In recent years, the resurgence of “retro” gaming aesthetics has often skewed toward the horror genre. It seems as though the shadowy corridors of Silent Hill have cast a pall over the broader legacy of the original PlayStation. This creates a curious phenomenon where younger gamers might overlook the diverse experiences that this console offered. The original PS1 should be remembered not merely as the harbinger of existential dread, but rather as a canvas for colorful adventures and imaginative narratives. One striking example of this is the homage to underwater exploration found in Hatim Benhsain’s Water Level/b.l.u.e. EXPLORATION, which serves as a refreshing reminder of how vibrant and diverse the PS1 library truly was.
Water Level/b.l.u.e. EXPLORATION, a free downloadable experiment, draws inspiration from the obscure Japan-exclusive title b.l.u.e.: Legend of Water. This 1998 release featured a young girl embarking on an adventure through alien ruins alongside her dolphin companion, offering a unique take on adventure and exploration that, unfortunately, never reached a wider audience. Benhsain’s adaptation transforms this experience into a “plunderludic” creation—a term he defines as a game constructed from a collage of other games. This transformation is more than mere nostalgia; it subverts traditional game mechanics while blending different mediums into a cohesive experience that is much more than an homage.
What sets Water Level/b.l.u.e. apart is its method of layering and remixing. Players navigate a larger world that is delightfully chaotic, with levels from the classic b.l.u.e. appearing as portal-like snippets woven into a grander experience. This blending calls into question the means of emulation and the concept of piracy, as players no longer experience a straightforward retro revival but are instead thrust into an innovative realm where each element is transformed into something new. The game’s charm relies heavily on this creativity—by warping familiar landscapes drawn from the likes of Dark Souls, Super Mario 64, and Kingdom Hearts, Benhsain creates a patchwork of emotional resonance that invites players to engage and explore.
Control mechanics feel familiar yet innovatively twisted, reminiscent of classic pre-DualShock experiences. This can create a sense of nostalgia and dissonance, as players grapple with control schemes adapted from Legend of Water that shift dynamically in response to the game’s ever-changing framework. The sensation of swimming through these altered game worlds becomes a poetic experience—a model for what a playful and avant-garde game can achieve. Moreover, the immersive soundtrack—infusing snippets from pop culture alongside playful excerpts—enhances this experience, reinforcing the artwork of this underwater odyssey.
In the ages of modern gaming, where hyper-realistic graphics and physics engines dominate the landscape, Water Level/b.l.u.e. rekindles a lost magic. Somehow, the act of exploring underwater environments—immortal in earlier titles—has evolved to be more technical and less whimsical. Swimming, traditionally replete with elements of wonder and joy, is often reduced to mechanical precision in today’s gaming culture. The nostalgia for games such as b.l.u.e.: Legend of Water illuminates the cultural desire for exploration that transcends mere button pressing, inviting players to engage in more thematic narratives.
Water Level/b.l.u.e. EXPLORATION stands out not just for its artistic revelations, but also for its ability to stir memories and emotions tied to aquatic experiences in gaming. As the medium continues to expand, it’s crucial that we not forget the playful explorations that games can offer. If you’ve traversed other wonderful water levels, from retro gems to contemporary wonders, it would be a delightful opportunity to share those experiences. Perhaps they will serve as further inspiration for the next wave of gaming innovation that allows players to swim, not just in pixels but in dreams.