Still Wakes the Deep

Still Wakes the Deep is a narrative horror adventure released in 2024. The title was developed by The Chinese Room and published by Secret Mode for Playstation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

PLOT

Cameron “Caz” McLearey is a simple electrician who has recently arrived on the Beira D oil platform. His intent is to spend some time away from his homeland of Scotland, where he is wanted due to a bar fight. Unfortunately for him, things take a turn for the worse when his boss, Mr. Rennick, is contacted by the police. Caz is fired and roughly told to leave. Just as we are escorting our protagonist to the helicopter that should take him back to the mainland, something inexplicable happens. The drill collides with “something,” and the platform is hit by a kind of violent earthquake. Some workers lose their lives during the incident, and Caz decides to help the survivors as panic spreads across the Beira D. Soon, we will discover, much to our dismay, that a malevolent entity is taking over the enormous structure… Will Cameron McLeary manage to escape the hell he’s found himself in and eventually reunite with his wife Suze and their two daughters?

THOUGHTS

Still Wakes the Deep is a compelling horror, especially when it comes to atmosphere and plot. The Beira D is beautifully crafted, enhanced by a technically impressive design. The level of immersion you experience in Still Wakes the Deep is remarkable, and the game often succeeds in conveying the claustrophobic sensations expected from a title of this genre. Further immersion with the protagonist is aided by the first-person perspective, which proves to be an excellent choice. Despite limited gameplay, minimal environmental interaction, and a linearity we’re no longer used to, Still Wakes the Deep manages to deliver a memorable experience. The total playtime is around six hours, and thanks to the fast-paced progression, there are no dull or frustrating moments.

A special mention goes to the voice acting (subtitled in Italian), which is highly polished and, thanks to the use of a strong Scottish accent, further enhances an already excellent immersion.

IN CONCLUSION

Still Wakes the Deep is a recommended experience, especially if you’re looking for a short game with a strong narrative component. Fans of Lovecraftian stories and admirers of John Carpenter’s The Thing will find it both enjoyable and captivating.