Video Game Water Levels Are The Worst

Ok, not all of them are that bad. I digress, every video game player has come across the dreaded water centered level. These typically pose a challenge for the player in that basically the controls suck and just like with real swimming the ocean, you never know what horrifying creature will leap out at you. Below we'll take a look at some memorable water levels in video games.

Bioshock

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I don't know why I included Bioshock, the whole game is sort of set underwater. And you know what? I've never played it! This concept art of Rapture looks cool though.

Ecco the Dolphin

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I can't just list Bioshock and then ignore a wholly underwater video game series can I? Especially one as transformative in my youth (even if I only got past the second level) as Ecco the Dolphin, particularly the sequel Tides of Time. This game was so slow paced and I mean kind of weird-- you're a time traveling bottlenose dolphin with telekinetic powers that is destined to save your fellow bottleneck dolphins from aliens. Ok sure, whatever. Anyway, these games are worth playing for the soundtrack alone.

Sonic the Hedgehog: Labyrinth Zone

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Hmm weird, I was just in a level and Sonic instantly dies upon touching water and now I have to endure an entire stage around him being underwater? Most Sonic levels go by rather quickly, but this one feels like a chore and is slow paced. In retrospect, this level was such a pain in the ass, but again the music was catchy as hell and softened the blow of dying repeatedly.

Crash Bandicoot Series: Various

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The Crash Bandicoot series has featured several water centric levels-- the most frustrating of these were easily the ones in Crash Bandicoot: Warped, where as the eponymous character's sister Coco, you essentially struggle to maneuver a jet ski. Something about the oddly bouncy(?) open ocean and lacking level of detail made these levels bleak. Reminiscing over other notable Crash water themed levels like Hang Eight, Under Pressure, and the Eel Deal, honestly I'm proud/surprised of my six year old self for beating these levels.

The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time: The Water Temple

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OK! Yes, this level is difficult!! Anyone that tells you different is some asshole on Reddit. Yes, I was a child when I did my first playthrough of the Water Temple, so yeah, maybe my brain wasn't fully developed or whatever. I remember getting stuck at this god awful level and so of course, I tried just skipping it altogether by just proceeding to the Gerudo Fortress. I didn't have the longshot though. ANYWAY luckily my dad got one of those AOL free trial CDs and I found Gamefaqs. Though I had already raised/lowered the water levels and unlocked the wrong doors and so more hours were lost just traversing.

The Legend of Zelda Majora's Mask: Pinnacle Rock

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The Zora transformation and giant eel say it all. And on the subject of eels...

Super Mario 64: Jolly Roger Bay

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The music in Jolly Roger Bay/Dire Dire Docks is so ~peaceful~, so when you first encounter Unagi the giant scary eel, it's umm a little jarring? I was so scared of this level as a kid, that I gave up my childhood dream of being an oceanographer. I wish I was kidding. :( Honestly, I'm just glad I'm not the only person scarred by this asshole.

Super Mario World

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Ok, this isn't a level. I JUST LOVE THIS DANG FISH

Donkey Kong Country

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Oh man, Aquatic Ambiance is probably my favorite video game track of all time. These levels weren't too difficult, but usually the enemies were extra annoying and the octopus creeped me out.

Journey: The Tunnels

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Journey is one of the most beautiful and enriching games I've ever played. I remember sitting in my college apartment, lonely as hell, playing this game and encountering another player who stuck with me from the second level or so to the end of the game. I hadn't quite had that experience before or since playing with a stranger. We were just two people enjoying this game, albeit the other person was sort of showing me the way. I should probably get into the whole mmorpg scene.

Kingdom Hearts: Atlantica

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Look, I love the first Kingdom Hearts and even when I was passing through the "bustling" cities of Agrabah and Atlantica and didn't see a single NPC, I looked past it. BUT then they go and add a DDR style rhythm minigame to the subsequent Atlantica reiterations?? Unforgivable.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Water Dam

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Unfortunately I was too young to appreciate TMNT or the original Nintendo. I digress, the controls are so crappy in this level and moreover you have to have the precision of a neurosurgeon to not die.

Super Castlevania IV: Stage III

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Ok, you're not swimming in the water, but you are avoiding floating eyeballs, sea monster spit, and falling platforms. The amount of times I've heard my dad curse playing this game definitely outweigh the arguments he had with my mom following their separation :)

Castlevania Symphony of the Night: Underground Caverns

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Waterfalls, weird skeletal ferryman, annoying frogs and an entryway into the secret catacombs. The Underground Caverns are a short, but favorite area in the classic SOTN. Also, THIS TRACK. I'm in a swanky vampire nightclub, baby.

Tales of Symphonia: Thoda Geyser/Water Seal

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This is essentially Water Temple Jr.

Super Ghouls n' Ghosts

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This whole game is infuriating.