Song of the Deep Reviews
Song of the Deep tells a compelling story and presents enjoyable, captivating Metroidvania gameplay set in an enthralling underwater world.
By going against their own grain, Insomniac Games has crafted a true winner with Song of the Deep, which is one of 2016’s most hypnotic and charming games.
Song of the Deep has too many bugs and design flaws to stay afloat.
Song of the Deep will keep you in the deep for about six hours, which gives it time to be bad, just not a total trainwreck, and there are many things I really enjoyed in this game. Merryn, the voice acting, and just how gorgeous the game looks are all a welcome change from these AAA games that rely on gameplay over graphics, and the sense of wonder that is present in 2 of the 3 narrative arcs is really wonderful, but it's hard to shake that the game doesn't know how to deliver on its' promises.
While Song of the Deep isn’t quite the piece of smooth sailing I expected it to be, it’s still a fun, appreciative title that makes up for its rough parts with exciting combat and a superb presentation.
Song of the Deep is an intriguing, fun adventure game with enjoyable puzzles and a remarkable presentation. The colorful setting leaps off the screen, taking me back to my childhood story books. The game shines with the sheer amount of puzzles that range from accessing a hidden treasure chest, opening a door latch, to more advanced ones.
Song of the Deep doesn't simply shine in one place more than another because there are so my elements that all come together to make this game truly fantastic
Song of the Deep tends to be your typical indie game fare; harking back to the older generations of gaming with the 2D side-scroller appearance, but having a big heart and an emotional story, with a very predictable ending. But that’s okay, as it doesn’t try and do anything different by offering a big twist at the end. Gameplay wise it can get a little boring and dull after a while, but it is well paced and doesn’t feel overly long or overly short. It just feels right. It is flawed elsewhere but after 12 hours underwater with Merryn and her new found friends, I am content and pleased that I got to experience this game.
Overall, Song of the Deep is an enjoyable way to spend some free time. The puzzles can get old quickly, but the gorgeous world and captivating plot will have you sinking in your seat for days on end.
The overall package provided by Song of the Deep is a good one. The presentation is enjoyable and the puzzles and discovery of new powers are genuinely exciting. If you can look past repetitive combat and backtracking and are willing to live with a few technical hiccups along the way, Song of the Deep is enjoyable but flawed, with some unrealised potential around the narrative meaning it was a missed opportunity.
Shaky conclusion aside, Song of the Deep is a narrative rich adventure that successfully pairs Metroidvania gameplay with a dynamic underwater setting.
Song of the Deep is a solid effort by Insomniac Games to create a family friendly game adventure.
Song of the Deep is a must play game if you are a fan of the Metroidvania style of gameplay. It is a relaxing and fun experience and at only $15, it is a steal. The game has plenty of content and replayability by going back to collect everything you missed on the map. With the summer drought upon us, this is a good game to get invested in while we wait for this Fall's big AAA releases.
Song of the Deep is a very mixed experience but one that should be experienced at least once. On one hand you’ve got a breathtakingly beautiful rendition of the deep sea that progressively gets both more intense and intimidating as you descend into its depths. You’ve got a genuinely loveable protagonist with a great journey to undertake. You’ve even got a large map that’s quite fun to explore.
Song of the Deep has a welcoming setting and the foundations of a good game, but poor controls and performance issues leave it occasionally gasping for air.
Song of the Deep has a big heart, and is a fun, uncomplicated game that players of all ages will enjoy. The abilities are fun to use, the gameplay is mostly solid, and the presentation really won us over. Exploring this lush seascape, solving simple puzzles, and experiencing the sweet story – this is where the game excels. It contains most of the established rules and trappings of a Metroidvania, and is one of the easier games that we've played recently, but this isn't necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes, it's nice to play a game that doesn't ask too much of you, one that allows you to relax and simply enjoy being in its world. If you can forgive its technical hiccups and learn to adapt to its loose controls, you'll have a whale of a time.
Insomniac Games delivers a traditional Metroidvania with a pleasant atmosphere and an intelligent use of backtracking. Song of the Deep is a solid adventure, with some memorable boss fights and a complex level design.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Song of the Deep is undoubtedly at its best when you’re out tackling the many puzzles and problems that stand in the way of story progression
Despite stumbles in its gameplay, I am a sucker for sappy stories, and that is what 'Song of the Deep' should be played for. There are many other games that provide engrossing, replayable platforming and puzzles, but with less warmth or none at all. I enjoyed my time with Merryn and her submarine but we sure did bicker a lot.