In fact, thinking back across even my formative years as a Nintendo gamer, I remember actively seeking out water levels more than I do avoiding them. I have clear memories of honestly enjoying the swimming sections in Super Mario Bros., to the point where I’d avoid taking the Warp Zone in World 1-2 to skip to World 4 — because that would mean not getting to splash around in World 2-2. Bubble Man’s stage was always a joy to jump into in Mega Man 2, because I loved the extra-high heights that you could leap to reach once you went under the water (even if the ceiling was lined with spikes). In Star Fox 64, I’d always try to choose the route that let me play the Aquas level, since it was the one and only place in that game where Fox would pilot the Blue-Marine submarine. Water worlds were always weird and different, and I liked experiencing each one!
But I fully understand that them being so weird and different is exactly why so many other players didn’t want to even try to touch them. Swimming mechanics, submerged environments and definitely the whole reality of not being able to breathe freely (which some games carry over from real like) are all certainly valid reasons for avoiding these areas!
For this NF issue, we’re trying to cast a wide net and look at all the different ways water in games can make us feel. Our central feature, Just Add Water, takes five different angles on the topic! Then we’ve got a preview of our cover game, Endless Ocean: Luminous, and an exclusive interview with the lead developer of the ocean floor Soulslike adventure, Another Crab’s Treasure.
This whole issue is saturated with water-related titles beyond just those, too! See the skeletal fish foes of the new Splatoon 3 DLC, Side Order! Meet a penguin who doesn’t know how to swim in Ufouria: The Saga 2! Get a second helping of development insight from Matthew Taranto when he discusses Tadpole Treble Encore. And much, much more!
Hopefully all this content will slake the mightiest of thirsts, leaving you feeling fully refreshed and ready to play some new games!
