The ocean makes up 70% of the Earth’s surface, but there are still many parts of it left undiscovered. Perhaps, this is the reason why so many scientists and experts are eager to dive deep and discover more about it. Even game developers are interested in the mystery of the deep too! With that in mind, here are three of the best underwater exploration games perfect for the thalassophiles.
ABZU
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLooy-9ip8o]
ABZU is more than just an underwater exploration game. It is a beautiful underwater adventure game that evokes the dream of diving — a true work-of-art. The game lets the player immersed in a vibrant ocean full of mystery and bursting with life and color. It features a dynamic world filled with hundreds of unique species based on real creatures. And what makes it more exciting is that it allows the player to form a powerful connection with these underwater creatures.
The game was created by Giant Squid Studios and was inspired by director Matt Nava’s love of scuba diving. It was published by 505 Games in 2016 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Microsoft Windows PCs and gaming laptops. It revolves around a story that drew from Sumerian mythology and the old cosmic ocean myth. Since its launch, Abzu has been nominated in various award-giving bodies like The Game Awards 2016, 2017 BAFTA Games Awards, and SXSW 2017 Gaming Awards.
Subnautica
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtP8r8nRfko]
Subnautica is an open-world survival game that lets the player descend into the depths of an alien underwater world. The game starts with the character crash-landing on an alien ocean world. Survive by scavenging and building equipment from the resources available on the planet. Discover the cure for the unknown disease infecting you and other sea life. Lastly, unravel the mystery that has been hidden within the planet’s depth.
The game was developed and published by the indie studio Unknown Worlds Entertainment for Microsoft Windows and Mac OS devices, as well as XBox One gaming console. It was first released in early access in December 2014 and then was fully released in January 2018.
Endless Ocean
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1_vOuX_bZ0]
Endless Ocean, also known as Forever Blue, is a single/multi-player adventure game for Nintendo Wii. The player takes on the role of a scuba diver exploring the Manaurai sea with the goal of searching for sea life and sunken treasure. An assistant named Katherine Sunday or Kat will guide you in the search. You can encounter various marine species, from smaller fish to massive underwater creatures such as whale sharks and sperm whales.
The game was developed by Arika and was published by Nintendo in 2007. A sequel to the game was then made and was launched in 2010 with the title “Endless Ocean 2: Blue World.”