Murky Divers: A Hilariously Chaotic Underwater Experience
Navigate grim depths, evade monstrous sea creatures, and dispose of the evidence in this thrilling multiplayer horror game.
Early Access Review
last updated Aug 11, 2024
In a market brimming with games trying desperately to be unique, Murky Divers confidently plunges into the depths...
Gameplay: Dive into the Depths of Fun
Murky Divers expertly combines the frantic teamwork of Lethal Company with some underwater horror elements, and honestly, it's a match made in gamer heaven. Players navigate through abandoned labs filled with chilling abyssal terrors, aiming to successfully collect and dispose of suspicious evidence left behind by their employer's dubious experiments. The core mechanic of piloting your sub while dealing with monsters and police is a gamble that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Timing is everything as you scramble to strategic depths for valuable items while avoiding one-shot monstrosities that seem intent on ruining your day. However, some may find the absence of a tutorial frustrating as you dive headfirst into chaotic gameplay that rewards chaos over clarity; but isn’t that what we all signed up for?
Audio: A Symphony of Screams and Giggles
The audio design in Murky Divers is a delightful mix of horrifying and hilarious. The ambient sounds of underwater dread mix with your friends’ shrieks as you dive into the depths, brilliantly capturing the feeling of utter pandemonium. Proximity voice chat adds a level of immersion that gets consistently praised, even if it has its weird quirks from time to time. The soundtrack offers an excellent backdrop to the action without overpowering the tense moments, giving you just enough encouragement and urgency while dredging through murky waters. Of course, it’s hard to tell what’s more terrifying: the ominous music playing in the background or the demonstrated fear in your teammates' voices as they’re chased by a hungry monster.
Graphics: Murky Waters, Shimmering Potential
Graphically, Murky Divers walks a fine line between a retro aesthetic and needing a bit more polish. While it doesn’t stand on the cutting edge of high-definition graphics, it maintains an artistic charm that enhances the eerie atmosphere. Performance-wise, the game runs smoothly for most players, but those with higher-end PCs might notice some textures lacking fidelity, resembling more of a subtle nod to the nostalgia of early 3D games. The lighting and shadow work is commendable, as these elements play crucial roles in establishing grim moods and hiding lurking threats. Nonetheless, it’s fair to say that the team behind this gem has plenty of room to expand on visuals in future updates, and we’re all here for it.
Community Interaction: Seafaring Shenanigans
A standout feature of Murky Divers is the vibrant, chaotic community that has emerged around this game. Players attest to the thrill of pirate-like cooperation and the shared bursts of laughter as friends find themselves in absurd, often tragic, underwater situations. Discussions surrounding the potential for future updates and tweaks to the gameplay experience are rife, and it appears the developers are eager in their pursuit of community feedback. This collaborative spirit gives players hope that the game is destined for more thrilling depths and whimsical expansions. However, the multiplayer interface does have its hiccups with instances of random players joining private lobbies, something the devs are likely keen to rectify as this colossal adventure takes shape.
EARLY ACCESS RATING
Developer
Embers
Publisher
Oro Interactive
Early Accesss Release Date
June 19, 2024
Verdict and Summary
In a market brimming with games trying desperately to be unique, Murky Divers confidently plunges into the depths by blending familiar gameplay mechanics with fresh underwater horrors. Sabotaging corporate endeavors with friends has never been more chaotic or hilarious. Sure, there are areas for improvement, such as visual fidelity and smoother multiplayer interactions, but for the price point and sheer fun factor, it's hard not to get swept away by the murk of it all. Get your crew ready and prepare for some fishy business!
