Water levels in games are hated by many players. MeinMMO has looked for possible reasons and presents them to you here.
No matter if in Mario, Sonic or other games. Water levels exist in many games but are hated by most players. We have dealt with the reasons for the aversion to water levels.
The game Subnautica takes place completely underwater. A nightmare for every water level hater:
No Air
Water levels can sometimes feel like a time-limited mission. The protagonists generally cannot breathe underwater and can only hold their breath for a limited time.
The air bar can then be refilled with air bubbles, or players have to constantly swim to the surface to get new air. This creates stress for the players. They are thus forced to traverse the level faster and are constantly searching for the next opportunity to breathe.
Thus, a relaxed exploration of the level is not possible, as the danger of lacking air constantly looms over them.
Player Movement Limitations
A water level has a completely different nature than most other levels, as the protagonists have to swim. Where the character could run, sprint, and jump in other levels, they can now only perform one movement: swim forward.
In most cases, this means no attacks are possible or the character suddenly has completely different abilities. These are all things that players need to adapt to at first.
Since a water level is usually only short or the water occurrences last only for one world and otherwise do not occur in the game, players only have to get used to the water for this short time. This can cause frustration for players since they only need the newly learned abilities that one time.
Furthermore, the controls are often not adequately adapted to the conditions of the water level or do not match the rest of the game. For example, Sonic is actually super fast in his platforming games, but in the underwater world, his speed is slowed down. This does not really fit the lightning-fast hedgehog and removes a significant aspect of the gameplay in the water levels.
Lack of Orientation
Since water levels differ from the traditional levels of the game and must often be traversed in a completely different way, players often lack orientation.
Moreover, players are completely at the mercy of the level and its conditions. For example, currents can come into play that massively affect movement and can sweep the player away.
Additionally, there is a lack of adequate light underwater if the protagonist does not carry one. This further complicates the orientation for players.
Enemies Have an Advantage
Enemies have a significant advantage in underwater levels compared to players. They are much better adapted to the environment and can attack better.
While the player is still struggling with the controls, they must simultaneously protect themselves from enemy attacks.
Fear of Water: Thalassophobia
A somewhat different reason that does not necessarily relate to the design of water levels is thalassophobia or aquaphobia. It is the fear of water.
For those affected, they do not even have to be near “real” water to feel fear. Often, it is enough for the situation to be simulated, as in playing an underwater level.
The main problem with water levels does not seem to be the water itself. There are many games, such as Subnautica, that enjoy high popularity, even though they take place entirely underwater.
It is rather the transition from “normal” levels to water levels that can evoke frustration in players since they must adapt to completely different conditions.
What do you think of water levels? Let us know in the comments! Have you ever wondered why healing potions are red and mana potions are blue? MeinMMO author Caroline Fuller has answered that question for you in this article: Why are healing potions red and mana potions blue?
