As the gaming landscape evolves, the nostalgia for retro game aesthetics continues to shape contemporary indie titles. An interesting phenomenon is emerging where the nostalgia for the PlayStation 1 (PS1) era is often tinged with a haunting blend of horror and gloom. This trend has led to a perception among younger players that the iconic console served primarily as a vessel for morose, atmospheric games reminiscent of the likes of Silent Hill. However, recent releases highlight that the PS1 was not solely defined by its bleakness. In particular, Hatim Benhsain’s Water Level/b.l.u.e. EXPLORATION serves as a vibrant reminder of a past filled with aquatic wonder.
Through Water Level/b.l.u.e. EXPLORATION, Benhsain seeks to recapture the color palette and imaginative gameplay synonymous with the PS1, which often seems relegated to a monochromatic existence in the collective gaming memory. This title is a free exploration project that pays homage to b.l.u.e.: Legend of Water, an obscure PlayStation game unreleased outside Japan. Rather than merely emulating the original, Benhsain fashions an entirely new experience that weaves together various gaming worlds, illustrating the concept of ‘plunderludic’ design, which refers to games constructed from pieces of other games.
The brilliance of the experience lies in its ability to draw from an array of influences. As players traverse through levels that seem to blend together various beloved gaming mechanics, from the blocky charm of Super Mario 64 to the elegant complexity of Dark Souls, they are transported into a whimsically chaotic universe. This amalgamation of influences raises questions about authenticity and originality in gaming. Are we witnessing a new form of creativity that transcends traditional definitions of game design, or a mere pastiche of what has already been created?
Water Level/b.l.u.e. EXPLORATION adapts its controls from the original b.l.u.e. game but recontextualizes them within this kaleidoscopic experience. Engaging with the game feels like a celebration of early 3D control systems, reminding players of a simpler time before the standardization of dual-analog feedback. Every movement through this reimagined undersea domain feels fluid, akin to swimming itself, which ties back to the central themes of exploration and freedom.
One particularly intriguing aspect of the gameplay is its clever use of ‘no-clipping’ mechanics – a feature commonly associated with exploits in gaming that permit players to bypass physical boundaries within a game world. In Water Level/b.l.u.e. EXPLORATION, this mechanic is not a glitch but a fundamental part of the experience, inviting players to navigate a world where boundaries dissolve, much like the fluidity of water itself.
Benhsain’s game provokes nostalgia for a genre that once thrived within the realm of underwater exploration, a feeling that has gradually faded alongside modern gaming advancements. While contemporary titles like Subnautica have introduced alluring underwater experiences complete with advanced physics and stunning visuals, they often lack the enchanting magic embodied in classic titles like Legend of Water. Water Level/b.l.u.e. EXPLORATION brings that enchanting essence back to the forefront, reminding us that exploring virtual waters can evoke a sense of wonder and delight.
This sense of aquatic nostalgia reverberates throughout the gaming community, pushing players to reflect on their favorite underwater levels and what made them resonate. This is crucial for cultivating a dialogue about the evolution of game design elements and how they impact the player’s emotional experience.
In essence, Water Level/b.l.u.e. EXPLORATION is an innovative venture that not only celebrates the legacy of PS1 games but also reinvigorates the principles of exploration and playfulness. It prompts a broader discussion about video games’ capacity for artistic expression, and how they can transcend conventional boundaries through nostalgic references and creative amalgamations. As we navigate this vibrant sea of pixels and sound, there is a call to acknowledge the full spectrum of gaming experiences, ensuring that joy and creativity continue to flourish as we swim into the future.