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.
In many video games, the ocean is typically depicted as a fearsome domain teeming with dangerous sea creatures ready to pounce on the player who dares to intrude upon their territory. Conversely, other games leverage their underwater setting to create a serene and comforting atmosphere, showcasing the ocean’s stunning beauty, vibrant reefs, and hidden seabeds.
Instead of causing anxiety, the ocean can serve as a peaceful sanctuary for people to enjoy panoramic vistas from above and below the water’s surface or embark on an exciting journey. These games span various genres, such as exploration titles and 3D platformers, providing distinctive methods to swim through and discover underwater realms. Some are calmer and more serene, making them suitable for a wide range of ages and player demographics.
10. Stranded Deep
The Randomly Generated Islands Are Strangely Relaxing
In Stranded Deep, the idea of being stranded in an endless sea surrounded by sharks can seem intimidating at first. However, once you’ve gathered necessary supplies and built a shelter, the game isn’t always terrifying. Instead, the secluded islands become tranquil havens with soothing music that creates an enjoyable experience reminiscent of the movie Cast Away.
Exploring the ocean depths for fishing or salvaging shipwreck remnants infuses an exciting sense of discovery into the game Stranded Deep. The vast, randomly generated world is filled with numerous islands waiting to be discovered. It’s a thrilling task to either transform one into a habitation or strip them bare to invent new means of navigating the vast oceans.
9. Subnautica
Surviving An Alien Planet Is As Beautiful As It Is Scary
In the style of Stranded Deep, Subnautica offers a host of frightening elements such as radioactive zones in the ocean depths and colossal sea creatures reminiscent of deep-sea nightmares. Yet, this alien world where Subnautica unfolds is teeming with distinctive underwater ecosystems that shine brightly with bioluminescence, creating a captivating and vibrant landscape throughout.
One comparable aspect between the games “Subnautica” and “Stranded Deep” is their crafting feature, which allows players to build bases and underwater vehicles. As players become proficient in these skills, navigating the vast underwater landscapes can be a calming experience. This feature has significantly contributed to the popularity of “Subnautica”, leading to spin-offs and sequels being developed from this indie game.
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
In the game Koral, instead of navigating an explorer through the ocean, you control the ocean current itself. This allows you to revive lifeless parts of coral reefs and other underwater environments. With simple controls like analog sticks or WASD keys as your only means, Koral offers a short yet stunning puzzle experience that challenges the player to discover the correct paths to awaken areas, clean up pollution, and unlock new pathways.
In the game Koral, there’s no need for fighting or combat; instead, it offers a serene visual and auditory journey. Its design is intended to be therapeutic, making it an ideal choice for those seeking relaxation after a tiring day. Interestingly, this tranquil experience can also benefit individuals suffering from thalassophobia.
7. The Legendary Starfy
The Cute Starfish That Should Have Been A Franchise
Starfy: A Fresh Attempt at a New Mascot Character represented an innovative endeavor to introduce a fresh character within the series, despite being the fifth installment in Japan. By merging side-scrolling action with adorable sea creatures, it fashioned an entertaining game for the Nintendo DS that appeals to all ages. The principal character is a cheerful starfish named Starfy, who assists a rabbit in retrieving his ship.
This publisher is recognized for producing unique yet high-quality games, such as “Frankenstein: The Monster Returns“, a game similar to “Castlevania“, and “The Legendary Starfy” often gets compared to classic “Kirby” titles. Due to its underwater setting, playing Starfy feels like every level is a water stage in a platformer, but without the usual frustrations, making it an endearing cult favorite.
6. Another Crab’s Treasure
If Dark Souls Took Place Under The Sea
In contrast to games such as Elden Ring or Bloodborne, which often blend worlds and styles in a way that can feel eerily like horror RPGs due to their grotesque monsters and dismal settings, Another Crab’s Treasure offers a Soulslike experience with a whimsical twist and abundant humor, making it more suitable for younger players.
