In recent years, there’s been a renaissance of retro-inspired video games that often hark back to the iconic era of the PlayStation 1 (PS1). However, there’s an overwhelming tendency for these nostalgic projects to skew toward darkness and horror, reflecting a very narrow perspective of what the PS1 has to offer. For many younger players today, the PS1 can easily be pigeonholed as merely a vessel of horror, seemingly inundated with moody atmospheres reminiscent of Silent Hill. This evocative association overshadows the broader spectrum of experiences the console once delivered, morphing its legacy into a representation of “existential gray.”
We find ourselves longing for a representation that showcases the console’s vibrancy and diversity, particularly in terms of its aesthetic range. Enter Hatim Benhsain with his creation, Water Level/b.l.u.e. EXPLORATION, a title that serves as a heartfelt reminder that the PlayStation 1 was not merely a rusty machine of terror but also a stage for creativity and innovation.
Reimagining a Classic
Water Level/b.l.u.e. EXPLORATION takes inspiration from b.l.u.e.: Legend of Water, a lesser-known, Japan-exclusive PS1 title that invites players into an aquatic world filled with alien ruins and companionship with a dolphin. Benhsain’s remake transcends typical homage by integrating and distorting elements from not only the original but also a patchwork of other beloved titles such as Dark Souls and Super Mario 64. This melding results in an experience that feels simultaneously nostalgic and alien, a beautiful remix that acknowledges its sources while carving out its unique identity.
The game operates in a meta-realm where the old meets the new; levels from the original b.l.u.e. appear as fragmented, blurry relics in this larger oceanic playground. Players move through a kaleidoscope of visuals, disintegrating the boundaries of traditional gameplay by blurring lines between levels and titles. This concept of creatively “collaging” different games can be seen as an innovative take on remix culture in the gaming world.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Water Level/b.l.u.e. EXPLORATION is Benhsain’s coining of the term “plunderludic,” which reflects the nature of crafting games from other games. Unlike mere emulation or imitation, this term suggests an intentional weaving of various gaming experiences into a new tapestry aimed at fostering exploration and discovery. This conceptual framework not only encourages gameplay that celebrates community and collaboration but also invites players to question the definitions of origin and ownership in the digital landscape.
By including resources for others to dive deeper into this new category, Benhsain is contributing to a wider conversation about the relationship between art and technology. The connections made to influential figures like Bertolt Brecht and George Maciunas highlight the artistic underpinnings binding this project to broader themes in avant-garde art, empathy, and interactive experiences.
What stands out in this experience, beyond its cerebral gameplay mechanics and rich conceptual framework, is the simple joy of swimming. There is a sense of freedom in navigating watery worlds, an engagement with movement that evokes both physicality and imagination. After years dominated by increasingly complex visuals and pseudo-realistic physics, Water Level/b.l.u.e. EXPLORATION chooses to focus on the fundamentally therapeutic aspects of aquatic exploration.
While contemporary titles boast advanced graphics and highly sophisticated gameplay mechanics, they often lack that enchanting feel that old-school water levels conjured up. The magic of swimming, the sense of wonder that those underwater worlds once encapsulated, seems diminished as gaming technology has leapt forward. Benhsain’s game invites a nostalgic yearning for that sense of wonder, urging players to reconsider their interactions with both aquatic gameplay and the gaming art form itself.
Ultimately, Water Level/b.l.u.e. EXPLORATION is not merely a homage to nostalgic gameplay but a rich, artistic experiment that delights in the act of swimming, both on screen and conceptually. It challenges perceptions of game design while delivering a unique experience that beckons players to engage with water levels in innovative ways. As we dive into this intriguing world, we are encouraged to celebrate the joy that water levels can evoke, whether from the past or within newer creations. What are your memories of aquatic adventures in gaming? Let us swim together in the dialogue about our favorite water levels, old and new, making waves in this ever-evolving medium.