Still Wakes the Deep is a first-person narrative horror game developed by The Chinese Room, known for their previous works such as “Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture” and “Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs.” The game is set on an offshore oil rig in the North Sea and centers around an oil rig worker, Caz McLeary, who must navigate through the perils of the rig amidst a terrifying storm and a lurking, mysterious creature. The game was released on June 18, 2024, for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.

Gameplay Details: The gameplay of “Still Wakes the Deep” is designed to immerse players in a deeply atmospheric and claustrophobic environment. As players navigate the oil rig, they encounter a variety of challenges that test their survival instincts:

1. Environmental Immersion: The game leverages Unreal Engine 5 to create a visually stunning and realistic environment. The detailed visual fidelity and atmospheric lighting enhance the sense of immersion as players explore the labyrinthine hallways and interact with other characters.
2. Survival Mechanics: Players must contend with physical actions like running, jumping, and climbing. The game emphasizes the physicality of these actions, making players feel the tension and urgency of their movements. For instance, holding triggers while climbing ladders adds to the sense of holding on for dear life.
3. Stealth and Tension: “Still Wakes the Deep” incorporates simple stealth systems that require players to navigate the oil rig while avoiding detection by the creature. Communication lines are severed, exits are sealed, and players are left to feel powerless, heightening the horror experience. The game does not include combat, reinforcing the sense of vulnerability.
4. Sound Design: The sound design plays a crucial role in building tension. The game uses a mix of environmental sounds, eerie silence, and the terrifying noises of the creature to create an unsettling atmosphere. The careful use of sound and silence makes certain moments more frightening than a barrage of effects.
5. Narrative and Atmosphere: The game’s narrative is influenced by works like “Annihilation” and “The Poseidon Adventure,” blending reality-bending elements with survival horror. Players are drawn into the story as they uncover the mysteries of the oil rig and the creature that haunts it.

Reception and Impressions: Initial impressions of Still Wakes the Deep highlight its strong environmental design and immersive gameplay. The detailed setting of the oil rig, combined with the game’s emphasis on survival and tension, offers a compelling horror experience. However, some critics note that the game relies on familiar horror tropes and may lack surprises for seasoned horror fans. Despite this, the game is praised for its sound design and the sense of immersion it creates.

“Still Wakes the Deep” offers a gripping survival horror experience that immerses players in a terrifying environment, challenging them to navigate the dangers of an oil rig under siege. The game is available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.