A Crab’s Quest for Redemption
In this captivating tale, a hermit crab embarks on an epic journey to reclaim his stolen shell. This underwater odyssey sees him encountering various adversaries in a style reminiscent of the challenging and atmospheric game, Dark Souls. The vibrant characters and engaging world exude personality and charm, often evoking the feel of a dynamic animated film. Furthermore, compared to other Soulslike games,
5. SpongeBob SquarePants: The Battle For Bikini Bottom Rehydrated
Cartoon Platforming Remastered With Nautical Nonsense
As a devoted fan, it’s not every day that a video game based on an animated series manages to be a fantastic adaptation, but one exception stood out as more than just a gem hidden among the rocks – it garnered such a dedicated following that it deserved a remaster. SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom – Rehydrated has breathed new life into the 2003 original, upgrading visuals, audio, and even refining the gameplay to suit modern gaming systems.
As a die-hard SpongeBob fan, stepping into the shoes of my underwater pals, SpongeBob, Patrick, and Sandy, I dive headfirst into the 3D world of Bikini Bottom, reminiscent of the good ol’ days in the classic cartoon episodes. The game takes me on an adventure through various sections of our beloved underwater town, allowing me to collect hidden treasures and engage in hilarious cartoon hijinks that feel like I’m living inside a giant episode from the early seasons of SpongeBob SquarePants. This game is a testament to the original series, creating an entirely new wave of SpongeBob-inspired games for fans like me to enjoy!
4. Endless Ocean
A Peaceful Diving Simulator For The Wii
Endless Ocean” turned out to be a remarkable success on the Nintendo Wii, gaining popularity due to its straightforward yet captivating gameplay that lets you play as a diver in a fantasized oceanic region, discovering and cataloguing various marine plants and creatures. The narrative serves as a backdrop, primarily offering opportunities to explore fresh territories and interact with diverse sea life, ranging from the tiniest organisms to the largest beasts of the deep.
Enthusiasts commend “Endless Ocean” for its calming soundtrack, enhancing the tranquility of gameplay since none of the marine creatures pose threats, not even the sharks that typically instill fear. Additionally, it’s a game skillfully employing and finessing motion controls, enabling players to manipulate the diver and interact with animals.
3. Abzû
Designed To Look And Feel Like A Diver’s Dream
In the game Abzû, you’ll find yourself playing as a diver, accompanied by a majestic Great White Shark. This journey takes you deep into the submerged remnants of an ancient civilization, where you’ll discover a profound bond with the ocean. The absence of dialogue and the realistic 3D swimming experience make you feel fully immersed in the game. The vibrant neon visuals breathe life into the underwater settings, creating an atmosphere that lingers long after playtime, even making the unfamiliar feel comforting.
In Abzû, all the aquatic creatures you encounter are friendly companions instead of enemies, allowing you to swim alongside dolphins, sharks, and other marine life. The game also includes puzzles for added challenge, while immersing you in the stunning underwater environments and tranquil music reminiscent of Koral.
2. The Legend Of Zelda: The Wind Waker
Voyage Across The High Seas Of Hyrule
In various iterations of “The Legend of Zelda” series, Hyrule assumes diverse shapes, and one particularly distinct manifestation is the Great Sea featured in “The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker”. In this game, you take on the role of Link, venturing across vast oceans, discovering numerous islands, and working to save the kingdom from Ganondorf and his malevolent troops.
Twenty years on, the original GameCube game remains cherished as a timeless classic, thanks to its thrilling pirate escapades, captivating soundtrack, and immersive pirate-themed universe. The cel-shaded aesthetic lends a more child-friendly ambiance, even during darker hours when monsters and the undead emerge from hiding. What’s more, it stands out as one of the easier games in the series for newcomers to grasp.
1. Endless Ocean: Blue World
The Sequel Makes The Sea Deeper Than Before
In the vein of the idea known as “Endless Ocean”, there’s a wealth of potential for a follow-up, and “Endless Ocean: Blue World” certainly seized that opportunity. It featured twelve expansive open-world maps and enhanced visual quality. Additionally, it introduced numerous varieties of marine life to engage with and even befriend, hidden treasures to discover, and costumes to earn for the diver persona.
The tale of Endless Ocean: Blue World runs deeper, as the main character embarks on a worldwide journey to uncover the legend called the Song of Dragons and its impact on marine life. While predators such as sharks, eels, and caimans are more aggressive in the sequel and air consumption is crucial, the tranquil underwater exploration remains consistent with the initial game, but it’s enhanced almost everywhere.
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2025-07-29 09:35