Submerged: Hidden Depths Reviews

Submerged: Hidden Depths is ranked in the 56th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
8 / 10
Dec 7, 2020

Submerged is a wonderful, melancholic exploration game, that builds a more defined and evocative world than many AAA games do.

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8 / 10.0
Mar 10, 2022

Submerged: Hidden Depths is not only beautiful to look at, it offers a nice change of pace from the open world RPG titles out there.

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90 / 100
Apr 5, 2022

Submerged: Hidden Depths is the perfect game to play when needing a break from the more stressful or narrative intense experiences. Featuring a powerful orchestral score, relaxing exploration and puzzle solving, and a subtle yet interesting story about the bonds of family and the power of hope, Submerged surprised me and provided me with one of my favorite experiences of the year.

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8 / 10
Mar 10, 2022

Relaxing and lovely, Submerged: Hidden Depth doesn't have much in the way of gameplay, but it's still a nice experience for anyone who wants to explore its sunken world.

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6 / 10
Mar 10, 2022

There's no mechanics, really, to speak of. There's no combat for us to discuss. You can't even jump on command — only at specific places. Submerged is a chillout experience about exploration with a slight story and basically nothing else, and honestly, we're okay with that. Not everything has to be explosions or sad-times-my-kid-died-and-now-I've-grown-a-beard depressing drama. Pop on Submberged as a palette cleanser between more involved titles or as an escape from the horror of reality and you'll be fine. This is fine.

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8 / 10.0
Dec 3, 2020

Submerged: Hidden Depths exists on its own chill plane – an exploration game that is truly about exploration and little else. Though some may feel that Submerged is lacking in mechanics, those that get onboard with its subdued vibe will find a lot of beauty in the experience. This is a gorgeous game, and exploring its mysteries is a reward in itself.

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7 / 10.0
Mar 15, 2022

‎Submerged: Hidden Depths is a quiet, puzzled, simple game where the exploration of a city literally submerged in water is encouraged. Even with its flaws, it is a unique experience that we can spend in one or two afternoons -everything depends on the hours you play in each one-, seeing how both brothers are gradually forging an unbreakable relationship. A remarkable artistic and sound section, but too simple in the playable, which may be what is sought by its creators; but it could have been exploited more without being overwhelming for the player and maintaining that constant search for relaxation.‎

Review in Spanish | Read full review

6.5 / 10.0
Mar 13, 2022

With no timers, no combat and barely any challenge Submerged: Hidden Depths is a super chill if overly shallow adventure that makes a good palate cleanser between bigger titles.

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7 / 10.0
Mar 11, 2022

Despite not expanding on its gameplay ideas enough to avoid tedium, the ambience, atmosphere, and ease of play do make Submerged Hidden Depths a competent addition to its genre.

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4 / 5.0
Mar 10, 2022

Given our memories of the first game, it would have been a miracle if Submerged: Hidden Depths had just been a merely fine distraction.

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8 / 10.0
Dec 15, 2020

Despite a lack of combat, Submerged: Hidden Depths is a great narrative experience filled with exploration.

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5.5 / 10.0
Apr 22, 2022

While your mileage may vary, and your perspective on the story can be widened through collecting more of the aforementioned diaries, I found that Submerged: Hidden Depths has nothing worth remembering even a few minutes after setting the controller down.

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Ben Sellwood
Top Critic
7 / 10.0
Feb 24, 2022

While enjoyably relaxing and full of wondrous exploration, Hidden Depths manages to shrug off its strap-line sub-name and contains very little depth in content.

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7 / 10.0
Apr 11, 2022

Submerged: Hidden Depths feels like what the first game should have been. The main story is more interesting now, but the ancillary story lacks gravitas since the game can spoil the ending for you. The actual gameplay is easy for anyone to manage, which makes for an enjoyable experience. Some of the stuff you're collecting now actually serves a purpose, even if it's cosmetic. The experience is short if you're just going after the main storyline, but it feels just right. For those who want the equivalent of a walking simulator with more to do, Hidden Depths is well worth checking out.

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Apr 1, 2022

Submerged: Hidden Depth didn’t quite hit me as strongly as its predecessor. It is a more rounded and proficient take on the vision, but ultimately it is also the exact same vision as its predecessor and, this second time around, the impact just isn’t the same. However, it is still a beautiful, emotional and poignant bit of art, and we should all be sending our politicians copies to play. Otherwise, we’ll all find ourselves travelling around our crumbling, drowned cities soon. Just like Miku and Taku do here.

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7 / 10.0
Mar 11, 2022

Free of any combat, and largely of any challenge whatsoever, Submerged: Hidden Depths is the perfect game to relax with. Its colourful visuals and contemplative soundtrack will immerse you in a world that feels sombre yet hopeful, as you explore every nook and cranny on your modest ship. Though for some the action may prove to be too basic. Still, if you’re after a game that you can chill out with while unravelling the fate of a caring sister and her brother, this is well worth checking out.

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95 / 100
Mar 11, 2022

Submerged: Hidden Depths is an extremely relaxing and beautiful game. Its simple gameplay and lack of combat make it an easy title, which added to its story, pleases the whole family. If you like hunting for collectibles, you can put it at the top of your list and you won't regret it.

Review in Portuguese | Read full review

8 / 10.0
Mar 10, 2022

Submerged: Hidden Depths mostly treads the same water as the first game but does so while improving on certain things. The gameplay is simple and combat free so that anyone can set sail in this world and enjoy it and it is just long enough to not end up feeling boring. The world is gorgeous to behold and the music is equally as enjoyable. If you find laid back exploration games like this boring than this won’t be for you but for everyone else this is a voyage worth setting sail on.

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7.5 / 10.0
Mar 10, 2022

Submerged: Hidden Depths is an interesting experience that will certainly bring back those who loved the first installment in the series. The exploration is engaging, the world has plenty of secrets to discover, there are plenty of cool moments to be a part of. The lack of conflict makes the game stand out from the crowd and will certainly attract an audience.

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5 / 10.0
Mar 10, 2022

Although Submerged: Hidden Depths can work excellently in concept, it is advisable to play the game in short sessions. Otherwise, you will get desperately bored.

Review in Slovak | Read full review