in three, and I took a grand total of thirty. ^_^ I spent at least five of those playing around in the Veil...

[NOTE]: It varies a lot depending on how many secrets you unveil and how focused you are on finishing the game. ^^

[EDIT]: It took me six and a half hours to  finish the demo.  I went to the forums at the six hour mark...

[Alphasoldier]

Yay pretty-game-ruining speedruns!

I'm amazed that you didn't come any earlier, you must really enjoy this game.
But... none the less, I think all of us did.

I can remember the time where I went from map to map just to collect ingredients.

[mikeg88]

This is sort of related I think:

I'm currently trying to complete the energy temple area.  I have gone everywhere (ie it's all white), except for one place.  I read the FAQ about the energy temple area, and it gave a hint about what to do once you're all done - the problem is, I can't figure out how to finish! 

I just defeated the monster that you have to kill by turning on that beam of light that goes across the corridor.  Once the beam has struck him 3 times, he dies and you can keep going.  So, I did, and I got to the end of the corridor and went up for a little ways.  Now there's a door where I need to insert a white marble and turn it orange in order to open the door.  However, I can't find a white marble to use! There's a tulip-like flower nearby, but I only know bind, sheild, and energy form so I can't make it do anything.  I have the feeling I need plant form in order to activate the red tulip.  Is that right?

How do I get plant form?

Thanks in advance.

Mike

[Alphasoldier]

There are some places in this game you have to backtrack to once you have more forms, this is one of those places, just keep going to the right to go back to the open waters and continue the game.

[calebj]

Yes you will need plant (or nature) form to get the pearl which is found in the Kelp Forest latter in the game.  I also spent a long time trying to figure out how to open the door.