Summary
- When done right, underwater levels can offer new challenges and refreshing combat to spice up platforming titles.
- Some of the best underwater levels feature beloved characters like Mario, Sonic and Donkey Kong.
- Underwater levels can be memorable for a range of reasons, including a beautiful art style, sense of atmosphere or unique gameplay mechanics.
Many players grit their teeth at the thought of underwater levels in platform games, since plenty of water-based levels are slated for poorly-implemented controls. In spite of their mixed reputation, underwater levels in platform games can offer a refreshing opportunity to mix up combat and game mechanics, providing new challenges for players.
Well-done water levels can really shine, and there are plenty of great platform games set entirely beneath the waves. Levels may be remembered for their clever mechanics, unique sense of atmosphere, or just for being incredibly weird. These are some of the most memorable platform games featuring underwater levels, both acclaimed titles and forgotten treasures waiting to be rediscovered.
10 James Pond: Underwater Agent
Mission 4: The Fish with the Golden Bar
James Pond: Underwater Agent
- Released
- January 1, 1990
- Platform(s)
- Sega Genesis, Commodore Amiga
This bizarre gem from the 1990s is memorable for how strange it is. Players take on the role of James Pond, a fish on a mission to save the oceans from pollution. The game’s fourth timed mission tasks James with recovering bars of gold from a sunken ship, where he must face off against the ghost of Captain Bluebeard and vicious vampiric fish.
It’s a game that's at its best when it's at its most bizarre. Thanks to a recent Switch port of its sequel, James Pond: Operation Robocod, this madcap parody series is now accessible to more players.
9 The Sirena Expedition
An Opening Sequence Which Dives Head-First Into Underwater Horror
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows
- Developer: Giraffe Cat
- Release Date: September 1, 2021
The Sirena Expedition is a short underwater horror game with plenty of charm, in which players get to explore the depths of an eerie underwater facility. As opposed to the gut-wrenching fear players would usually expect from a horror game, The Sirena Expedition has an oddly soothing and relaxing effect, with its charming PS1-style graphics, haunting music, and great sound design.
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With a runtime of only around an hour, the game shines most in its opening section, where it creates a fantastic sense of dream-like loneliness and isolation in the player. While the gameplay is mostly a standard affair, this short game shines for the impressive feelings it invokes in players, making it a uniquely memorable underwater platforming experience.
8 Tomb Raider: Underworld
Niflheim
Tomb Raider: Underworld
- Released
- November 18, 2008
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- t
- Developer(s)
- Crystal Dynamics, Nixxes
- Genre(s)
- Action-Adventure
2008’s Tomb Raider: Underworld is a glossy addition to the iconic series from Crystal Dynamics. The game picks up as Lara continues the search for her mother and finds herself entangled in the world of Norse mythology.
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The game’s early underwater level sees Lara exploring murky depths whilst avoiding sharks to discover an underwater Norse temple, where she must face off against a kraken and platform her way to freedom. The level’s unique environment and striking visuals make it a memorable section of the game.
7 Alice: Madness Returns
The Deluded Depths
Alice: Madness Returns
- Released
- June 14, 2011
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Spicy Horse
- Genre(s)
- Hack and Slash
This third-person action adventure platformer sees players exploring an icy tundra before plunging down into the Deluded Depths. In this underwater realm, Alice must put together a smash-hit theater show at the behest of the Walrus and the Carpenter.
Much like the rest of the game, the level is filled with whimsy, featuring a refreshing side-scrolling mini-game where players must defend the Mock Turtle’s ship and a quest-giver who takes the form of an alcoholic Scottish octopus. The level stands out for its unique beauty, with a stunning environment, a beautiful new dress for Alice, and impressive underwater physics. It also boasts some great underwater combat.
6 Kirby's Epic Yarn
Blub-Blub Ocean
Kirby's Epic Yarn
- Released
- October 17, 2010
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- e
- Developer(s)
- HAL Laboratory, Good-Feel
- Genre(s)
- Platformer
2010’s Kirby's Epic Yarn takes players on an adorable platforming adventure through a world of fuzzy delights as Kirby explores Patch Land. The game’s fabric-based aesthetic creates unique gameplay opportunities, including Kirby’s ability to transform into a whole array of forms with unique abilities, including a dolphin and a submarine in the game’s water levels. The stand out of these water levels is Blub-Blub Ocean, which culminates with a Dolphin Metamortex.
5 Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage
Aquaria Towers
Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage!
- Released
- October 31, 1999
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- e
- Genre(s)
- Platformer
- Platform(s)
- PS1
The Spyro series has long been beloved for its charm. That charm shines brightly in Aquaria Towers, an underwater level which doesn’t bother the player with worrying about catching their breath. Spyro stays submerged between the waves while completing tasks, including a quirky mini-game where he must complete an obstacle course on the back of a manta ray.
This level introduces players to the enemies of many childhood nightmares: snarling robotic sharks which are all but invincible. The level also stands out for its great sound design and music.
4 Sonic The Hedgehog 3
Hydrocity
Sonic the Hedgehog 3
- Released
- February 2, 1994
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- e
- Genre(s)
- Platformer
- Platform(s)
- Sega Genesis, PC
While the proper pronunciation of this zone has caused some controversy, one thing which most fans tend to agree on is that it’s a great example of an underwater level. The game’s second zone plunges Sonic down into the bowels of Angel Island, where he must avoid piranhas and fight to keep his oxygen levels topped up to ultimately face off against Doctor Eggman. With a great soundtrack, fun platforming, and a memorable coloor scheme, there’s plenty to love about this iconic level.
3 Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
Amiss Abyss
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
- Released
- February 21, 2014
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E For Everyone due to Mild Cartoon Violence
- Developer(s)
- Retro Studios
- Genre(s)
- Platformer
- Platform(s)
- Switch, Nintendo Wii U
2014’s Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is a fantastic platformer with great level design, and its underwater realms are no exception. The Amiss Abyss level in Sea Breeze Cove is full of engaging gameplay and excels in its art direction, silhouetting the player against the deep blue of the ocean as they search for puzzle pieces among bioluminescent creatures. The level is immediately followed up by Irate Eight, another great water level which proves that water can be a great addition to a platformer when done right.
2 Rayman Legends
Swimming With The Stars
Rayman Legends
- Released
- August 30, 2013
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ For Everyone 10+ due to Cartoon Violence, Comic Mischief
- Developer(s)
- Ubisoft Montpellier
- Genre(s)
- Platformer
Swimming with the Stars is a level bustling with variety, providing moment-to-moment challenges as Rayman traverses the Sea of Serendipity. The level begins in a bright and chirpy fashion as players are treated to a chorus of singing fish before they are plunged into the darkest depths of the ocean, with only the light of helpful bioluminescent krill to serve as a guide as they avoid obstacles. The level shows off Rayman’s strong art style, and poses an impressive challenge for players who opt to complete the level as a time-trial.
1 Super Mario Sunshine
Noki Bay
Super Mario Sunshine
- Released
- August 26, 2002
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E For Everyone due to Comic Mischief
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo EAD
- Genre(s)
- Platformer
- Platform(s)
- GameCube
Gamers are spoiled for choice when it comes to great underwater Mario levels, but the water-based gameplay in Super Mario Sunshine stands out. Much of the game is built around Mario’s trusty companion, FLUDD, whom he uses to guide himself through the water.
Noki Bay is an area with tons of variety which sees players moving between water and land-based gameplay. The game’s colorful art style is on full display as players gather shine sprites and encounter dangers, including a giant eel and a tense encounter with Shadow Mario. It's a fantastic level in a fantastic game, and it shows that water can make a great addition to platformers.
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