Under the Waves Reviews
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
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 is a slow and steady title with a gripping atmosphere and beautiful underwater world, but by the end, you might get sick of it.
Review in Slovak | Read full review
Parallel Studio's latest avoids drowning from formulaic story & design critiques, but whether the plunge is still worth it greatly depends on your Pacific taste.
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.
Under The Waves is a powerful story with wonderful atmosphere, but a lack of polish holds it back from achieving its true potential.
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.
Rather simple in its conception, Under The Waves immerses the player in a narrative dealing with several subjects. The atmosphere and the way the story is told are undoubtedly the strengths of this game developed by the Parallel Studio team. Nevertheless, loading times, the pace of certain phases and technical problems detract from the overall experience. Still, the game should appeal to players looking for an immersive narrative experience.
Review in French | 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
Under the Waves tells a solid tale of grief that is at its best when it focuses on environmentalism and technical issues and lack of polish hinder the unique experience of the deep sea.
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
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.
In "Under the Waves" we didn't find the graphics of Detroit Become Human or the plot that Heavy Rain develops, but I found a more solid and engaging experience as a whole. By simplifying some elements and refining others, we are faced with a solid narrative that will captivate players and easily allow us to join the character's struggle... on a personal or professional level. The developer's bet on teaming up with an organization with "on-site" knowledge of the reality and difficulties our oceans face, was a successful bet and one that we see as an example for other publishers to follow.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
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
Under the Waves is a strong start for Spotlight, Quantic Dream’s new publishing label. It carefully manages several deep, meaningful and important themes, while allowing us to explore a vast ocean to wave at seals, pick up trash and take photos of sharks. Some build instability, repetition and mechanical frustrations aside, this is a very well told story with a wonderful sense of pace, a surprising amount of atmosphere, complete with a series of enjoyable activities that also manage to bring a sense of calm and relaxation.
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.
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
While far from shallow, Under the Waves doesn’t quite reach the depths that it could have. Its ambient score, gorgeous stylised visuals and emphasis on tackling issues such as mental wellbeing, ocean conservation and how we deal with grief illustrate just how much love has been put into the game. However, some of its more striking moments quickly come undone as a result of a lacklustre protagonist, whose monotone line delivery and poor lip-syncing can break you out of the seafaring spell, as well as the occasional bug. Nonetheless, despite Stan and some technical hiccups here and there, Under the Waves shines when you are roaming around the ocean, taking photos of the various ecosystems and cleaning up the environment to later put to use for crafting materials. Spending your days exploring the ocean may seem like a quiet task, and it is, but it is a meditative one that you should allow to wash over you.
Gosh, I was looking forward to this game! The gloomy presentation, along with the narrative approach in the depths of the sea already excited me at the announcement. Fortunately, there is still plenty of enthusiasm left for the release. Because in its narrative and writing, I'm happy to let Under the Waves capture me and throw me into an emotionally gripping game. Indeed, that grabs you just as much as exploring the underwater world that seems so alien. The only annoying thing is the stiff submarine controls and the heavy tearing in the main menu. This has already been fixed on the PC, but console players will have to be patient. Under the Waves is a moving excursion into the depths, including those of the main character Stan. Dealing with the past, loss and loneliness, as well as dealing with the environment, are skillfully spun into a virtual journey wrapped in exploration. Absolutely recommended purchase!
Review in German | Read full review