75
CRITIK
1975. Disaster strikes the Beira D oil rig off the coast of Scotland. Navigate the collapsing rig to save your crew from an otherworldly horror on the edge of all logic and reality.
Critik
Scorecard
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Story and Narrative
80
Critics praise "The Story of Still Wakes the Deep" for its engaging narrative blending human aspects with Lovecraftian elements, delivering suspenseful storytelling with emotional depth. While some critics find shortcomings in depth and engagement, the majority appreciate its strong storytelling, rich environments, and character development. Despite some criticisms of unoriginality and underdone plot points, the game's immersive atmosphere and thematic depth make it a recommended narrative-driven adventure with horror elements.
The Story of Still Wakes the Deep has garnered praise from several critics for its engaging and well-crafted narrative. Critics like But Why Tho? and TheXboxHub commend the game for successfully blending human aspects with Lovecraftian supernatural elements, creating a compelling and suspenseful storyline. The narrative's strong storytelling, rich environments, and character development have been highlighted positively by GameSpew and PlayStation Universe, with moments of surprising emotion and authentic character interactions adding depth to the protagonist's journey. The game's ability to convey themes of love, commitment, and survival, as noted by God is a Geek, contributes to the emotional impact of the story. On the other hand, some critics have pointed out shortcomings in the story of Still Wakes the Deep. Dexerto and Dot Esports critique the narrative for lacking depth and failing to fully engage the player, leaving unanswered questions and a sense of unfulfilled potential. Vandal's opinion that the story is unoriginal and predictable, with a lack of emotional connection with most characters, suggests a missed opportunity to create more impactful relationships and plot developments. Additionally, Gamer Escape mentions that certain plot points feel underdone towards the end, indicating a potential lack of resolution or coherence in the storytelling. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the Story of Still Wakes the Deep leans towards the positive side, with many praising its engaging narrative, character development, and thematic depth. While there are criticisms regarding the depth of the story, unanswered questions, and underdeveloped plot points, the majority of reviewers appreciate the game's ability to create a tense and immersive atmosphere, blending elements of horror, suspense, and human drama effectively. The game's strengths in storytelling, emotional beats, and authentic character interactions seem to outweigh its weaknesses, making it a recommended experience for players looking for a narrative-driven adventure with Lovecraftian and survival horror elements.
Gameplay
66
Still Wakes the Deep gameplay: Critics praise immersive atmospheres, tension-building mechanics, and thrilling moments, but criticize repetitive tasks, lack of innovation, and missed opportunities for depth. Mixed reception with some enjoying the engaging experience while others find it uninspired. Appeals to players seeking straightforward immersion and tension, but may disappoint those craving complexity and innovation.
The gameplay of Still Wakes the Deep has received a mix of positive feedback from critics. Reviewers like MondoXbox and New Game Network appreciate the immersive atmospheres, simple climbing mechanics, and well-implemented stealth elements that create tension and engagement during exploration. Try Hard Guides also highlights the thrilling gameplay moments, such as dangerous platforming and cinematic chase scenes, which add excitement to the experience. The evolving environments and increasing pressure, as noted by But Why Tho?, contribute to the fun and stress of the gameplay, making it an engaging aspect for players. On the other hand, several critics expressed negative opinions about the gameplay of Still Wakes the Deep. Dot Esports and Inverse criticized the repetitive and unimaginative gameplay mechanics, with simple puzzles and lack of innovation leading to a boring experience for players. Dexerto and Eurogamer mentioned the lack of agency and depth in the gameplay, emphasizing the rote nature of the tasks and the limited engagement they provide. Additionally, Gaming Age and Gamer Escape noted the lack of challenging elements and exploration depth, suggesting a missed opportunity for more varied and stimulating gameplay experiences. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the gameplay of Still Wakes the Deep leans towards a mixed reception. While some reviewers appreciate the immersive atmospheres, tension-building mechanics, and thrilling moments in the gameplay, others criticize its repetitive nature, lack of innovation, and missed opportunities for more depth and challenge. The game seems to excel in creating a tense and engaging atmosphere through stealth mechanics and exploration, but falls short in providing a truly varied and innovative gameplay experience. Players looking for a more straightforward and linear adventure with a focus on immersion and tension may find Still Wakes the Deep appealing, while those seeking more complexity and innovation in gameplay mechanics may be left wanting more, as highlighted by critics like Dot Esports and Gaming Age.
