Still Wakes the Deep

Gameplay

Still Wakes the Deep is controlled in a completely classic way. On PC, the controls are intuitive, and you can quickly get the hang of the game. However, compared to the previously reviewed Amnesia, the game does not offer such an extensive system of interaction with the environment and focuses more on straightforward passage and atmosphere.

One of the creators' goals was to create a realistic-looking environment, which, thanks to Unreal Engine 5, acquires a cinematic feel. The visuals, along with the atmosphere, are among the strongest aspects of the game.

An interesting variation is the repeated return to the same locations. However, the environment gradually changes, new obstacles are added, and the layout of the rooms is adjusted. Thanks to this, you get to familiar places by a different route each time, which helps maintain a sense of uncertainty.

Music

The game's soundtrack did not stick in my memory after finishing the game, but I do not consider this to be a definite shortcoming. In horror games, it is often not about memorable melodies but about a functional musical background that supports tension and atmosphere.

The sound is very well done. Transitions between locations are accompanied by changes in sound and music, which immediately tell the player that something is happening and that he should be cautious. The sounds of the environment, platform constructions, and unknown threats work exactly as they should.

Graphics

The developers' effort was to create a visually impressive and realistic environment, which the game does very well, especially in the opening passages. The oil rig looks believable and detailed, which significantly contributes to the atmosphere.

However, as the game progresses, there is a significant darkening, which makes the graphics more difficult to read. This approach is reminiscent of some films set in dark environments, where the viewer often feels like they are actually going on. On the other hand, the night passages strengthen the horror feel, so this decision is understandable.

The monster design is conceptually interesting, but the resulting processing seems somewhat bland. These are not opponents that would be remembered by players in a significant way, like the iconic monsters from other horror titles.

Story

The game's story is completely linear, and the player cannot influence it in any way. It is a strictly corridor experience, where you progress from point A to point B exactly as the scenario requires.

The game's content often feels like completing tasks purely because the story requires it. This repetitive principle is noticeable quite early on and accompanies the player until the end. Personally, I didn't mind it too much because the game repeatedly sends me to other parts of the platform and forces me to discover new locations, but for some players, this approach may be discouraging.

The main character is Caz McLeary, an electrician working on an oil rig. Shortly after the start of the game, you learn that he is to be fired and prepare to leave. However, a disaster follows, in which the miners encounter something unknown that gradually begins to control the entire platform.

The basis of the story does not develop much further during the game. The player learns only a minimum of information about the nature of the threat, which can be perceived as a deficiency on the one hand, but on the other hand as a deliberate leaving room for uncertainty and fear of the unknown.

Optimization

The game strives for a realistic visual presentation, which is reflected in the hardware requirements. Unreal Engine 5 requires a more powerful setup and achieving a stable 60 FPS is not a given.

Optimization meets the standards of games built on this engine. Although most of the game takes place in smaller, closed locations, it was necessary to significantly load the hardware. While playing, I also noticed a strange behavior of the lighting during transitions between the outdoor and indoor parts of the platform, when the lighting conditions suddenly changed.

As a plus, I can mention that the game has built-in upscaling, so the game can be run with good details even on weaker setups.

Content and pace

The pace of the game is, for the most part well well-balanced. The introduction serves as an introduction to the environment and characters, and acts almost like a tutorial, which works very well. A short introduction to colleagues and the work environment helps to build the atmosphere.

After the introduction, the game switches to the classic task performance that makes sense in a crisis situation on an oil rig. For example, if the power goes out, it is logical that the character who is closest carries out the repair.

However, the ending of the game feels rushed. After a long build-up of tension and an effort to keep the rig in operation, there is a sudden turn in the main character's behavior. From a logical point of view, this step is understandable, but its execution feels unexpected and slightly incomplete.

However, in several passages, I noticed that the game fails to maintain the tension as consistently as one would expect from a horror title. This is probably a combination of a strong corridor nature, predictable progression, and limited space for escape, where it is often obvious which way to go. The threat does not always seem sufficiently developed.

Compared to Amnesia: The Dark Descent, where the feeling of constant danger was present for most of the game, Still Wakes the Deep feels less intense in this regard.