Still Wakes The Deep – Review

Still Wakes The Deep, developed by The Chinese Room, is a horror adventure game that dives headfirst into the chilling atmosphere of a desolate oil rig consumed by an otherworldly menace. While not a traditional jump-scare fest, the game excels at building dread and suspense through its narrative, environmental storytelling, and sound design.

A Descent into Isolation and Terror

The story follows a lone electrician, Harris, trapped on the malfunctioning Beira D oil rig in the North Sea. As he navigates the decaying metal labyrinth, he uncovers a horrifying truth – a monstrous entity from beyond has infiltrated the rig, wreaking havoc and twisting the crew into grotesque parodies of themselves.

The narrative unfolds through audio logs, environmental details, and cryptic messages scrawled on walls. This fragmented approach allows players to piece together the story at their own pace, adding to the unsettling mystery. The voice acting for Harris is particularly strong, capturing his growing isolation, despair, and desperate hope for survival.

A Feast for the Unnerved Senses

The true brilliance of Still Wakes The Deep lies in its atmosphere. The developers have meticulously crafted a world that oozes with dread. The constant creaking of the rig, the howling wind, and the flickering lights all contribute to a pervasive sense of unease. The sound design deserves special praise. The subtle yet unsettling sounds of movement just beyond your field of vision, combined with the chilling groans and gurgles of the unseen entity, will keep you on edge throughout your playthrough.

A Claustrophobic Exploration with Limitations

While exploration is a core element, the game adopts a more linear approach compared to some open-world titles. Certain areas are locked off until specific story beats are reached. However, this linearity serves the narrative well, maintaining a focused and tightly paced experience.

The puzzles found throughout the game are more environmental than logic-based. They often involve manipulating objects or navigating hazards within the environment. While not overly challenging, these puzzles effectively integrate with the story and atmosphere.

A Beauty in the Bleakness

The visuals in Still Wakes The Deep are stunning, albeit in a bleak and unsettling way. The detailed depiction of the decaying oil rig, with its rusting pipes, flickering lights, and blood-stained surfaces, creates a truly nightmarish environment. The monstrous entity itself is rarely glimpsed directly, but its presence is constantly felt through its grotesque effects on the environment and the crew.

A Short But Memorable Experience

Still Wakes The Deep is a relatively short experience, clocking in at around five hours for most players. However, this brevity serves the game’s focus on atmosphere and narrative tension. The developers manage to pack a significant emotional punch within this limited timeframe.

Not for Everyone

While Still Wakes The Deep excels at building atmosphere and psychological horror, it might not be for all players. The lack of traditional jump scares and the focus on slow-burning dread might leave some wanting a more action-oriented experience. Additionally, the game’s on-rails structure could be seen as restrictive by those who prefer a more open-ended exploration style.

The Final Verdict

Still Wakes The Deep is a haunting and atmospheric horror adventure that will stay with you long after the credits roll. If you’re looking for a game that prioritizes mood and psychological horror over jump scares and action, then this is a must-play. However, if you crave a more traditional horror experience or prefer open-world exploration, you might want to adjust your expectations.