Still Wakes the Deep, which was just released by Secret Mode, marks a return to the first-person narrative horror genre that developer The Chinese Room has been very successful in before. Available now on major platforms including the PlayStation 5, this atmospheric horror game plunges players into the eerie and treacherous environment of an offshore oil rig during the 1970s, combining rich storytelling with immersive gameplay and excellent visuals.
The game’s premise is gripping from the start: you play as an oil rig worker caught in a disastrous storm, facing not only the brutal forces of nature but also an unknowable horror that has boarded the rig. It’s a great setup for a narrative that conveys a sense of isolation and dread, amplified by severed communication lines and blocked exits – you literally feel like you have nowhere to go. This tension is palpable as you navigate the collapsing rig (meaning you can’t just hide and sit this one out either), with the story unfolding in a way that keeps you on edge throughout its six-hour runtime.
Gameplay in Still Wakes the Deep is a blend of exploration and stealth, with no weapons or powers at your disposal. The mechanics are straightforward yet effective: you must avoid, distract, and sneak around the threats you encounter. The simplicity of these mechanics, such as throwing objects to create distractions, enhances the immersive experience by keeping the interface clean and uncluttered – though stealth enthusiasts might consider the mechanics to be a tad too basic. The lack of a HUD allows players to fully engage with the world though, relying on environmental (and audio) cues to navigate and survive in an immersive manner.
Visually, the game excels in creating a haunting and eerie depiction of a North Sea oil rig. The detailed environments evolve as the story progresses, showcasing the rig’s gradual collapse under the relentless storm. This attention to detail extends to the audio design as well, with a soundtrack by Jason Graves and some great voice acting from a cast including Alec Newman and Neve McIntosh, which further deepens the sense of immersion through a cinematic delivery.
However, the game’s strength lies not just in its atmosphere but also in its pacing and storytelling. Early segments of the game focus on building suspense, with players often hearing rather than seeing the horrors that await them. This methodical approach to horror is highly effective in creating a sense of impending dread, as you wait for the game to show you the terrible monsters that you always feel are right around the corner. Without fault, they’re able to deliver a satisfying level of fear and excitement.
On the downside, some players might find the reliance on relatively simple stealth mechanics disappointing, and the game also features a few quick-time events (QTEs) that feel a bit immersion-breaking. Additionally, we ran into a few small technical hiccups, such as clipping issues, though we assume these can be fixed.
Despite these minor drawbacks, Still Wakes the Deep is a great example of atmospheric horror. The Chinese Room has crafted a game that not only tells a compelling story but also immerses players in a world where every creak and groan of the rig adds to the sense of impending doom. It’s a narrative-driven horror title with combining stellar visuals, immersive audio, and a gripping story, and because of its relatively short runtime it’s a great choice for a weekend – one to remember once Halloween rolls around.
Score: 8.0/10
Press Play Media 