Graphics and Visual Design
84
Critics rave about the stunning Graphics and Visual Design of Still Wakes the Deep, praising its detailed environments and photorealistic visuals. Some minor issues like smudgy graphics and performance hiccups were noted, but overall, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive. Advanced technologies like Nanite and ray tracing add to the game's visual appeal, creating an immersive and captivating experience for players.
The majority of critics praised the Graphics and Visual Design of Still Wakes the Deep, highlighting various positive aspects. Critics like But Why Tho? and MondoXbox appreciated the detailed and immersive environments, with MondoXbox specifically mentioning the high level of detail and realism in the 1970s offshore oil platform. TheXboxHub and Dot Esports commended the exquisite visuals, great lighting, and beautifully detailed environments, showcasing a high level of craftsmanship. Additionally, GameSpew and God is a Geek noted the stunning photorealistic visuals and detailed character designs, enhancing the immersion in the game world. On the other hand, some critics pointed out certain negatives regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Still Wakes the Deep. XboxEra mentioned issues with smudgy graphics and low-quality animations in performance mode, which detracted from an otherwise magnificent visual experience. GameSpew also highlighted graphical hiccups and performance issues on the PS5, impacting the overall presentation. Inverse mentioned that while the visual design was aesthetically cool, it was overshadowed by gameplay elements, indicating a potential imbalance between visuals and gameplay experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Still Wakes the Deep. Critics across various platforms, such as Eurogamer, PlayStation Universe, and TheSixthAxis, praised the game for its beautifully realized environments, detailed character moments, and atmospheric immersion. The use of advanced technologies like Nanite, Lumen, and ray tracing, as noted by Vandal, added to the overall visual appeal and uniqueness of the game. While there were some minor issues mentioned by a few critics, the general sentiment leans towards the game delivering a visually striking and immersive experience that captivates players with its attention to detail and atmospheric design.
Music and Sound Design
81
Critics unanimously praised the sound design and music of Still Wakes the Deep for creating a chilling and immersive atmosphere with excellent voice acting and haunting sound effects. Some critiques included toned-down chase sequences and a lack of a strong scare factor, but overall, the game excels in its audio elements according to reviewers.
The majority of the critics unanimously praised the sound design and music of Still Wakes the Deep, highlighting various positive aspects. But Why Tho? appreciated the atmospheric horror experience created by the sounds of the rig falling apart and monsters' howls, contributing to a chilling ambiance. TheXboxHub commended the excellent soundtrack with a tense score, amazing sound effects, and haunting voice work, while God is a Geek noted the devastating and haunting soundtrack that complemented the gameplay, enhancing the overall atmosphere. New Game Network also lauded the superb sound design, mentioning how the rig's noises added to the immersive experience, along with diverse audio ambience and effective voice acting. Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, there were some criticisms regarding the sound design and music of Still Wakes the Deep. But Why Tho? mentioned that some elements like chase sequences felt toned down, potentially impacting the intensity of those moments. Dot Esports pointed out that while the game offered authentic Scottish dialogue and slang, it lacked an engrossing narrative, suggesting a disconnect between the storytelling and the immersive elements. WellPlayed noted that while the game featured a strong soundscape with atmospheric elements, it lacked a strong scare factor, potentially impacting the overall horror experience for some players. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Still Wakes the Deep excels in its sound design and music, creating a highly immersive and atmospheric experience for players. Critics such as PlayStation Universe, GameSpew, and Metro GameCentral highlighted the excellent voice acting, authentic Scottish accents, and immersive sound effects that contributed to the overall terror and tension of the game. The majority of reviewers appreciated the attention to detail in the audio design, from the realistic mix of impactful sound effects to the unsettling distant audio sources, all of which combined to set a great mood for the horror title. Despite some minor criticisms, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with the sound design and music being a standout aspect of Still Wakes the Deep according to the critics' opinions.
