Still Wakes the Deep
- June 18, 2024
- The Chinese Room
- 5h median play time
Still Wakes the Deep is wonderfully, authentically Scottish – even the carpets on the Beira D oil rig are tartan. It's also a singularly immersive and utterly memorable piece of work that's among The Chinese Room's very best.
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Get on PS Store"Still Wakes the Deep" is a first-person narrative horror game from The Chinese Room, the creators of "Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs" and "Everybody's Gone to the Rapture." As an oil rig worker, you must survive a violent storm, treacherous waters, and an otherworldly terror while searching for your crew and trying to communication with the outside world. The game is known for its atmospheric world-building, audio, writing, and acting.
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Reviews
- Incredible voice acting and character development that makes you care about the story.
- Beautiful graphics and immersive atmosphere that enhance the horror experience.
- Engaging narrative that combines elements of cosmic horror and body horror.
- Very short gameplay length (around 4-6 hours) that may not justify the price for some players.
- Gameplay is mostly linear with minimal interactivity, leading to repetitive mechanics.
- Some technical issues and performance problems, especially on lower-end systems.
- story1,519 mentions
- 49 % positive mentions
- 48 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The story of "Still Wakes the Deep" is widely praised for its engaging narrative and emotional depth, often drawing comparisons to Lovecraftian themes and classic horror films like "The Thing." While many players appreciate the atmospheric storytelling and character development, some critique its linearity and predictability, feeling that it could benefit from deeper lore and character exploration. Overall, the game is recognized as a visually stunning and immersive experience, with a compelling story that resonates with players, despite its brevity and occasional gameplay repetitiveness.
“This is a story-driven game, and what a story.”
“The story is captivating and intriguing—I couldn’t stop playing because I needed to know what would happen next.”
“An amazing, heavily story-driven psychological and cosmic horror walking simulator.”
“The actual gameplay and plot of this game, which I consider to be the most important aspects, are borderline nonexistent.”
“You know everything about the plot in the first 30 minutes of the game, and there is no character or narrative development past that point.”
“The story is remarkably thin and really just serves to get Caz from point A to point B.”
- gameplay554 mentions
- 21 % positive mentions
- 69 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Still Wakes the Deep" is characterized as simple and linear, often described as a walking simulator with minimal mechanics that primarily involve navigation, basic stealth, and quick-time events. While some players appreciate the atmospheric storytelling and visuals, many criticize the repetitive nature of the gameplay and the lack of depth in mechanics, leading to a feeling of predictability and limited engagement. Overall, the game is seen as more focused on narrative and atmosphere than on providing a challenging or varied gameplay experience.
“As a walking simulator, this hit the sweet spot with just enough platforming and stealth to feel like there was some gameplay challenge.”
“The gameplay is slow-paced, but in a good way.”
“The gameplay is engaging, varied, and thoroughly entertaining, and the horror elements are delivered flawlessly, seamlessly tying into the narrative.”
“The gameplay itself isn't anything new for this genre, as it's mostly navigation or short stealthing to avoid enemies (nothing too difficult, nothing annoying at all in the gameplay).”
“If you aren't immersed in the story then it could be harder to get hooked on the game for the gameplay; this game is very much story and characters first, atmosphere second, and gameplay third.”
“The actual gameplay and puzzle mechanics are simple and not challenging; it's more of an interactive movie than a game, which is fine.”
- graphics533 mentions
- 66 % positive mentions
- 34 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received widespread acclaim for their stunning quality, particularly due to the use of Unreal Engine, which creates lifelike environments and impressive monster designs. However, some players have reported performance issues, including frame rate drops and graphical glitches, even on high-end systems, leading to frustration with the need for constant adjustments to settings. Overall, while the visuals are often described as breathtaking and immersive, the game's optimization and performance can detract from the experience for some users.
“Beautiful graphics thanks to the Unreal Engine, very lifelike.”
“The graphics are stunning and serve as the perfect backdrop to the growing tension throughout the story.”
“The visuals are immersive, beautifully made, and perfect for the setting.”
“I do not want to waste time fixing graphics settings for the entirety of my 2-hour preview.”
“Despite having at least the recommended PC requirements, in most cases better, I still had to turn down all the graphical settings to the lowest I could stand, and I was even then getting occasional frame jumps and big lag spikes, all while my poor PC's fans are running like a goddamn airplane the entire time - especially noticeable while entering the deck (perhaps the water graphics?) and especially whenever there were a lot of moving parts or people on screen.”
“No graphical optimizations have been made, the game runs terribly even on a decent setup.”
- atmosphere385 mentions
- 69 % positive mentions
- 30 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in "Still Wakes the Deep" is widely praised for its immersive and unsettling qualities, effectively combining stunning visuals, exceptional sound design, and strong voice acting to create a claustrophobic horror experience. Many reviewers highlight the game's ability to evoke tension and dread through its environment and storytelling rather than relying on jump scares, making it a standout title for fans of atmospheric horror. However, some critiques mention that while the atmosphere is impressive, the gameplay can feel simplistic and linear, potentially detracting from the overall experience.
