TL;DR
Dive into Under The Waves, a retro-futuristic adventure where you play as Stan, a lone submariner exploring the mysterious ocean floor. Experience a meditative gameplay loop of completing missions, gathering resources for upgrades, and uncovering the secrets behind Stan's isolation through his haunting nightmares. While the stunning environments and immersive sound design draw you in, be prepared for some graphical quirks like screen tearing and a tricky 2D map that might leave you feeling a bit lost at sea. Despite these hiccups, it’s a unique blend of the mundane and the extraordinary. Curious to see if the depths are worth exploring? Read the full review for the details.
Under The Waves is set in a retro-futuristic 1979, casting players as Stan, who has retreated from his former life to undertake a solitary mission on the ocean floor. His only connection to the surface world is maintained via radio and his computer. The gameplay centers around Stan’s daily routines and the execution of various assignments. Beyond the primary missions, the expansive environment is open for exploration, offering numerous optional side quests. Each night, Stan is haunted by nightmares, and the narrative gradually reveals the reasons behind his chosen isolation.
Given that over eighty percent of the world’s oceans remain unexplored and undocumented, Quantic Dream’s Under The Waves directs its gaze downwards rather than towards the cosmos. Exploring the ocean depths alongside Stan creates a unique blend of wonder and trepidation.
Under The Waves offers a remarkably meditative experience. While many missions are straightforward, the meticulously crafted environment encourages extensive exploration. In addition to the main objectives, players can discover numerous wrecks and engage in various side missions. To enhance Stan’s equipment, players must gather resources and utilize them for crafting upgrades at the base. It is highly recommended to carry extra oxygen when venturing outside the submersible.
Under The Waves features stunning environments and sound design that contribute to a deeply immersive experience. The narrative is compelling, gradually revealing the motivations behind Stan’s isolated mission. His recurring nightmares serve as visual clues, offering insights into past events.
The graphics are visually appealing, though the character design of Stan is relatively simple. While some animations appear somewhat unrefined, a notable issue is the presence of significant screen tearing, which can detract from the overall experience, particularly during rapid movements.
Another challenge is the 2D map, which doesn’t fully represent the 3D environment. Navigating vertically can be confusing, potentially causing players to miss locations or struggle to find their way back to the submersible.
In conclusion, Under The Waves is a worthwhile experience that delivers a unique blend of the mundane and the extraordinary, offering both meditative and engaging gameplay. It is hoped that the identified graphical issues will be addressed in future updates.
Quantic Dream provided a review copy for this assessment. The provision of materials does not influence our editorial objectivity.