Voice Acting
83
Critics praise the top-tier voice acting in Still Wakes the Deep for its authenticity, emotional depth, and immersive qualities, with Scottish accents adding realism. While some critics noted room for improvement in secondary character development, the majority agree that the performances bring the game to life and enhance the overall experience. Overall, the voice acting is a standout feature, drawing players into the game world with strong portrayals and compelling storytelling.
The voice acting in Still Wakes the Deep has garnered high praise from the majority of critics, with many highlighting the authenticity and quality of the performances. Critics such as XboxEra and Eurogamer commend the top-tier voice acting that enhances the storytelling and brings the characters to life. The use of Scottish accents and slang, as noted by Dexerto and PlayStation Universe, adds a layer of realism and immersion to the game, making the community and characters feel genuine. The performances were described as strong, emotional, and compelling by reviewers like GameSpew and GamingBolt, with characters like Caz McLeary standing out for their well-realized portrayal, as mentioned by GamingBolt. While the overall sentiment towards the voice acting in Still Wakes the Deep is overwhelmingly positive, some critics did point out areas for improvement. Checkpoint Gaming noted that while the performances were authentic and charming, some relationships lacked depth, potentially impacting the overall emotional impact of the narrative. Gamer Escape mentioned that characters outside of the main protagonist lacked sufficient screentime, which could hinder players' ability to form strong attachments to them. These critiques suggest that while the main cast delivered strong performances, there may have been missed opportunities to further develop secondary characters and relationships. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is that the voice acting in Still Wakes the Deep is a standout feature of the game, with the majority of reviewers praising the performances for their authenticity, emotional depth, and immersive qualities. The Scottish voice talent, coupled with realistic dialogue delivery and strong character portrayals, contributes significantly to the overall experience, as highlighted by WellPlayed and Twinfinite. Despite some minor criticisms regarding character depth and screentime, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with critics like VGC and New Game Network emphasizing the impact of the voice acting on the immersive nature of the game. Overall, the voice acting in Still Wakes the Deep is a resounding success, enhancing the narrative and drawing players into the world of the game with its stellar performances.
Technical Performance
69
Still Wakes the Deep impresses on Xbox Series X with smooth gameplay, while facing technical woes on PS5. PC shines with minor hiccups. Overall, despite some flaws, the game offers a stable experience across platforms.
In terms of technical performance on Xbox Series X, XboxEra praises Still Wakes the Deep for its smooth gameplay experience without encountering any bugs, providing a stable performance. This positive feedback indicates that the game runs well on the Xbox platform, offering players a seamless gaming experience. Moving to the PlayStation 5 platform, GameSpew and God is a Geek both mention encountering technical issues such as slowdowns, graphical anomalies, and bugs that broke immersion. TheSixthAxis points out loading section issues and awkward character animations, while VGC notes problems with running toggle and occasional deaths in specific gameplay sections. These criticisms highlight various technical shortcomings on the PS5, affecting the overall gameplay experience for some critics. On the PC platform, GameStar, New Game Network, Try Hard Guides, and Vandal provide generally positive feedback regarding technical performance. GameStar and New Game Network commend the smooth and stable gameplay experience, with minor issues related to visuals that are expected to be addressed in post-launch patches. Try Hard Guides mentions occasional glitches that do not impact gameplay significantly, while Vandal notes stable performance with some framerate fluctuations. Overall, the PC platform seems to offer a more consistent technical experience compared to the PS5. In conclusion, while Still Wakes the Deep generally delivers a stable technical performance across platforms, there are notable issues on the PS5, as highlighted by critics like GameSpew, God is a Geek, TheSixthAxis, and VGC. The Xbox Series X and PC platforms receive more positive feedback, with XboxEra, GameStar, New Game Network, Try Hard Guides, and Vandal praising the game's stable performance with minor technical hiccups. The consensus among critics suggests that while the game may have some technical issues, they do not significantly detract from the overall gameplay experience.