“The sound design, visuals, everything works together so well to create such an unsettling, immersive atmosphere.”
“The atmosphere is so great, the music is wonderful, and the characters and voice work are all so good.”
“This game delivers some of the best lovecraftian/body horror all woven together with superb writing, a well designed environment, a tense and haunting atmosphere and with an amazing cast of voice actors that did an equally amazing job bringing the characters to life.”
“If you aren't immersed in the story then it could be harder to get hooked on the game for the gameplay; this game is very much story and characters first, atmosphere second, and gameplay third.”
“That might be fine if there was more atmosphere or if the scares were more intense, but it's pretty 'meh.' Any sense of dread just comes from the protagonist's desire to escape, not because the monsters or atmosphere are particularly scary.”
“Here you feel always outside the story; it lacks atmosphere and mystery; you are never caught up in the drama of the protagonists.”
- emotional144 mentions
- 99 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is widely praised, with many players reporting intense feelings ranging from fear to heartbreak, often leading to tears during pivotal moments. The narrative, character development, and voice acting contribute significantly to this emotional engagement, creating a powerful connection that enhances the horror experience. While some found certain emotional beats less impactful, the overall consensus highlights the game's ability to evoke strong emotional responses, making it a standout in the horror genre.
“I got really emotional near the end; I did not expect it, and to me it contributes to the Lovecraftian feel of the game.”
“The story is absolutely heartbreaking.”
“One of the most beautiful, emotional, and horrifying gaming experiences I've ever had; the level design, animation, and voice acting are all top-notch.”
“The story was boring and made zero sense.”
- music103 mentions
- 54 % positive mentions
- 43 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally praised for its ability to enhance the atmosphere, with many reviewers noting its emotional depth and fitting integration into the gameplay. While some find the music sparse and not particularly memorable, others appreciate its haunting quality and how it complements the visuals and voice acting. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a strong element that contributes significantly to the game's immersive experience, despite some mixed opinions on its memorability.
“The music was also amazing, quiet enough to really set the mood without overshadowing the scenes, and the sound effects had my heart racing so often.”
“The atmosphere, art direction, music, and voice acting all impress.”
“The music is haunting, the environments feel real, and the fantastically written characters do too.”
“The music is solid and emotional, albeit not memorable.”
“Pretentious sad music that's trying hard to make you feel sad and as a result takes you out of certain moments.”
“Generally good sound design, but I don't remember a single track from the music except the credits.”
- optimization95 mentions
- 41 % positive mentions
- 47 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization has received mixed reviews, with many players experiencing significant performance issues even on high-end hardware. While some users reported stable frame rates and good performance with specific settings, others noted severe stuttering and low FPS, particularly in demanding areas. The consensus suggests that the game requires further optimization and bug fixes to enhance the overall experience, especially given its impressive visuals and voice acting.
“There was not much performance difference between quality levels and honestly the game looked amazing even on the lowest settings.”
“Pretty well optimized, waiting for more from the dev team.”
“Graphics and performance are impeccable!”
“Performance is downright horrible.”
“No graphical optimizations have been made; the game runs terribly even on a decent setup.”
“I'm sorry, but this game needs some serious optimization and technical updates because, for me at least, this game has some of the worst framerate drops I've experienced.”
- stability54 mentions
- 9 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 91 % negative mentions
The game's stability has received mixed feedback, with many players reporting various bugs and glitches, including soft locks and frame rate drops, particularly in certain areas. While some users experienced a relatively smooth gameplay experience with only minor issues, others found the game significantly buggy, affecting their overall enjoyment. Overall, while the game shows promise and has a strong aesthetic, players are advised to wait for patches to address the stability concerns before fully committing.
“Getting into the game itself, the visuals are fantastic, and the game runs great to boot (at least in my experience).”
“Aside from a few minor hiccups, my experience was relatively bug free.”
“Runs great, not had any issues.”
“I deeply wish that I could recommend this game, but with the current glitches I feel like I have to tell people to wait and save their money until the developer spends the time fixing the bugs.”
“Warning, do not use FSR 3 in this game or you will experience constant crashes and freezes!”
“My biggest issue was that there were multiple instances where I got 'soft locked' due to glitches - this wasn't a big hassle as checkpoints are fairly numerous.”
- replayability43 mentions
- 9 % positive mentions
- 56 % neutral mentions
- 35 % negative mentions
Overall, the game has been criticized for its extremely low replayability, with many reviewers noting that it is a short, linear experience lasting around 3 to 5 hours. Players expressed disappointment over the lack of multiple endings or meaningful choices, which limits the incentive to replay, aside from achievement hunting. While the story and characters are praised, the consensus is that the game's replay value is virtually nonexistent, making the price point feel steep for the content offered.
