Under the Waves Reviews
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.
Melancholic underwater adventure with story focus and goosebump atmosphere.
Review in German | 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
It is impressive that the game combines the exploration of the meticulously crafted underwater world with a message of environmental protection. But, it's a bit disappointing that the main story was not easy to immerse due to bugs scattered everywhere, even though it is the core content of this game.
Review in Korean | Read full review
Under the Waves offers us an unparalleled underwater experience with a great emotional charge that constantly invites us to get lost and enjoy that great ecosystem that is the seabed while we discover the ins and outs of Stan's past, the protagonist. An adventure that, although it can easily take us 6-7 hours to complete, constantly invites us to savor and savor it by getting lost and exploring new places, since there will always be something to see and some reward to collect. A game that, personally, I recommend playing without rushing, dim light and headphones, since its wonderful atmosphere and soundtrack will make us live wonderful moments while we soak up the emotional charge that the story of its characters has. A highly recommended game whose only Achilles heel lies in the fact that it has come to us with voices in English, its lack of V-Sync and that it is not suitable for adrenaline lovers.
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
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 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
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 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 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.
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
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.
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
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 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.
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
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
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.
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