Replay Value
56
Critics praise Still Wakes the Deep for its engaging gameplay and intense horror experience, but point out its limited replay value due to linear progression, lack of player agency, and repetitive gameplay loop. Despite its strengths in narrative and atmosphere, the game's short length and lack of depth in gameplay mechanics may not offer enough incentives for multiple playthroughs according to reviewers.
In terms of positives, several critics highlighted aspects of Still Wakes the Deep that contribute to its replay value. But Why Tho? appreciated the evolving environments and increasing pressure that make revisiting areas engaging. PlayStation Universe commended the engaging story and intense gameplay that provide a thrilling horror experience worth revisiting. New Game Network praised the good pacing and varied gameplay elements that make the experience engaging and suspenseful, even if lacking in complexity and puzzles. On the negative side, critics pointed out various aspects that may limit the game's replay value. MondoXbox noted limited incentives for replayability after completing the story in 6-7 hours, with the second mode offering a less challenging experience but not adding significant replay value. Eurogamer highlighted the game's linear nature and lack of player agency as factors that may hinder replay value, especially for those seeking more narrative propulsion and exploration. Twinfinite mentioned the repetitive gameplay loop and lack of exploration as limiting factors for replay value. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards limited replay value for Still Wakes the Deep. While the game offers engaging gameplay, intense experiences, and suspenseful storytelling, its linear nature, lack of meaningful new ideas, and short length with generic gameplay elements seem to hinder its potential for multiple playthroughs. Critics like God is a Geek and VGC emphasized the game's linear progression and heavy signposting as contributing to its limited replay value. Despite its strengths in narrative and atmosphere, the lack of depth in gameplay mechanics and exploration options may not offer enough incentives for players to revisit the game after completing it once.
Overall Verdict
Still Wakes the Deep impresses with its exceptional storytelling and visuals, creating a haunting experience praised by critics. However, some reviewers criticize its lack of gameplay innovation and character development. Despite mixed feedback, the game offers a compelling narrative and atmosphere that will appeal to horror enthusiasts seeking a unique experience.
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75
CRITIK
Reviews
114 reviews found100
Tryhardguides.com
Jun 17, 2024
This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.
Still Wakes The Deep is a triumph in horror games, pushing the boundaries of the genre with its unique setting, compelling story, and thrilling gameplay. A must-play for horror enthusiasts and potentially a benchmark for future horror games.
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95
Gaming-age.com
Jun 17, 2024
This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.
Still Wakes the Deep successfully returns The Chinese Room to their signature style of moody and atmospheric exploration games, offering a slow-burning horror experience on a Scottish oil rig.
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90
Thexboxhub.com
Jun 17, 2024
This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.
Still Wakes the Deep is a masterful piece of storytelling with amazing visuals and sound design, providing a haunting and suspenseful experience.
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90
Thesixthaxis.com
Jun 17, 2024
This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.
Still Wakes the Deep offers a tense and immersive experience with superb graphics, sound design, and voice acting. Despite some technical issues, the game delivers a compelling narrative and engaging gameplay.
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85
Psu.com
Jun 17, 2024
This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.
Still Wakes The Deep offers a chilling and suspenseful horror experience with a knack for authenticity, engaging narrative, and top-notch voice acting. A pure horror thrill ride with a lot of heart, despite its short length.
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85
Xboxera.com
Jun 17, 2024
This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.
A special experience with a brilliant setting, quality writing, and stellar voice acting, recommended for anyone interested, despite some graphical issues.
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85
Butwhytho.net
Jun 17, 2024
This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.
Still Wakes the Deep excels in exploring a unique setting and delivering a compelling story, making it a must-play for die-hard horror fans despite some gameplay shortcomings.
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80
Gamestar.de
Jun 17, 2024
This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.
Still Wakes the Deep impresses with its story-driven gameplay, exceptional graphics, and solid technical performance, making it a compelling experience for players.
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80
Dexerto.com
Jun 17, 2024
This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.
Still Wakes the Deep is a compelling horror game that offers a welcome break from mechanics-focused games, providing a rollercoaster of anxiety and a curated story experience.
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80
Videogameschronicle.com
Jun 17, 2024
This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.
Short but effective game with brilliant performances, atmospheric setting, and fun creature effects.
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