“Little replay value unless you want to experience the story again (again, it's pretty good).”
“A bit on the shorter side with limited replayability, but boy did I laugh, cry, and enjoy this treat of a game!”
“I don't think the replay value is very high and it is a pretty quick game but honestly for as good of an experience as it was, I don't think that matters.”
“The lack of replayability, unless you're achievement hunting, or just bored and want to replay it, is agonizing, and with a ~5 hour play time, I really couldn't imagine paying full price for this, hence why I'd recommend waiting for a sale.”
“It had some interesting concepts (and it definitely was immersive) but at the end of the day there's not a whole lot of replayability.”
“The game is very linear which removes most of the replay value.”
- humor41 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely praised for its clever dialogue, relatable character interactions, and the effective use of Scottish slang, which adds a unique charm. Players found themselves laughing at both intentional jokes and unintentional moments, such as glitches and monster behaviors, which contributed to a lighthearted atmosphere amidst the horror elements. Overall, the blend of humor and emotional depth enhances the gaming experience, making it both entertaining and immersive.
“The banter between the characters is excellent - there were two moments in the second half of the game that genuinely made me laugh out loud - and the dialogue in more serious moments can be quite moving.”
“I was taken away by the immersive feel of the game, the incredibly funny dialogues and speech, love it how the game translates a lot of phrases and slang from Scottish dialect.”
“The voice acting is divine and hilarious!”
- character development19 mentions
- 42 % positive mentions
- 32 % neutral mentions
- 26 % negative mentions
Character development in the reviewed games varies significantly, with some titles praised for their deep connections and well-written arcs, particularly in the horror genre, while others are criticized for lacking depth and failing to engage players emotionally. Many reviews highlight strong character development alongside stunning visuals and sound design, but some express disappointment over underdeveloped characters and weak narratives. Overall, the quality of character development appears to be a defining factor in the enjoyment of these games, with standout examples offering rich storytelling and immersive experiences.
“The character development, plotline, and presentation are all stellar.”
“I liked the character development, and the well-written connections between the characters that added depth to the narrative.”
“With its strong character development and deeply unsettling atmosphere, Still Wakes the Deep is a must-play for fans of horror and narrative-driven games!”
“Overall, it's a beautiful game with a great set design, amazing sound design, amazing voice acting, bland gameplay mechanics, no real puzzles or any challenges but an interesting little horror story lacking character development outside of the main character.”
“Plot holes left and right, puzzle after puzzle, poor character development as I didn't really get to know anyone fully and thus didn't feel any attachment to them really.”
“I'm pretty upset I spent £26 on a 5-hour game with no lore, no world-building, no character development, a mediocre story, and barely any gameplay.”
- grinding14 mentions
- 7 % positive mentions
- 7 % neutral mentions
- 86 % negative mentions
Reviews highlight a mixed experience with grinding in the game, where some players find the repetitive tasks and platforming mechanics tedious and detracting from the overall enjoyment. While certain sections of gameplay, like stealth and parkour, can feel monotonous and overly simplistic, others appreciate the narrative and pacing, suggesting that the game maintains engagement despite these frustrations. Overall, the grinding aspect is seen as a significant drawback for many, impacting the game's tension and immersion.
“The gameplay isn't tedious, and it doesn’t have time to get boring since the game ends right on time.”
“I know it's a walking sim - I get that and it's a genre I normally like, but my goodness this game tests your patience with moving from one tedious task to the next, and they are all strung together with the same janky and unsatisfying parkour that at times gets so ridiculous that it actually robs from the game.”
“Liked the voice acting and mysterious nature of the story, but climbing, shimmying, and turning levers and pipes is not gameplay; it's just tedious and boring.”
“Honestly though, this became so tedious to play.”
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The monetization of the game is praised for its integrity, as players appreciate that it reflects a clear vision rather than being a mere cash grab.
“The monetization model feels exploitative, pushing players to spend money to enjoy the game fully.”
“It's frustrating to see so many features locked behind paywalls, making it hard to progress without spending real money.”
“The constant prompts to purchase in-game currency ruin the overall experience and make it feel like a money grab.”
Critic Reviews
‘Still Wakes The Deep’ Is Beautifully Horrific (XSX)
Still Wakes the Deep nails exploring a unique setting while finding ways to tell a compelling story.
85%Still Wakes the Deep GBAtemp review
With its strong presentation and mix of survival elements, Still Wakes the Deep reinforces the strong streak of walking sim-adjacent games that we’ve been blessed with lately.
75%Still Wakes the Deep is the Stuff Nightmares Are Made Of
Fans of horror games are going to love Still Wakes the Deep. The remote setting, combined with an unsettling first person perspective throughout makes for a story that will give you goosebumps almost from the very start. Though the game does have it's issues with certain gameplay mechanics that make experiencing the story more difficult than perhaps it needed to be, it won't stop most from getting lost in the story and, hopefully, making it out alive.
90%
