In recent years, the revival of retro gaming aesthetics has largely been dominated by genre associations that can skew perceptions of entire consoles, particularly the PlayStation 1 (PS1). When younger gamers think of the PS1, the haunted corridors of Silent Hill often spring to mind. This stereotype unfortunately overshadows the console’s broader capabilities, casting it primarily as a vessel for atmospheric horror rather than a diverse playground of vibrant gaming experiences. It is in this context that Hatim Benhsain’s Water Level/b.l.u.e. EXPLORATION emerges as a refreshing proof-of-concept that challenges and enriches our understanding of what PS1-era games can be.
Reimagining Classic Artistry
Water Level/b.l.u.e. EXPLORATION is inspired by the lesser-known b.l.u.e.: Legend of Water, a unique title that invites players into an underwater world characterized by its serene alien ruins navigated by a girl alongside her dolphin companion. Benhsain’s iteration takes this concept further by building a layered experience where various game levels swim in and out of consciousness, creating a mishmash that feels both familiar and alien at the same time. This act of layering multiple games—like Dark Souls and Super Mario 64—into one interactive tapestry gives rise to the term “plunderludic,” a concept that sits at the intersection of homage, critique, and creative innovation in game design.
The gameplay experience in Water Level/b.l.u.e. goes beyond mere levels and characters; it becomes a narrative on the concept of gaming itself. As players navigate through environments that are visually striking, with textures that shift from deep azure to rocky formations, the game serves as an exploration of memory, loss, and the act of play. With each no-clip maneuver through these interactive layers, players dive into an oceanic palette of borrowed motifs, echoing sentiments from different eras and styles of gaming. The soundtrack further enriches this experience, combining various pop culture elements into a soundscape that is both nostalgic and disorienting.
Benhsain’s design decisions evoke an intriguing question of authenticity: How does one define a game’s originality when it’s built upon a genealogy of influences? While emulation often raises eyebrows in intellectual property discussions, Benhsain seems to transcend these conversations through a form of creative homage. His approach to remixing mechanics and visuals showcases a postmodern understanding of inspiration, leaning heavily into the notion that video games can be viewed as an evolving dialogue.
What Is a Plunderludic Game?
The term “plunderludic” may raise eyebrows, yet its implications can be fully understood by examining the interplay of homage and satire it represents. Within the context of Water Level/b.l.u.e., this concept invites players to perceive games as dynamic artworks rather than static experiences. It expands on ideas proposed by avant-garde figures like Bertolt Brecht and the Fluxus movement, which questioned traditional notions of artistic ownership and audience engagement. By juxtaposing disparate game elements, Benhsain invites players to grapple with their preconceived notions about linearity in storytelling and the nature of exploration.
While the contemporary gaming landscape is brimming with visually stunning aquatic environments, there exists a lingering question: have modern narratives stripped away the magic of underwater exploration? Titles like Subnautica may dazzle with their graphical fidelity and realistic mechanics, but they often fail to replicate the whimsical charm inherent in earlier experiences like Legend of Water. Water Level/b.l.u.e. serves as a timely reminder that exploration itself is not merely about visual output; it is about the feelings elicited through engagement with unfamiliar, beautifully designed worlds.
In what feels like an era dominated by hyper-realistic gaming, the charm of excursions into whimsical underwater realms should not be underestimated. With the lingering question of nostalgia looming large, Water Level/b.l.u.e. EXPLORATION masterfully invites both old-school fans and new players to celebrate the rich tapestry of gaming history, ensuring that the PS1’s capabilities are not relegated to the shadows of outdated horror. If you find yourself longing for that sense of adventure, now is the time to dive deep into the aquatic magic that games like this promise.
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