The PlayStation 1 (PS1) has long been a beacon for nostalgic gamers, evoking memories of pixelated graphics and groundbreaking titles. However, a certain melancholy has infiltrated the collective consciousness surrounding the console. Much of today’s retro gaming experience, especially amongst younger players, is associated with the fog-laden, eerie atmosphere of survival horror games such as Silent Hill. This pervasive association risks overshadowing the versatile and vibrant spectrum of games that the PS1 offered. A cursory glance at platforms like Itch.io reveals a plethora of indie horror games, seemingly leading to the notion that the PS1 was merely a vessel for dark, moody experiences, thus neglecting its capacity for colorful creativity and joy.
Fortunately, the recent release of Water Level/b.l.u.e. EXPLORATION by New York City-based game designer Hatim Benhsain serves as a refreshing reminder of this creative potential. This free-to-download title not only revives a lesser-known gem from the PS1 era—b.l.u.e.: Legend of Water—but infuses it with a unique, modern twist that challenges existing notions of game design by harnessing the power of remix culture.
Water Level/b.l.u.e. EXPLORATION functions as both a tribute and a transformation of its predecessor. Instead of merely replicating the original adventure where players swim through alien ruins accompanied by a dolphin, Benhsain transforms the experience into a meta-commentary on gaming itself. Here, levels from the original title are intricately woven into a patchwork of other gaming landscapes, reminiscent of a sprawling collage that invites curiosity and exploration. This blurring of lines between original content and references to established games like Dark Souls, Super Mario 64, and Kingdom Hearts makes the overall experience feel vibrant and multi-dimensional.
The game possesses a distinctive fluidity, allowing players to navigate through levels that are themselves in a state of flux—zooming in and out, fading, and re-aggregating into an interconnected whole. This interplay provides a sense of immersion, as the gameplay continuously evolves, echoing the concept of a “plunderludic,” as coined by Benhsain. This term boldly encapsulates the idea of games crafted from the essence of other games, standing apart from mere collages. It creates a fresh context for examining how games can meld with one another, fostering an intimate relationship that deepens the enjoyment and engagement of the player.
What Does It Mean to Embrace Plunderludic Play?
The term “plunderludic” opens up an intriguing dialogue regarding originality and creativity in the gaming sphere. Benhsain’s work hearkens back to influential art movements, drawing connections to playwright Bertolt Brecht and George Maciunas of the Fluxus art movement. Activating these artistic legacies to repurpose and remix forms invites not just gameplay, but also a critical examination of the historical context in which these games were created.
This artistic layering allows players to experience a sense of nostalgia while also engaging with contemporary themes regarding the nature of digital interaction. Yet, I can’t help but ponder what distinguishes a plunderludic game from conventional remixed media. The nuance appears to reside in the playful exploration of source materials, emphasizing that the act of drawing from other games does not simply create an uninspired pastiche but can evolve into something exceptional through innovative mechanics and storytelling.
What of the sensory experience of playing in this aquatic realm? Benhsain resurrects the wonders of swimming within video games, reigniting a spark that seems to have dimmed over time. While advancements in graphics and physics engines in contemporary games have led to visually stunning representations of underwater environments, they often lack the whimsical charm that characterized early aquatic adventures. This stark contrast makes Water Level/b.l.u.e. EXPLORATION an exhilarating return to that magical essence.
As we immerse ourselves in this unique gaming experience, we are called to reflect on our favorite water-based levels across gaming history. The joy that comes from navigating through both haunting and delightful aquatic spaces reminds us of the range and depth available within the realm of video games—an exploration not only of physical environments but of artistic possibilities.
In essence, as we traverse both the nostalgic and newly minted landscapes of gaming, Water Level/b.l.u.e. EXPLORATION stands as a harmonious ode to the imaginative spirit of the PS1 era, urging us to dive deep and appreciate the colorful depth that lies beneath the surface.