Below The Ocean
- December 11, 2021
- Ismael Rodriguez
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io Store"Below the Ocean" is a retro-casual adventure game that takes place underwater. Explore vibrant aquatic landscapes, discover hidden secrets, and solve puzzles to uncover the mysteries of a sunken civilization. With its relaxing atmosphere and simple mechanics, it's a great escape to a soothing underwater world.
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Reviews
- The game features unique and intuitive mechanics that are well-executed, providing a fun and engaging experience.
- It offers a short but satisfying gameplay experience, with clever puzzles and a relaxing atmosphere enhanced by a great soundtrack.
- The level design is polished, introducing fresh mechanics without overstaying their welcome, making it a delightful platformer overall.
- The game is quite short, typically taking only about 1-2 hours to complete, which may leave some players wanting more.
- Some collectibles, like diamonds, can be frustrating to find, as their locations are not always clear.
- The final chapter is perceived as weaker compared to the earlier ones, lacking the polish and fun of the previous levels.
- gameplay78 mentions
- 59 % positive mentions
- 37 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by fresh and intuitive mechanics that are introduced quickly and effectively, providing a memorable experience without becoming repetitive. Players appreciate the clever level design and the balance between challenge and accessibility, with unique features like tether-swinging and solid physics enhancing the overall enjoyment. The game is described as a fun, bite-sized puzzle platformer that combines engaging mechanics with a charming aesthetic and a fitting soundtrack.
“Floaty movement turns to precise tether-swinging, with a considerable amount of additional mechanics that make for a very memorable experience.”
“Game systems and mechanics are easy to understand but provide plenty of depth and problem solving.”
“My first playthrough of this was an incredibly dense hour of gameplay full of interesting mechanics, tight controls, clever puzzles, and a huge grin on my face the whole time.”
“The layering of mechanics overall worked really well, even if I did think the final few things from the last chapter were a bit weaker than the previous ones.”
“Don't get me wrong, the game is kind of relaxed and chill (if you don't want to 100% it at least), but the mechanics and ideas that are here have the potential to make something challenging (not frustrating, actual challenge).”
“These mechanics are pretty intuitive and besides a few hiccups work really well.”
- music34 mentions
- 71 % positive mentions
- 21 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received widespread acclaim, with many players praising its ability to create a chill and focused atmosphere that complements the gameplay. The soundtrack is described as fitting, relaxing, and even "slapping," enhancing the overall experience of the puzzle platformer. Additionally, the music pairs well with the minimalist visuals and unique mechanics, contributing to a cohesive and enjoyable gaming experience.
“Excellent bite-sized puzzle game - lots of fun mechanics and a great soundtrack to match.”
“The soundtrack was also a vibe and had me feeling chill and focused the whole time.”
“A pleasant but short puzzle platformer with creative mechanics, a pretty 1-bit style and a nice ocean theme with a fitting, relaxing soundtrack to boot.”
“Below the ocean is a nice, well-presented short game with a good theme, soothing underwater exploration music and clever use of color.”
- graphics8 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are consistently praised for their unique and appealing design, complemented by a clean aesthetic that enhances the overall experience. Players appreciate the harmonious integration of visuals with the game's mechanics and music, creating a cohesive and immersive atmosphere. Overall, the visuals contribute significantly to the game's charm and depth.
“The visuals, mechanics, music, and level design are all very unique and amazing.”
“Appealing visuals and harmonious acoustics; all in all, simply great!”
“This is a tightly designed puzzle platformer with nice visuals and mood-fitting music.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is highly praised for its immersive vibe, particularly enhanced by the oxygen timer, which intensifies the sense of depth and urgency in the underwater environment.
“The vibe of the game is what I like most; the atmosphere and the oxygen timer going down add to the feeling of depth below the ocean.”
- story2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The story is presented in a playful and engaging manner, suggesting a narrative that is both entertaining and relatable. However, the repetition indicates a lack of depth or originality in the storytelling. Overall, it captures attention but may not offer a substantial or unique plot.
