Summary
- Stranded Deep is scary at first, but living on islands in an expansive ocean can be relaxing and fun.
- Subnautica has the player crash-land and survive on an entire planet comprised of an ocean.
- Endless Ocean and its sequel are soothing diving simulators that allow players to interact and learn about sea life.
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.
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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.
10 Stranded Deep
The Randomly Generated Islands Are Strangely Relaxing
Stranded Deep
- Released
- April 21, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen due to Blood, Crude Humor, Mild Violence
- Developer(s)
- Beam Team Games
- Genre(s)
- Survival
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- OpenCritic Rating
- Weak
The sharks in the water and the initial concept of Stranded Deep are 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 the Cast 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 to Stranded 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.
9 Subnautica
Surviving An Alien Planet Is As Beautiful As It Is Scary
Subnautica
- Released
- January 23, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ for Everyone 10+: Fantasy Violence, Mild Language
- Developer(s)
- Unknown Worlds Entertainment
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Similar to Stranded Deep, there is a lot to be scared of in Subnautica, from irradiated sections of the ocean to massive leviathan sea monsters straight out of a thalassophobic nightmare. At the same time, the alien planet that Subnautica takes place on is filled to the brim with unique underwater biomes that are colorful and vibrant, filled with bioluminescence everywhere.
Another similarity Subnautica has to Stranded Deep is 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 turn Subnautica into a famous indie title that spawned a spin-off and a sequel.
8 Koral
The Player Controls The Ocean Currents Themselves
- Release Date: May 16, 2019
- Developer: Carlos Coronado
- Publishers: Carlos Coronado, Rainy Frog
- System: Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows
Instead of something or someone exploring the ocean, the player controls the ocean current itself in Koral, bringing life to darkened areas of reefs and other parts of the sea. With just analog sticks or WASD keys as the only controls, Koral is a brief but beautiful puzzle game that forces the player to find the right paths to awaken areas, remove pollution, and open more paths.
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There are no enemies to fight or any form of combat in Koral; it’s just meant to be a visual and audio-based journey that is more therapeutic in its design while testing problem-solving. That simplicity is perfect for those wanting to unwind after a long and strenuous day, even people with thalassophobia.
7 The Legendary Starfy
The Cute Starfish That Should Have Been A Franchise
The Legendary Starfy
- Released
- July 10, 2008
WHERE TO PLAY
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo DS
- Genre(s)
- Platformer
The Legendary Starfy was 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 as Frankenstein: The Monster Returns, which was a Castlevania clone, and The Legendary Starfy is often compared to classic Kirby games. 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.
6 Another Crab’s Treasure
If Dark Souls Took Place Under The Sea
Another Crab's Treasure
- Released
- April 25, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen Due To Blood, Crude Humor, Language, Use of Tobacco, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Aggro Crab
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
Most Soulslike games like Elden Ring or Bloodborne feature similar worlds and styles, with horrific monsters and grim settings that make them feel more like horror RPGs at times. Another Crab’s Treasure takes 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 Treasure features a hermit crab trying to get his shell back, which sends him across the ocean fighting all kinds of foes in a Dark 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 nearly as grueling as other Soulslike titles, so it can serve as a gateway game for that genre.
5 SpongeBob SquarePants: The Battle For Bikini Bottom Rehydrated
Cartoon Platforming Remastered With Nautical Nonsense
SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom - Rehydrated
- Released
- January 21, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
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 - Rehydrated brings 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 Bottom in a classic 3D platformer fashion, gathering collectibles, and getting into cartoon antics. It feels like a giant episode of the early SpongeBob SquarePants seasons, which is the greatest compliment it can receive, which is what results in a whole new wave of SpongeBob games.
4 Endless Ocean
A Peaceful Diving Simulator For The Wii
Endless Ocean
- Released
- November 9, 2007
- ESRB
- Everyone
- Developer(s)
- Arika
- Genre(s)
- Adventure
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Wii
Endless Ocean was a surprise 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 praise Endless Ocean for 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.
3 Abzû
Designed To Look And Feel Like A Diver's Dream
Abzu
- Released
- August 2, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
Short but sweet, Abzû focuses 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 allows Abzû to immerse the player with its neon visuals that give the underwater environments an unforgettable atmosphere that can make anyone comfortable.
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It helps that all the animals in Abzû are 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 to Koral.
2 The Legend Of Zelda: The Wind Waker
Voyage Across The High Seas Of Hyrule
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD
- Released
- September 20, 2013
- ESRB
- E
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo EAD
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Wii U
Hyrule has taken many forms across the multitude of The Legend Of Zelda games, and one of the most unique incarnations is the Great Sea in The Legend Of Zelda: The Wind Waker. As Link, the player can sail 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.
1 Endless Ocean: Blue World
The Sequel Makes The Sea Deeper Than Before
Endless Ocean: Blue World
- Released
- February 5, 2010
- ESRB
- Everyone 10+ // Mild Suggestive Themes, Mild Violence
- Developer(s)
- Arika
- Genre(s)
- Adventure
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Wii
With a concept like Endless Ocean, the possibilities are vast for a sequel, and Endless Ocean: Blue World took full advantage of it, with twelve larger open-world maps and 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 of Endless Ocean: Blue World is 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.
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