You might consider a mapping scheme I'm thinking of working with, where
the mapgrid is vertically offset half a screen (or the scenes are 2 screens
tall, with alternating barriers)... this way, you can keep it side-scrolling
oriented and still have each scene potentially access 4 more on a horizontal
level alone. Kind of like a squared-off hex grid.
I think I was planning to do something similar (if I'm picturing what you're saying correctly).
I thought it might be ice for a moment, too, but I'm assuming the water
is/will be animated. If that's the case I don't think anyone will mistake it
for ice in-game since, you know, ice doesn't tend to move of its own accord. I
say keep the caustic rays (a.k.a. shine line things) and just make sure they're
animated along with the rest of the water (surface undulation and rising
bubbles).
Exactly.
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.) I've tried learning C & C++, but I never really committed to it. I have, however, found a something that I'm somewhat competent at: pixel art. 
) My idea is to make the game nonlinear. The game is set up like a top down game, but with the view and physics of a platformer. When you reach the end of a room, you have the choice to go right or left, up or down, etc.
