Water Levels are a paradox. On one hand, many notorious sections of games are Water-themed. On the other hand, it makes a lot of sense to include them, considering how common and versatile water is. And there have been a number of cases where these levels have been awesome.
- Jolly Roger Bay (Super Mario 64) - This water level allowed one to navigate 3D spaces at a slower pace than flying allowed. The objectives in this stage support the game's swimming mechanics, encouraging calm and collected prodding of the environment. And although Mario can drown, the air mechanic and ability to heal with coins lets one take risks.
- Launch Octopu's Stage (Mega Man X) - Instead of using water physics to mess with your progress, this one uses it to make the level more open ended. Your higher jumps allow you to stay by the surface, tread the ocean floor, and switch back and forth. You had a mini-boss serpents and submarines below, ships on the surface, secrets to find, and the Octopus-themed boss can have its tentacles cut off with the cutter weapon.
- Swamp Palace (Zelda: A Link Between Worlds) - This dungeon plays with the fairly common idea of changing water levels, like Ocarina of Time's infamous Water Temple. Both even focus on the Hookshot. Unlike the Water Temple, the 2D perspective makes tracking puzzles easier. The Hookshot is more tightly integrated into the design than in Ocarina of Time, thanks to its use in activating switches and moving platforms.
What are your favorites?
Love and tolerate.