Under the Waves Reviews
A story about loneliness and grief, set in a retro-futuristic 1970s and told from the perspective of a deepsea diver, which is less interested in action than creating the right atmosphere.
A deep dive into an emotionally resonant, thematically intriguing, and visually striking abyss, Under the Waves' waters are choppy at times, but there's pearls to be found amidst the turbulence of its enthralling ocean.
It's not perfect but it is unique and it's a joy to explore the depths of the north sea in your cute little submarine.
It lacks a good polish (in the form of a patch) to correct the technical problems, but if you like games that give a lot of importance to exploration and are not afraid to navigate a gigantic underwater level, Under the Waves is a hidden treasure in the depths.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Under the Waves offers a unique experience, masterfully combining fascinating underwater exploration with an emotional story
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Under the Waves delivers an incredibly emotional story about grief and its ability to manifest in the realities of those who attempt to evade it. While the title's main narrative is powerfully effective, its secondary focus on environmentalism, fueled by a real-world partnership, diminishes the overall impact of the experience. Though its close-up visuals and optional objectives are marred by technical issues, the core of Under the Waves' gameplay is enough to keep players engaged in its mandatory tasks. The story of Stan is one many fans will resonate with, as it captures the difficult thoughts that accompany grief. Unfortunately, Under the Waves doesn't quite deliver a gaming experience deserving of such meaningful concepts.
Playing a professional diver maintaining undersea oil pipes may sound like an odd premise for a game, but it's so peaceful down there
Under The Waves delivers a powerful narrative in an atmoshperic, underwater experience. As you descend further into the depths of this story, you will find yourself empathizing with the main character and experiencing the realities of accepting your past and moving on.
Although some mechanical elements suggest other games, Under the Waves uses deep sea exploration for its twin themes of personal grief and environmental exploitation in a unique way. There’s a lack of technical refinement here and there, and the messaging gets heavy-handed at times. Under the Waves is actually about something which puts it ahead of many other games in the survival crafting genre.
But the soundtrack is excellent and perfectly complements your lonely swimming, the atmosphere is thick, and the occasionally wondrous moments are suitably awesome, in the literal sense. While you spend most of your time swimming alone in the grim dark of the sea, the moments where you find a sunken wreck or a friendly octopus act as a kind of catharsis, and always feel special.
Under The Waves is an incredible journey of memories. Developed by Parallel Studio and Quantic Dream, the work combines the environmental theme with a moving and engaging story, also strong in a well-implemented play structure. Must have absolutely.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Under The Waves provokes emotions, it makes you cry, shiver, clench your fists and above all, it makes you think. Far from a moralizing speech, he learns. Learn to love the ocean, the beauty it represents but also the strength hidden there. Under the Waves is touching with such human characters, with weaknesses and many doubts. A poignant story that is not wrapped in embellishments to deliver 7 completely captivating hours.
Review in French | Read full review
The emerging narrative of Under the Waves will accompany you while you are underwater and then will make you return the desire to embrace the surface again: Stan is a man who hides his past, he wanted to bury it, but he has to deal with it, especially at night.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Melancholic underwater adventure with story focus and goosebump atmosphere.
Review in German | Read full review
Under The Waves is just a missed opportunity and it's a real shame, because its environmental message would still deserve to be listened to.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Under the Waves on the XSX is a very unique and emotional experience that may not be for everyone, especially if you have just lost a friend or loved one. While the game will only be played once due to the content, it is quite a unique and memorable title that successfully addresses how grief is handled with the backdrop of a very component game set deep under the sea. All in all, the developers should be commended on this beautiful game that really sets itself from other titles at the moment on this next-gen console.
Under the waves is a one time experience that despite all its weaknesses, could potentially entertain you for a few hours and deliver an unique experience at the end of the day. but don't expect anything revelutionary or ground breaking.
Review in Persian | Read full review
There are three types of people. The living, the dead, and those at sea. Under The Waves is a non-standard philosophical game where you think about this statement. It mainly focuses on the effect from the emotional experience.
Review in Slovak | Read full review
I initially approached Under the Waves with the intention of conquering a fear I’ve harbored since childhood. Instead, I found myself confronting parts of myself that I hid not only from others but also from myself. It was one of the most discomforting experiences I’ve ever had playing a game, but it’s an experience I know will stay with me for years to come.
Under the Waves manages, despite its flaws and some routine and predictable occupation service, to leave a great impression when it moves on to moments of exploration that thicken the mystery. Perhaps it will be overtaken by other narratives and different models of interaction. But much of what it proposes is appealing and also for those who play it provides that feeling of isolation. It generates sensations and that's also what is asked of a game with a strong narrative and cinematic component.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review