Under The Waves: A Serene Expedition Through Heartache
Embark on a poignant journey across the silent depths infused with introspection, storytelling, and marine splendor.
last updated Nov 30, 2023
The game's embrace of both its tranquil gameplay and its dramatic storytelling creates an immersive world where beauty and tragedy coalesce.
A Dive into Gameplay Mechanics
The underwater adventure in 'Under The Waves' is akin to a swim in the quiet corners of one's own mind, with the gameplay equally tranquil and devoid of peril—a choice that aligns perfectly with our protagonist's introspective voyage. As you guide Stan through ethereal seascapes, the game's relaxed pace allows for a full absorption of the narrative's weight, although it runs the risk of monotony with its steady stream of 'go here, press this' directives. Some may argue this approach squanders gameplay engagement for emotional appeal, yet others, likely wearing their heart on their sleeves, will appreciate the space this pace provides for reflection. The crafting component, sparse as it may be, struggles to anchor itself meaningfully into the gameplay, but let's face it—crafting rarely counts as a big catch in a sea of story-driven titles.
Echoes Underwater: Soundtrack and Sonar Beeps
Turn down those binaural beats meditations folks, because the audioscape in 'Under The Waves' is the new zen master in town. Its aquatic acoustics and evocative score add layers to the emotional depth of Stan's story, inviting players to drown out the distractions of the surface world. Good voice acting offers a breath of fresh air amidst the sound of silence, despite the occasional flounder when it comes to lip syncing. The ambient soundtrack, intermingling with the soft sounds of marine life, crafts an all-encompassing atmosphere that's almost as good as the real thing—minus the watery inconvenience of actually being submerged.
Visuals: A Marine Mosaic
Visually, 'Under The Waves' does a robust dive, surfacing with a treasure trove of cinematic seascape charms. From the delicate dance of light filtering through the water to the vivid hues that adorn ocean life, it's an undeniable feast for the eyes. Performance is on a pretty even keel, with few reports of it hitting rough waters, maintaining the immersive experience without technical turbulence. The occasional murky corners and janky animations don’t significantly tarnish the game's sheen. Graphic aficionados may lament the lack of certain advanced features, but let's be real, when the underwater world is this pretty, it’s easy to forgive a few absent flourishes.
The Narrative: An Emotional Whirlpool
When it comes to narrative, 'Under The Waves' doesn't just tug at your heartstrings; it goes for a full-on heart harpoon. As Stan's story unfolds, you're swept through themes of grief, isolation, and environmental commentary. The heavy emotional themes are poignant, though for some might come across with the subtlety of a sledgehammer. The story's exploration of Stan's psyche is both moving and compelling, even if, at times, the dialogue could take a dip into deeper waters. However, like any good dive, venturing further beneath the surface reveals complexities and nuances worth the lung capacity.
Subnautical Social Commentary
Amidst its siren-like narrative and contemplative gameplay, 'Under The Waves' doesn't shy away from blending in a slice of social commentary. The game navigates through environmental advocacy and corporate criticism, albeit with all the subtlety of a clumsy sea lion ballet. Some players might feel browbeaten by its messaging, which can break the immersion like an unexpected upwelling. Nevertheless, if you can swim past the overt themes, the ocean of Stan's journey still offers a vast, valuable exploration of the human condition and environmental concerns. Just be prepared for a few seaweed-like strands of cliché along the way.
STEAM RATING
Developer
Parallel Studio
Publisher
Quantic Dream, Spotlight by Quantic Dream
Release Date
August 28, 2023
The Verdict: A Submerged Odyssey of Solitude and Healing
While 'Under The Waves' may leave some players gasping for more varied gameplay or subtler themes, it remains a soul-stirring odyssey ripe with introspection. The game's embrace of both its tranquil gameplay and its dramatic storytelling creates an immersive world where beauty and tragedy coalesce, presenting an oceanic tableau that tugs you into its depths. Whether you're in it for the story, the scenic dives, or the atmospheric soundtrack, 'Under The Waves' is a worthwhile voyage through the human psyche and a testament to indie games creating waves in the industry.
