Still Wakes the Deep - Videogames As Art
It was with some excitement that I awaited Still Wakes the Deep, an atmospheric exploration adventure game, sometimes called in derisory terms as 'walking simulators'. I am a huge fan of the genre and find them good palette cleansers from other, more time and focus intensive games. I have loved the story and music of The Chinese Room’s other works including Everyone Has Gone to the Rapture and Dear Esther but the high point for me in the genre was What Remains of Edith Finch by Giant Sparrow Studios. Would Still Wakes the Deep reclaim the throne?
Still Wakes the Deeps effectively captures the claustrophobic dread of a 70s-era North Sea oil rig. The Lovecraftian horror elements are well-integrated, with the isolation and the rig's creaking metal amplifying the sense of dread. While I haven't personally experienced life on an oil rig, the game's atmosphere feels authentic and immersive
I liked the game itself just fine though but felt the fetch quests dragged in places. However, at 3 or so hours, the game doesn't really overstay its welcome and the voice acting is top notch.