The video game landscape has often been marred by a cycle of perceptions tied to the legacy of past consoles. Among them, the PlayStation 1 (PS1) has seen its reputation pigeonholed, primarily into a genre characterized by dark, horror-themed experiences. For those who came of age during the PS1’s heyday, it might be shocking to acknowledge how this association has evolved. In particular, the console’s legacy is often interpreted through the lens of horror, overshadowing many of its remarkable qualities—including vibrant worlds and diverse genres. The recent project titled *Water Level/b.l.u.e. EXPLORATION*, created by the New York City-based designer Hatim Benhsain, tips the scales back towards diversity, showcasing that PS1’s potential extended far beyond existential dread.

*Water Level/b.l.u.e. EXPLORATION* is a free experimental piece that stands as an ode to the little-known game *b.l.u.e.: Legend of Water*. Released only in Japan, this original title featured a young girl swimming through fantastical underwater ruins accompanied by her dolphin companion. Benhsain takes this premise and intricately weaves it into a narrative that transcends mere nostalgia, allowing players to navigate through a larger, immersive game world that reflects those surreal aquatic aesthetics. Unlike many other game remixes that fall into the trap of emulating for nostalgia’s sake, this project innovates through clever deconstruction.

The gameplay thrives on an amalgamation of memories from various sources, featuring nods to other iconic games. As players traverse a morphing landscape crafted from *Dark Souls*, *Super Mario 64*, and *Kingdom Hearts*, they receive a metaphysical experience. Each element layered within the game reflects not just homage but a comprehensive journey through gaming history, and the chaotic interplay of graphics gives it a unique form of visual storytelling.

One of the most intriguing aspects of *Water Level/b.l.u.e. EXPLORATION* is Benhsain’s introduction of the term “plunderludic,” which cleverly intertwines ‘plunder’ and ‘ludic’—the latter of which refers to playfulness in games. This concept paints a broader picture of interactive experiences, leaning towards the idea of games creating a conversation among peers in an artistic sense. It prompts us to consider how a “plunderludic” game differs fundamentally from other forms of game collage. This curiosity is further bolstered by connections to figures like Bertolt Brecht and George Maciunas, who were pivotal in examining interplay among art forms. This theoretical framework indicates a shift in understanding gaming as an art medium, much like literature or performance arts.

Additionally, this venture into reimagination serves as a reminder that gaming is a culturally expansive field, interlacing nostalgia with fresh interpretations that serve to reinvigorate older concepts. Such a definition can potentially influence the way contemporary games are designed and perceived. A simple aquatic adventure can lead to profound insights about interactivity and design.

While *Water Level/b.l.u.e. EXPLORATION* delves deep into the waters of nostalgia, it also calls attention to something else: the magic of underwater exploration in video games. Diving into ambient ocean realms has been a captivating experience for many players, but it seems that many modern games fail to evoke the same sense of wonder that permeated early titles. Technological advancements, while impressive, often come at the cost of charm. Benhsain’s title elicits a sense that such exploration should include a playfulness that is rooted in simpler mechanisms yet is profoundly impacting.

As I logged time with the game, I found myself nostalgic not only for the PS1 itself but also for the very act of swimming through a digital landscape that feels alive. Unlike current high-fidelity experiences that emphasize realism, Benhsain’s design invites a whimsical exploration that allows players to lose themselves in an enchanting world rather than simply follow the rules of physics.

Given this, it’s worthwhile for gamers to reflect on their favorite water levels in gaming history, old or new, and share their experiences. *Water Level/b.l.u.e. EXPLORATION* is an exemplary invitation to re-examine the aquatic realms in gaming—ones worth celebrating as part of the vast tapestry of video game culture.

Gaming

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