Anyone who plays video games knows that some levels will be good while others won't. However, nine times out of ten, it is guaranteed that a water level will turn out to be terribly frustrating, regardless of how much a player is enjoying the game. One of the first examples of this is Super Mario Bros., where the game goes from fun platforming to slugging underwater navigation.
Thankfully, a few titles have somehow managed to shake things up and build memorable experiences out of water levels. Let’s examine some of these games and discover why their sunken sub-aquatic sections are genuinely remarkable.
10 Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception - Sink or Swim
Sony’s Uncharted series is one of the best action-adventure games out there. The popular titles have everything from great stories to breathtaking visuals, making them some of the best third-person shooters, even in 2022. While each game in the Uncharted series stands out due to its unique level designs and action, it's Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception that does justice to underwater segments.
The third game’s chapter 15, titled “Sink or Swim,” truly demonstrates that underwater doesn’t have to be underwhelming. The whole level is about players fighting their way out of a sinking ship as water rushes in and engulfs everything.
9 Call of Duty: Ghosts - Into the Deep
Many players consider Call of Duty: Ghosts an all-time low for the franchise, as it was basic in every sense. The tenth major game in the series had underwhelming graphics, a forgettable storyline, “been there, done that,” gunplay, and that’s about it. It almost seems that Activision wanted to sell the game based on the hype around Modern Warfare 2’s character Ghost.
That said, some things in Call of Duty: Ghosts still stand out almost 10 years later. One such feature was Riley, the playable dog. The other was underwater level, “Into The Deep,” which is the epitome of SpecOps-styled sunken action.
8 Shovel Knight - The Iron Whale
Shovel Knight is a 2014 action platformer title that takes a lot of inspiration from older games such as Mega Man. Fortunately, unlike other 2D games, it does a great job at learning from the past and providing modern-day quality gameplay. As suggested by the name, Shovel Knight is about an eponymous knight fighting against different bosses at each level.
One such level is an underwater stage where players have to beat Iron Whale. The whole level demonstrates how 2D games can do an excellent job building special action-packed sunken sections, unlike similar games.
7 Shadow of the Colossus - Colossus 7
Shadow of the Colossus is a 2005 action-adventure game that emphasizes making players feel the environment of the story. The classic PlayStation 2 title returned on newer consoles when Sony published a remake, reminding people that the game is still a great experience almost two decades later.
Whether a player decides to play the old game or the new remake, they’ll be blown away by the fantastic level design while taking down 16 enormous colossi. However, the 7th one will be a bit more memorable because of its sheer size and the tremendous underwater boss battle.
6 Donkey Kong - Coral Capers
While modern-day games have evolved in gameplay and design, some classics are just as memorable and fun to play years later. One such game is Donkey Kong Country, which came out in 1994 on SNES and later on the Game Boy. This eighteen-year-old Nintendo title is most famous for being one of the best platformer games of its time.
Moreover, it features some unique levels, including the underwater stage, “Coral Capers.” Even in 2022, Donkey Kong Country’s sub-aquatic take stands out because of beautiful hand-drawn visuals and responsive gameplay mechanics.
5 Mario Odyssey - Seaside Kingdom
There have been hundreds of Mario games and bootlegs since its inception. However, only a few games still stand out, one of which is Mario Odyssey. The 2017 Nintendo title is a Switch exclusive and utilizes the console to provide an unforgettable Mario experience that players have never felt before.
In Mario Odyssey, players assume control of Mario as he’s trying to save Princess Peach from Bowser. But along his way, he has to clear out different areas around the globe, including the beautifully tropical “Seaside Kingdom.” The whole level contains exciting gameplay mechanics, including underwater sections where players can even turn into fish.
4 Tomb Raider II - Fathoms
Tomb Raider games have been iconic for various things since the beginning of the series. The first title was famous for using 3D visuals and showcasing excellent puzzle design. And the latest game, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, got popular for its action and platforming.
However, among the twenty main games in the series, Tomb Raider II stands out for its underwater level, “Fathoms.” In the game, players must swim into a wrecked ship to find air while avoiding sharks. As basic as it may sound, the game’s early implementation of the 3D sub-aquatic level design was excellent.
3 Super Mario 64 - Jolly Roger Bay
Super Mario 64 is another one of the old 3D games that did a great job making underwater levels shine bright. The 1996 platforming title is a Nintendo classic that is still popular today due to its speed-running community and nostalgia factor. However, the game does another incredible thing that most people usually do not praise enough.
Super Mario 64 has some of the most versatile level designs for its time, including its aquatic stage “Jolly Roger Bay.” During that course, players must find three power stars while swimming across enemies, wreckage, and other puzzles.
2 Inside - The Depths
When 2D puzzle-platformer Limbo emerged, players were stunned by its unique visual style and artistic implementation. However, it was the spiritual successor Inside that really made developer Playdead famous. The 2016 dystopian side-scroller is genuinely a one-of-a-kind game even in 2022, and that’s because of its immersive yet straightforward gameplay.
Inside also has an excellent underwater section called “The Depths,” where players must take a submarine and navigate through different puzzles. While sub-aquatic levels are usually quite sluggish and dull, Inside shows that they do not have to be.
1 The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask - Great Bay Temple
It’s hard to believe that it has been over two decades since The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask originally came out on Nintendo 64. After all, it is still one of the most talked-about Zelda games. Many players love the classic 2000s game for its brilliant story, memorable characters, and sounds.
Additionally, people adore it for its level design, gameplay, and unforgettable moments. One such remarkable instance is the Great Bay Temple dungeon in the game, where players must open multiple water valves to solve in-game puzzles.