Summary
When it comes to the ocean in video games, it is often portrayed as a terrifying realm of water filled with deadly fish and other creatures that want to attack the player for entering their domain. However, other games take advantage of their oceanic setting to deliver a more pleasant and cozy experience that shows off the beauty of the ocean, reefs, and seabeds.
Rather than stressing out the player, the ocean can be a place of serenity for people to bask in the views both above and below the surface or dive into an adventure. They range from exploration games to 3D platformers, each one delivering unique ways to swim and explore hidden realms of the sea, with some being more cozy and tranquil than others to be enjoyed by nearly all ages and demographics.
The sharks in the water and the initial concept ofStranded Deepare daunting, as the player has to scavenge and survive on islands in an endless sea. However, after the start and getting the essential tools and shelter crafted, it isn’t always scary.The remote islands are peaceful, with pleasant music that can make theCast Away-esque setting fun to experience.
Even diving into the ocean to either hunt fish or collect scrap from shipwrecks adds a sense of wonder and adventure toStranded Deep. There are many islands to find in the randomly generated world, and it becomes a fun challenge to either turn one into a home or scavenge it to create new ways to traverse the open seas.
Similar toStranded Deep, there is a lot to be scared of inSubnautica, from irradiated sections of the ocean tomassive leviathan sea monstersstraight out of a thalassophobic nightmare. At the same time, the alien planet thatSubnauticatakes place on is filled to the brim with unique underwater biomes that are colorful and vibrant, filled with bioluminescence everywhere.
Another similaritySubnauticahas toStranded Deepis the crafting feature, and once the player learns to make bases and the underwater vehicles, traversing the massive underwater map can be relaxing. It’s what’s helped turnSubnauticainto a famous indie title that spawned a spin-off and a sequel.
8Koral
The Player Controls The Ocean Currents Themselves
Instead of something or someone exploring the ocean, the player controls the ocean current itself inKoral, bringing life to darkened areas of reefs and other parts of the sea. With just analog sticks or WASD keys as the only controls,Koralis a brief but beautiful puzzle game that forces the player to find the right paths to awaken areas, remove pollution, and open more paths.
There are no enemies to fight or any form of combat inKoral; it’s just meant to be a visual and audio-based journey that ismore therapeutic in its designwhile testing problem-solving. That simplicity is perfect for those wanting to unwind after a long and strenuous day, even people with thalassophobia.
The Legendary Starfywas an attempt to create a new mascot character, even though it was the fifth game in the series in Japan. It blended side-scrolling action with cute sea creatures to create a fun title for the Nintendo DS that anyone of any age can enjoy. The main protagonist is a happy starfish named Starfy, who helps a rabbit return to his ship.
Tose is known for obscure but quality-made titles, such asFrankenstein: The Monster Returns, which was aCastlevaniaclone, andThe Legendary Starfyis oftencompared to classicKirbygames. Given its oceanic setting, Starfy plays as if a water level in a platformer were every level, but without any of the typical frustration, which, combined with the adorable art style, turns it into a cult gem.
Most Soulslike games likeElden RingorBloodbornefeature similar worlds and styles, with horrific monsters and grim settings that make them feel more like horror RPGs at times.Another Crab’s Treasuretakes the gameplay and idea of a Soulslike title and gives it a cartoony twist with plenty of humor for younger players to enjoy.
Another Crab’s Treasurefeatures a hermit crab trying to get his shell back, which sends him across the ocean fighting all kinds of foes in aDark Souls-esque fashion. The characters and world are full of personality and charm, feeling almost like an animated film at times. Additionally, it isn’t nearlyas grueling as other Soulslike titles, so it can serve as a gateway game for that genre.
It’s not often that a game based on a cartoon show is a good video game adaptation, but one proved to be not only a diamond in the rough, but it gained such a fanbase to earn a remaster.SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom - Rehydratedbrings back the 2003 classic with improved visuals, sounds, and even some polished gameplay for modern systems.
As SpongeBob, Patrick, and Sandy, gamers can play through different sections of Bikini Bottomin a classic 3D platformer fashion, gathering collectibles, and getting into cartoon antics. It feels like a giant episode of the earlySpongeBob SquarePantsseasons, which is the greatest compliment it can receive, which is what results in a whole new wave of SpongeBob games.
Endless Oceanwas asurprise hit on the Nintendo Wii, made famous by its simple but effective concept of playing a diver in a fictitious section of the ocean, meeting and cataloging every kind of flora and fauna possible. There is a story, but it’s more of an excuse to explore new areas and encounter new sea life, small and large.
Fans also praiseEndless Oceanfor its soundtrack, which adds to the serenity of the gameplay as none of the animals are hostile, not even the sharks that would normally be a source of horror. It’s also a game that properly utilizes and optimizes the motion controls, allowing players to control the diver and pet animals.
Short but sweet,Abzûfocuses on a diver who is led by a Great White Shark down into an ancient civilization’s ruins, revealing a deep connection to the ocean. The lack of dialogue and 3D swimming allowsAbzûto immerse the player with its neon visuals thatgive the underwater environmentsan unforgettable atmosphere that can make anyone comfortable.
It helps that all the animals inAbzûare also allies rather than any kind of foe, with the player being able to swim with dolphins, sharks, and more. Additionally, there are also puzzles to add more challenge while the player basks in the beauty of the underwater levels and soft music, similar toKoral.
Hyrule has taken many forms across the multitude ofThe Legend Of Zeldagames, and one of the most unique incarnations is the Great Sea inThe Legend Of Zelda: The Wind Waker. As Link, the player cansail across the open seas, explore a variety of islands, and save the realm from Ganondorf and his forces of evil.
The original GameCube game is still considered a beloved classic over twenty years later, due to its swashbuckling adventures, swelling music, and pirate-themed world. The cel-shaded art style creates a more family-friendly vibe, even at night when the monsters and undead come out to lurk. It’s also one of the more beginner-friendly games in the series.
With a concept likeEndless Ocean, the possibilities are vast for a sequel, andEndless Ocean: Blue Worldtook full advantage of it,with twelve larger open-world mapsand improved graphical fidelity. There are also many more species of sea life to interact with and even tame as friends, treasures to scavenge, and costumes to unlock for the diver character.
Even the story ofEndless Ocean: Blue Worldis deeper, as the protagonist goes on a globetrotting adventure to find a legend known as the Song of Dragons and how it affects sea life. While creatures like sharks, eels, and caimans are aggressive in the sequel, and air consumption is a factor, the experience remains the same soothing underwater endeavor as the first game, but expanded on in nearly every way.
