Play Waterworld (Europe) (Proto) Online

I picked up a prototype cartridge of Waterworld for the Sega Genesis, a version that never saw a full release. It was developed by Ocean Software, and it's one of those odd, unfinished relics from the 16-bit era that makes you wonder what could have been. The game is based on the film, but it feels like a product of its time, rough around the edges and full of that distinct early '90s ambition.

You control the Mariner, navigating a sunken world on a jet ski, fighting off enemy raiders and searching for dry land. The main goal is to explore screen by screen, collecting map pieces that lead to the mythical destination. Combat involves shooting with a limited arsenal, and you'll spend a lot of time managing fuel and avoiding obstacles. The pacing is slow, the difficulty unforgiving, and the controls take some getting used to. It feels like a struggle against the game itself, but there's a strange charm in pushing through its clunky systems.