Horror games thrive on unease, that delicious prickle of fear that crawls up your spine. Still Wakes the Deep, a recent horror title set on a desolate oil rig, aims to terrify players with its chilling atmosphere. The game boasts a hauntingly atmospheric setting—a massive oil rig in the icy North Sea—and comes from the critically acclaimed indie developer The Chinese Room, creators of mind-bending titles like Dear Esther and Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture. Let’s delve deeper and see if Still Wakes the Deep truly lives up to its chilling promise.
Still Wakes the Deep thrives on unease, setting players in a chilling atmosphere on a 1970s North Sea oil rig. Developed by The Chinese Room, known for Dear Esther and Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture, the game immerses you in a world of dread and claustrophobia.
Protagonist and Setting
Still Wakes the Deep throws you into the unforgiving atmosphere of a 1970s North Sea oil rig as Caz McLeary, a rough-around-the-edges Scottish electrician. Voiced with gruff charm by Alec Newman (recognizable from Cyberpunk 2077 and Divinity: Original Sin 2), Caz instantly becomes a compelling protagonist. His thick Glaswegian accent, peppered with colourful slang (helpfully translated!), draws you into his world from the get-go.
Caz must use his wits and electrician skills to navigate the crumbling rig. Environmental puzzles involving levers, machinery, and navigating treacherous areas become your primary challenges. The constant threat of monstrous encounters and the ever-present danger of the collapsing structure create a genuine sense of dread.
This combination of a relatable protagonist, exceptional voice acting, and meticulous historical detail creates a truly immersive atmosphere in Still Wakes the Deep.
Gameplay and Atmosphere
The calm of the oil rig turns to chaos when a monstrous entity emerges, transforming the crew into horrific versions of themselves. Caz must navigate environmental puzzles and use his electrician skills to survive, relying on stealth and cleverness to avoid mutated crewmates.
The sound design is particularly impressive, with the moans of mutated crewmates, the groans of the rig, and the chilling sounds of the entity itself working in harmony to keep you on edge. The developers have captured the claustrophobia and vertigo associated with the environment, making exploration a tense experience.
World and Experience
The game’s detailed art direction, realistic textures, and authentic Scottish dialogue create a believable world. The story avoids long character introductions, plunging players into established crew dynamics, making the unfolding tragedy more impactful.
Length and Replayability
Clocking in at around five hours, the game offers a concise yet memorable horror experience. While linear, the pacing remains tight, and dark humour provides a contrast to the bleak scenario. The emotional depth and strong voice acting, particularly Alec Newman’s portrayal of Caz, ensure a lasting impression despite the short runtime.
Verdict
Still Wakes the Deep delivers a claustrophobic nightmare aboard a monstrous oil rig. Environmental puzzles, a constant sense of dread, and a lack of combat heighten the intensity. The 1970s setting and chilling sounds further amplify the terror, drawing you into a deeply immersive experience. While the story is linear and the playtime brief, the game’s emotional depth and fast-paced action make it a standout in the horror genre.
Recommendation
It is a must-play for horror fans seeking a fast-paced, atmospheric thrill ride. However, those looking for expansive gameplay or a sprawling narrative might want to look elsewhere. Still Wakes the Deep offers a terrifying sprint through a meticulously crafted world of dread.
Pros
- Immersive visuals and sound design
- Authentic Scottish dialogue and performances
- Well-paced journey through a believable setting
- Strong character development and emotional engagement
Cons
- Short runtime with limited replay value
- Linear level design
Buying Links
- PS5: PS Store
- Xbox Series X/S: Xbox Store
- PC: Steam | Epic Games Store
Still Wakes the Deep was launched on June 18, 2024, and is available for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
