2023-09-07 10:00:00
Total immersion underwater will allow us to reflect on Under the Waves
The ocean has always been an object of study and fascination for humans. It allows us to disconnect, discover possibilities, know our inner self and fight in a terrain that is not ideal for us. Some of us only scratch the surface of these feelings when we go to sea, but for others like Stan it allows them to reflect on their past, present and future. This intrepid diver is the protagonist of Under the Waves, where through several chapters we will delve into his life, and along the way, we will be aware of the captivating beauty that is found under the surface of the water. Ready for the dive?
days of loneliness
Parallel Studio together with Quantic Dream They are responsible for making us participate in Stan’s experiences. Set in a kind of 70’s with futuristic overtones, our protagonist will go down to some underwater facilities under the North Sea for two reasons. Study the nature that lives in the area, and another more important one: recover emotionally from personal problems that do not allow you to continue your life normally.
Under the Waves It is a game where narrative and exploration is practically everything. Through a series of chapters we will solve small missions and altercations that will occur on the seabed. They will be moments where Stan can rest from his problem that disturbs him day and night. Where he will enjoy the beauty of its biomes, its faults and all the life that is created around these places. That is… until A certain event makes you change your perspective, and which of course we will not count in this analysis.
think blue
While On the outside everything is self-absorption and having the mind busy, those moments within our living zone will be different. Our space where we will live is full of details and facilities, but even so, Stan’s concern about aspects of his life is more palpable. Aspects of his real life, and not this one under the sea where he tries to hide. In fact, the most direct way to see his worries will be when we have nightmares just before going to sleep.
Exploration in Under the Waves is very enjoyable. Whether swimming or in our small submarine, moving through the rock formations is rewarding. It is a small extension, with many optional things that we can complete but that do not overwhelm us at any time. It’s not even strictly necessary. For example, we can collect plastics, metals and carbon scattered in the water to be able craft new accessories. Yes, they will make our lives a little easier, but if we don’t want to go around the map collecting resources, it won’t be necessary either.
Don’t forget to breathe
Although the difficulty is low, it is true that we have to take certain parameters into account before each raid. For example, we will have to monitor our oxygen level and the fuel of our submarine. We can either collect new vials that allow us to breathe, or return to our base to refill our lungs. We are not facing a survival game as for example I found myself in Subnáutica: Below Zerobut you will have to be careful and not take too long in some of the missions to complete.
The naturalistic message is also present. Not in a direct way, but In a subtle way, Under the Waves invites us to take care of our seas. We will witness how wonderful life under the sea can be, and the importance (and duty) that we all have to take care of our coasts. As I said, it is not the main axis of the game, but it is always important for it to be present.
Get out of your glass tank
Visually I found it very interesting. On the one hand, The recreation of the entire underwater environment seemed sublime to me. It’s not that it has the most cutting-edge graphics, but it has certain effects that get you more caught up in the story. For example, lights and reflections will have some diffraction. It’s as if we were watching Under the Waves under a diving suit. All these effects are diluted when we are in the open ocean, where the good design of the environments and the rational behavior of depending on which animals predominate. In this aspect, The worst off is Stan himself, who fails to express many feelings through his face.
Playably, I haven’t seen a bad proposal either. Despite focusing on its narrative aspect, there will be no small amount of exploration that we will carry out. And many of us have experienced firsthand how tedious an aquatic world can be in some games. Well, lucky for us, Once we get the controls of our ship and protagonist, everything will go smoothly. It is true that I have sometimes gotten “stuck” between two objects, but nothing serious that could affect the gaming experience.
Conclusion of Under the Waves
Parallel Studio and Quantic Dream bring us a narrative adventure under the North Sea. While we solve the problems that will arise on the seabed, we will have to resolve the mental ramblings that torment Stan, our protagonist diver. Some problems that will become more palpable as we progress in the adventure, and that will inevitably trap us until we want to see the end of the game.
Exploration in Under the Waves does not take place on a huge map, but it is well designed enough to go around absorbing all the flora and fauna that lives underwater. Without a doubt, an ode to nature that will be evident in a subtle way from the beginning of our underwater adventures. Without a doubt, any lover of underwater adventures has a date with this title. Ready to discover the secrets hidden in the depths of the sea?
Under the Waves
29.99€
Pros
Good underwater plot Exploration is enjoyable There are many tasks to complete each day
Cons
Stan’s expressions have their own… The crafting theme doesn’t quite work very well. You have to get used to handling the protagonist underwater.
#Analysis #Waves