Water in Video Games

The video script begins by emphasizing water's fundamental role on Earth and its multifaceted presence in video games. It discusses water's dual nature as a peaceful element and a destructive force, drawing a parallel to Bruce Lee's philosophy. The speaker highlights water's impact on human history and its representation in various art forms, including video games. They argue that video games have the potential to be the pinnacle of human creativity, with water playing a unique role due to its adaptability and interactive possibilities. The script invites viewers to share their thoughts on water in games and thanks patrons for their support.

This paragraph delves into the historical development of water graphics in video games, highlighting the technological advancements that have allowed for increasingly realistic representations. It mentions the early days of gaming where water was simply blue and static, to the introduction of motion and basic animation. The speaker praises the innovative techniques used in games like 'Donkey Kong Country' and 'Wave Race 64' for their impressive water effects. The paragraph also discusses the use of normal maps and other graphical tricks to create the illusion of depth and movement in water, and how these techniques have led to the stunning water graphics seen in modern games like 'Sea of Thieves'.

The speaker explores the role of music in enhancing the atmosphere of water levels in games. They discuss how composers use various techniques to create a soft, muffled quality that mimics the sound of being underwater, as well as the use of instruments like steel drums and marimbas that evoke tropical and oceanic associations. The paragraph also touches on the darker side of water, where music can be used to create a sense of fear and mystery, drawing on the potential dangers of aquatic environments. The speaker expresses their belief that music plays a significant role in establishing the mood and feel of water levels in games.

This section addresses the contentious reputation of water levels in video games, particularly in action and platform genres where movement is key. The speaker notes that water levels are often criticized for slowing down gameplay and disrupting the flow of the game. They provide examples of notoriously disliked water levels, such as the Labyrinth Zone in 'Sonic the Hedgehog' and the Water Temple in 'The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time', due to their frustrating mechanics and controls. The paragraph suggests that when water levels are well-designed and integrated into the game's overall flow, they can be enjoyable, but poorly executed ones can significantly detract from the player's experience.

The speaker counters the negativity by sharing examples of well-designed water levels and games that successfully integrate water into their gameplay and themes. They commend the 'Donkey Kong Country' series for its fluid and atmospheric water levels, and mention 'Super Mario 64's Jolly Roger Bay as a standout example. The paragraph also highlights 'Alice: Madness Returns' for its unique take on aquatic themes and 'Shadow of the Colossus' for its use of water in creating a sense of scale and danger. The speaker argues that when water levels are thoughtfully designed, they can offer some of the most memorable and enjoyable experiences in gaming.

This paragraph expands the discussion to entire games that are set in or around water, where narratives can be intricately tied to aquatic environments. The speaker praises 'Final Fantasy X' for its strong water themes and 'The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker' for its flooded world of Hyrule. They also mention 'Subnautica' for its survival gameplay on an alien ocean planet and other games like 'Obzu' and 'Aquaria' that focus on swimming and exploration. The paragraph emphasizes the calming and escapist qualities of water-themed games and how they can provide a sense of freedom and adventure.

The speaker discusses the practical uses of water in games, such as acting as boundaries to restrict player movement or as hazards that can instantly end a player's life. They mention how water can be used to create a more natural feeling to the edges of a game map, avoiding the need for invisible walls. The paragraph also explores how water can be a tool for gameplay, such as in 'Pokémon' with its water-type creatures and moves, or in games that allow players to experiment with water's physical properties for various effects.

This section touches on the use of rain and other weather effects as tools for enhancing the atmosphere and mood in games. The speaker praises games like 'Batman: Arkham Knight', 'Red Dead Redemption 2', and 'Cyberpunk 2077' for their impressive rain systems. They also mention 'Homefront: The Revolution' for its realistic rain effects, despite the game's overall quality. The paragraph highlights how weather effects can contribute to the immersive experience of gaming.

The speaker briefly mentions the subgenre of water sports in video games, including games focused on activities like fishing, surfing, swimming, and water skiing. They note that these games often serve as mini-games or side activities within larger titles, with 'Kelly Slater's Pro Surfer' being highlighted as a particularly enjoyable example for surfing enthusiasts.

In the final paragraph, the speaker expresses strong dissatisfaction with 'Aquaman' on the GameCube, describing it as the worst water game they have ever played. They criticize various aspects of the game, including controls, level design, and combat. The speaker then reflects on the broader point of the video, emphasizing the power and versatility of water in video games. They encourage viewers to appreciate the effort that goes into creating water effects and the diverse ways water is used across the medium. The video concludes with an invitation for viewers to share their thoughts and experiences with water in games.