Still Wakes the Deep Review (PS5)

The Chinese Room utilizes the setting of an oil rig off the coast of Scotland in "Still Wakes the Deep" to create a uniquely isolated and claustrophobic horror experience. The Beira D oil rig serves as a character in itself, with its oppressive atmosphere, tight spaces, and authentic details that make it feel like a real-world location. The game's excellent sound design, featuring the constant flickering of rain, haunting screams, and creaking hull, adds to the palpable sense of danger at every turn.

The setting also allows for a blend of the mundane and the surreal, as the rig morphs around the player and the horrors within become increasingly unsettling. By focusing on the setting and story, The Chinese Room is able to keep the player engaged and on edge throughout the game, even though the gameplay mechanics may not be as engaging as other horror titles. The use of authentic Scottish accents and natural dialect enhances the immersion, making "Still Wakes the Deep" a memorable and chilling horror experience.

"Still Wakes the Deep" is a survival horror game that takes place on an oil rig in the North Sea. The game has several key gameplay elements that contribute to its immersive and terrifying experience:

1. Exploration: Players navigate through the claustrophobic and labyrinthine environment of the oil rig, discovering its various compartments and sections.

2. Stealth: The game features stealth mechanics where players have to avoid monstrous creatures that have taken over the rig. There are no weapons, so the focus is on evasion and hiding.

3. Puzzle-solving: Players will encounter puzzles that need to be solved to progress through the game. These puzzles are integrated into the environment and the objects within it.

4. Interaction with the environment: The game features interactive elements such as climbing up walls, shimmying along ledges, and making jumps. Players also interact with objects in the environment to solve puzzles or progress the story.

5. Survival: Players must manage their character's health and resources while navigating the dangers of the rig.

6. Narrative: The game features a strong narrative that unfolds as players progress through the game. The story is driven by the character's desire to escape the rig and the mysteries surrounding the horrors that have taken over.

7. Atmosphere: The game creates a tense and terrifying atmosphere through its use of sound design, visuals, and environmental storytelling. This contributes to the overall horror experience.