I think Mania’s hydrocity has a good balance of under/above water gameplay too. And when you’re underwater, there’s always some sort of mechanic to help you gain speed
DESPITE HOW MUCH WATER LEVELS MAY SUCK IN SONIC GAMES IN GENERAL, OCEAN BASE ZONE IS PRETTY FUN; IT DOESNT INCLUDE MUCH WATER BUT WHEN IT DOES ITS SHORT AND YOU CAN STILL MOVE QUICKLY (AT LEAST WITH TAILS) AND THE GAME HAS A MECHANIC WHERE IF YOU RUN FAST ENOUGH YOU CAN RUN ACROSS THE WATER