Deep Sea Gaming Experiences to Explore in 2022

The mysteries of the deep have a peculiar allure all their own. After all, it is commonly stated that we know more about the surface of the moon than we do the bottom of our oceans.

Games are a great way of putting ourselves in situations and environments we would never normally access, and the thematic quality of the open ocean has given rise to a host of brilliant titles that anyone with their sea-legs should check out. Let's take a look at some of the best ocean going games out there across all platforms.

Assassin's Creed: Black Flag

Any exploration of the best maritime games would not be complete without a mention of Assassin's Creed: Black Flag. The Assassin's Creed series, developed by Ubisoft, is one of the best selling game franchises of all time.

To date there are over 12 titles in the mainline series, and this is not counting all the various spin-offs and smartphone minigames. This well loved franchise is known to reliably deliver compelling open world gameplay and dynamic combat, but one iteration delivered on far more than this when it went on sale in 2013.

Each Assassin's Creed game is set in a different location and time period, and Black Flag stunned and amazed when players got to grips with it thanks to its amazing 18th century Caribbean context. The fourth entry in the series, Black Flag continued to build on the solid developments of its predecessors, and introduced ocean-going navigation and naval battles to the series for the first time.

To date, it's considered the greatest Pirate themed game ever, though this title may end up being challenged by Skull & Bones. This is a new franchise by Ubisoft focused on building on this element of Black Flag's gameplay, due for release in 2023.

Big Blue Bounty

You'd be forgiven for thinking slots titles would struggle to deliver on atmosphere and creativity if you've not been following developments in this genre. The truth is however, that in their online incarnation, slot games have become a hotbed of development for novel gameplay mechanics, captivating themes and stunning visuals.

When it comes to selecting an oceanic title there are plenty to choose from, but one the best out there is Big Blue Bounty, which features a deep sea and whale inspired theme. New for 2022, this is one title that serves up a dynamic and visually appealing package with reel symbols ranging from octopuses to clams and pufferfish.

What's more, a range of great bonus rounds and re-spin modes make for dynamic gameplay. There's even a triggerable multiplier of up to 20,000x on your bet, ensuring you're bound to have a whale of a time with this modern classic.

Abzû

This marvelous indie gem puts atmosphere and immersion at the forefront of its gameplay. Released in 2016 and developed by Giant Squid Studios, it puts you in control of a diver who is able to freely explore their ocean environment, from natural caverns to reefs and ancient sunken temples.

Players use special "sonar cells" to breathe life into their environment as they move around it, a simplified gameplay mechanic that primarily exists to encourage exploration. If you're wanting a game that delivers a sense of relaxation and wonder, this is one worth your time.

BioShock

One of the most highly critically acclaimed Triple AAA titles of recent years, BioShock and its sequels are the brainchild of gaming auteur Ken Levine. Originally published by 2K Games back in 2007, BioShock is set in the underwater city of Rapture.

The game's thematic elements take strong inspiration from the dystopian and satirical writings of George Orwell and Aldous Huxley, and combine compelling first person exploration gameplay with rich puzzles and stunning visuals.

It is also well known for its ability to deliver jump scares, thanks to its colorful casts of enemies, the best known of which are probably the Big Daddies. These are genetically engineered cyborg humans decked out in steampunk diving suits. Truly this is a unique title, and its sequels are also well regarded and worth following up on.