Still Wakes The Deep Review: Navigating The Abyss Of Fear And Sorrow

Today we will share Still Wakes The Deep Review. The Chinese Room is a game studio known for creating emotional and sad stories, not just scary games. Their past games, like “Dear Esther” and “Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture,” often feel sad and tragic. Their new game, “Still Wakes The Deep,” continues this trend by mixing horror with a deep sense of sadness. Here’s a simple look at what makes this game unique and interesting.

Table of Contents

Quick Info

Still Wakes the Deep is a horror video game developed by The Chinese Room and published by Secret Mode. The story follows an electrician who is trapped on a damaged oil drilling platform, having no way to escape while being pursued by mysterious monsters under harsh weather conditions. Wikipedia

Initial release date: 18 June 2024

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows

Developer: The Chinese Room

Mode: Single-player video game

Composer: Jason Graves

Genre: Adventure game

Still Wakes The Deep Review

Let’s start with Still Wakes The Deep Review :

The Setting: An Oil Rig in 1975

“Still Wakes The Deep” takes place on an oil rig off the coast of Scotland during Christmas 1975. The main character, Caz McLeary, works on the rig to escape his personal problems. The game starts with Caz and his friends working on this huge, noisy oil rig during a storm. The oil rig is already a scary place because of its dangerous machinery and tight, cramped spaces. This makes players feel uneasy even before any monsters show up.

The Monster: A Mysterious and Scary Creature

As the game goes on, the drill on the rig hits something strange, and the real horror begins. The game has been described as “The Thing on an oil rig,” which means it’s about workers dealing with a mysterious creature. The monster is very unusual. It doesn’t have a fixed shape and can change its form. This makes it very different from normal monsters and adds a fresh twist to the game.

The Monster's Impact: Both Scary and Sad

The monster in “Still Wakes The Deep” is not just scary—it’s also sad in a way. It looks a bit like a human but is twisted and strange. This makes players feel both fear and sympathy for the creature. It’s like someone trapped in a bad dream, and this makes the horror feel more real and emotional.

Gameplay: Balancing Fear and Simplicity

The game uses common horror mechanics like sneaking and hiding to avoid the monster. However, because the monster can change its form and move freely, it’s not easy to predict. But some parts of the gameplay are quite simple. If the monster catches you, you have to start over because there’s no health bar. This can make the game feel less tense because there are no near-misses or close calls.

Also, the monster can’t search hiding spots, so you feel safe once you hide. This makes avoiding the monster straightforward, as you just need to move from one hiding place to another. The flashlight doesn’t affect the monster either, which simplifies the gameplay and reduces the tension.

Characters: Regular People in a Terrifying Situation

One of the best parts of the game is the way it shows the human characters. Early in the game, you meet the other workers on the rig through conversations and encounters. These characters are just regular people, making their situations more relatable and their fates more impactful. Caz, the main character, is easy to relate to, and his personal story unfolds as you play, making him more interesting and sympathetic.

Caz’s reasons for joining the rig crew are revealed slowly, and his desire to go back home contrasts with the dangerous environment around him. This makes his journey more touching and relatable.

Atmosphere: Music and Setting

The game’s music, composed by Jason Graves, adds a lot to the eerie atmosphere. Graves, known for his work on other horror games, creates music that fits the mood perfectly. The soundtrack mixes unsettling and familiar sounds, enhancing the emotional and scary aspects of the game.

The game also includes simple puzzles and light platforming, which add some variety to the gameplay. While the use of yellow markers to show paths can be repetitive, an update will allow players to hide these hints, making the experience better.

Conclusion: A Haunting and Emotional Experience

“Still Wakes The Deep” combines horror with a touching story. The setting on an oil rig, the unique monster, and Caz’s personal journey make it a memorable game. While some parts of the gameplay might feel too simple, the game’s atmosphere and character development stand out.

The game is about surviving against a mysterious monster in a dangerous place, offering a new take on horror. It explores themes of isolation, fear, and sadness, leaving a lasting impression on players. The game’s mix of fear and emotion makes it a compelling experience.

FAQs

Q1. How does the music contribute to the game?

Ans: The soundtrack by Jason Graves enhances the eerie atmosphere with a mix of unsettling and familiar sounds, adding to the emotional and scary aspects of the game.

Q2. Where does “Still Wakes The Deep” take place?

Ans: The game is set on an oil rig near Scotland during Christmas 1975, where Caz McLeary works with his friends.

Q3. What makes the monster in the game unique?

Ans: The monster can change its form and doesn’t have a fixed shape, making it unpredictable and different from typical horror creatures.

Q4. What is special about the game’s characters?

Ans: The game introduces the rig’s crew through conversations, showing their personalities and making their situations more impactful. Caz’s backstory unfolds gradually, adding depth to his character.

Q5. How does the game handle encounters with the monster?

Ans: You either evade the monster successfully or get caught, as there’s no health bar. This makes the game less tense in some parts.