The 10 Best Video Game Water

(Originally published 07/2014 for Maximum PC)

It’s all about the flow

When we talk about water we immediately think of ships sailing across a large, blue expanse. When it comes to gaming, water doesn’t take that big of a role aside from an aesthetic one. But it still has the potential to impress us and leave us speechless when used in the right way.

At Maximum PC we picked 10 games that have the best video game water, in our opinion, for one reason or another. Whether it is because it was clear, gave us a memorable experience, or just looked really good considering it is just water. After all, there are times when boring liquid can stand out.

So take a look at our list, which is in no particular order, and let us know what you think. And feel free to tell us what games, in your opinion, have the best-looking water effects or were part of a memorable gaming experience.

Dear Esther

This first-person title impressed us with its visual style and beautiful locations. From sprawling landscapes to caves, it made us take our time just to observe the scenery. The water itself helped to provide a sense of calm and enhance the scenery with its clear look and reflective surface. Whether it was a small, winding river in a cave to crashing along a beach, the water in this game was great.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

There is so much we can say about Skyrim and, without a doubt, it is filled with a plethora of picturesque landscapes. We especially loved the water from still ponds, to winding rivers, and cascading waterfalls. The variety, when it came to the various bodies of water, were wide-ranging and plentiful. It simply took our breath away just as much as taking an arrow to the knee.

By the way, did you ever notice the fish that would leap out of the water? 

BioShock

This FPS title definitely makes it on the list and we’d have to be a Splicer not to include it, considering that this all takes place in the underwater city known as Rapture. It’s amazing to just stare out a window into the ocean and see a city there with underwater life swimming through it. On the other hand, you can get annoyed with the liquid as a section buckles from the strain of the underwater pressure and starts to flood that area.

Crysis

Yes, this FPS title already looks pretty thanks to Crytek’s CryEngine. But the water is beautiful, much like what you see if you go out to the Caribbean with its translucent water filled with schools of fish and underwater plants. Just look out for those roaming gunboats if you want to take the time for a swim.

Hydrophobia: Prophecy

If you are looking for a game with plenty of water then Hydrophobia: Prophecy is for you. This third-person survival adventure title features a dynamic water system thanks to the aptly named HydroEngine that was used to design the game. Water takes the stage in this IP, aside from the main character herself, and you’ll be running in the water, fighting in the water, and dying in the water. In fact, your fingers will start to prune because there is so much water in the game.

Tomb Raider

The game is beautiful! We love Lara Croft’s new look, it is a good origin story, and her hair looks great. As for water, there is certainly plenty of it considering that Miss Croft had to wade, swim, and walk through it all. However, with the plethora of gruesome ways she could die in this game, how come succumbing to pneumonia wasn’t one of them? 

Brothers – A Tale of Two Sons

Ignore the game’s title. This charming game has a lovely visual style that is bright and artistic that has you playing both brothers simultaneously. This single-player co-op game has two brothers looking for the “Water of Life” to save their father and, along the journey, you will see some fantastic scenery with waterfalls and clear bodies of water.

Empire: Total War

The Total War franchise is known for its turn-based campaign and real-time land battles. For a long time, naval warfare was an afterthought for the series. It was there, but just to ferry your troops across the campaign map. With Empire: Total War that changed. You could finally control an assortment of ships in naval battles and they were fantastic. Not only do the ships look great but the water is visually appealing with cannonballs exploding in the water, a ship’s image being reflected, and debris left floating in the water from a devastating broadside giving it some life.

Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag

We have to include this game because so much happens on the water. The ship battles are sped up and are completely insane as your vessel plows through the waves, causing massive sprays to jump up and over the bow. Then try fighting a naval battle when it is raining heavily, with large waves and poor visibility. You’ll be sick of the water by that point, and the sight of that blue expanse, you’ll want to be a landlubber again; until you start singing a sea shanty. 

So what do you do with a drunken sailor?

The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings

Water can conjure up memories and, I’m sure, many of us have spent time thinking things over while in the bath or taking a shower. So it wouldn’t surprise us if people will remember The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings for a particular scene involving water. Specifically, when Geralt has an intimate moment with Triss after falling into a picturesque, Aen Seidhe place with a small, cascading waterfall emptying into a small pool surrounded by red flowers. Talk about wonderful memories! Oh, and there are lovely waterfalls and other bodies of water throughout Temeria as well.

So what did you think of our list? Are there any other games that you think had some great water visuals? Sound off in the comments below!

Editor’s Note: Most of the lists I wrote for Maximum PC were never my suggestions but a commission from my editor at the time. I do remember my confusion when they asked me to write this particular list. I thought I had misheard them and had to ask them to clarify by what they meant. After all, I never really gave water that much thought aside from thinking “oh, that looks nice.” Suffice to say, I had to really rack my brain to think about games that had made some kind of impression on me.

I must say, this was one of the more difficult lists I ever came up with.

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