A Thematic Remake, Not Just a Reskin
Underwater Appel represents more than aesthetic changesâit's a fundamental recontextualization of Appel's mechanics within a new physical environment. Rather than simply recoloring the original, the developers adjusted core physics to simulate water's properties: resistance, buoyancy, and pressure. This isn't unprecedented in gaming (Super Mario Bros. underwater levels are famous), but implementing it in Scratch required sophisticated physics tweaking. The result is a game that uses the same controls and core techniques as the original but requires completely different execution due to environmental constraints.
Physics Transformation as Core Challenge
In original Appel, your character moves instantaneously in the direction you press. Underwater Appel introduces acceleration and deceleration that simulate water resistance. You cannot stop instantlyâmomentum carries you forward through the resistance. This single change cascades through every level design decision. Wall jumps that worked flawlessly require relearning. Jump timing that relied on precise frame input becomes frustratingly unreliable. Experienced Appel players find themselves struggling on levels that appear simple because muscle memory becomes a liability. The learning curve is steep precisely because players must unlearn Original Appel mechanics.
Buoyancy: A Mechanic Inverting Gravity
While gravity pulls downward, buoyancy pushes upward. This inversion creates scenarios where the primary challenge isn't reaching high platforms but descending to low ones. You must actively dive downward against buoyancy, requiring precise control. Some levels feature sections where you must descend while avoiding obstaclesâa challenge rarely seen in platformers because gravity traditionally does the work. The buoyancy mechanic creates unique level design opportunities that make Underwater Appel feel genuinely different despite using recognizable mechanics.
Thematic Consistency Through Level Design
The 12 levels progress through increasingly extreme underwater environments. Early shallow reef levels introduce water mechanics gently. Mid-game kelp forest levels add complexity with tangled obstacles. Late-game abyssal trench levels introduce pressure zones that further modify physics. This progression demonstrates sophisticated environmental storytellingâyou're descending deeper into hostile territory, and the environment itself becomes more dangerous. The visual progression (bright sunlit reefs to pitch-black abyssal zones) reinforces the narrative of increasingly difficult challenges.
Community Reception: Appreciated but Niche
Underwater Appel received positive reception for its creative approach to remixing established content. However, it maintains a smaller community than heat-focused or multiplayer remixes. The modified physics create a higher learning curveâplayers comfortable with original Appel find it frustratingly different rather than refreshingly challenging. Conversely, players seeking something genuinely new appreciate the effort to recontextualize familiar mechanics. The project proved valuable for demonstrating physics manipulation possibilities within Scratch, inspiring other developers to create environment-themed platformer variants.