Info about Under The Waves:

Official game description:
Under The Waves is a narrative-driven adventure game about the engulfing power of grief. Set in the depths of the North Sea in a techno-futuristic 1970s, professional diver Stan is struggling to overcome a life-changing loss and embrace a new future. The isolation of the deep sea is a fitting manifestation of his state of mind, and as Stan retreads further into his self-imposed solitude, he starts to experience strange events far beneath the waves. He will eventually have to make a difficult choice...  
A love letter to the oceans, Under The Waves invites you to dive into a gorgeous underwater world, brought to life in a poetic blend of cinematic visuals and poignant storytelling. Live a gripping story through Stan’s eyes and guide him through an unforeseen series of events that will bring him deeper and deeper into the abyss, the reflection of his own psyche.  
Wander the vast seabed piloting Stan’s submarine and encounter the beautiful wildlife, Stan’s only company while he’s trapped in his own mind. Explore caves, wrecks, and underwater plants with Stan’s special wetsuit, following the mysterious manifestations of his memories, to find a way back to the surface and save his life. Collect materials and craft equipment that will help Stan navigate further on this self-discovery expedition. You will have to dare get off the beaten track to experience mesmerizing moments and reveal more about the tragic past he is trying to escape...  
**KEY FEATURES**  
*   **A surreal voyage under the waves** — Live a poetic underwater adventure about a man trying to overcome his traumatic past and save his own life, both literally and figuratively. Will Stan ever reach the surface again?  
*   **Explore the depths of the sea** – Pilot your submarine over the abyss and swim your way through caves, wrecks, and submerged plants in search of backstory pieces, salvageable waste, collectibles, and more. Craft equipment to help Stan explore further.  
*   **Witness the beauty of the ocean** – Dive through gorgeous underwater environments, from unfathomable depths to retro-futuristic facilities, immersed in a contemplative ambiance brought to life by an atmospheric soundtrack.  
*   **A unique setting full of mysteries** - Discover an alternate reality of the year 1979 where retro, science-fiction, and fantasy flow together in beautifully-rendered graphics.

Release date: 28 Aug, 2023

Categories: Single-player Story, Exploration, Resource Management, Build Crafting, Psychological Horror, Walking Simulator


- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics: No data
- Time-to-fun: No data
- Player Archetypes: No data


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Relaxing and Immersive Experience (weight 1): Players consistently praise the game for its overall relaxing, immersive, and emotionally engaging experience. The atmosphere, visuals, and sound design contribute significantly to a unique and satisfying gameplay loop that is often described as a 'detox' from more intense games.
- Compelling and Emotional Story (weight 0.56): The narrative is a major highlight, frequently described as deeply moving, captivating, and emotionally resonant. It effectively explores themes of loss, grief, and human connection, making the story a central and memorable aspect of the game.
- Strong Ecological and Social Message (weight 0.49): The game effectively integrates strong ecological and socio-economic messages into its narrative and gameplay. It raises awareness about ocean pollution, human impact on the environment, and corporate greed, prompting players to reflect on these important real-world issues.
- Engaging Underwater Exploration (weight 0.47): The underwater exploration, both by submarine and diving, is highly enjoyable and immersive. Players appreciate the realistic feeling of movement, the well-designed seabed, and the overall sense of being in the ocean depths, making exploration a core satisfying element.
- Beautiful Visuals and Art Style (weight 0.28): The game's visuals, art direction, and graphic style are consistently praised for their beauty and effectiveness in setting the mood. Despite not always being cutting-edge, the artistic choices create stunning environments and scenes that enhance immersion.
- Exceptional Soundtrack and Sound Design (weight 0.25): The soundtrack and overall sound design are frequently highlighted as outstanding. The music is described as beautiful, immersive, and perfectly complementing the game's atmosphere, significantly enhancing the player's emotional connection and experience.
- Good Value and High Quality (weight 0.21): Many players feel the game offers excellent value for its price, considering it a well-made indie gem. Its unique concept, depth, and overall quality make it a worthwhile purchase, often described as a 'treasure' or 'diamond' in its genre.
- Similarities to Other Games (weight 0.08): Players often compare the game to titles like Subnautica and Firewatch, noting similarities in its underwater exploration, narrative tone, and psychological themes. These comparisons help contextualize the game's unique blend of genres and experiences.

Common complaints:
- Repetitive & Slow Gameplay (weight 0.82): Many players found the core gameplay loop to be highly repetitive and lacking in variety. Tasks often involve simple, unchallenging actions like collecting items or pressing buttons, leading to boredom and tedium. The overall pace is slow, and there's a perceived lack of meaningful progression or dynamic action.
- Weak & Slow Story (weight 0.39): The narrative is frequently criticized for being slow-paced, predictable, and lacking depth. Players found it difficult to connect with the story or its characters, and the plot often felt disjointed or underdeveloped. The pacing is monotonous, and the story elements are perceived as unengaging.
- Clunky & Frustrating Controls (weight 0.31): A significant number of players reported issues with the game's controls, particularly for the submarine and character movement. They are often described as clunky, imprecise, and difficult to master, especially with a keyboard and mouse. This leads to frustration during navigation, especially in tight spaces or dark environments.
- Annoying Protagonist (weight 0.25): The main character, Stan, is a major point of contention. Players found him to be constantly whining, self-pitying, and generally unlikable, making it difficult to empathize with his struggles. His personality and actions are often described as annoying or unbelievable.
- Frequent Bugs & Crashes (weight 0.24): Many players reported frequent technical issues, including game crashes, freezes, and bugs. These issues often lead to loss of progress and significantly detract from the gameplay experience. Other bugs include UI glitches and audio problems.
- Unskippable & Poor Cutscenes (weight 0.23): Players expressed significant frustration with unskippable and often lengthy cutscenes. These cinematics are criticized for poor animations, especially facial expressions, and for frequently interrupting gameplay. The ending and emotional moments are also seen as lacking impact or feeling forced.
- Useless Crafting System (weight 0.21): The crafting system is widely considered unnecessary and poorly implemented. Players found it redundant, as essential items are often found readily in the world, making crafting feel like an afterthought or filler. It adds little value to the gameplay experience.
- Overly Preachy Environmental Message (weight 0.19): The game's environmental message is perceived as overly preachy, unsubtle, and simplistic. Players felt it was forced and detracted from the narrative, often overshadowing the personal story. The 'cleaning the sea' mechanic also lacks meaningful feedback.
- Poor Animations & Graphics (weight 0.17): The game's animations, particularly facial animations, are consistently criticized for being poor, jerky, and out of sync with dialogue. This detracts from immersion and overall visual quality. Graphics are also noted as mediocre or inconsistent.
- Tedious Dialogue (weight 0.16): Dialogue, especially from the protagonist, is frequently described as tedious, slow, and filled with unnecessary pauses or rambling. This makes conversations unengaging and contributes to the overall slow pace of the game.
- Unrewarding Exploration (weight 0.11): Exploration is largely unrewarding and uninteresting. Players found little to discover or gain from exploring the environment, leading to a sense of emptiness and monotony. There's a lack of thrill or excitement associated with discovery.
- Overly Depressing Tone (weight 0.11): The game's tone is consistently described as overly depressing and bleak, with little emotional reprieve. Some players found it to be an emotionally difficult experience that constantly tried to evoke sadness, to the point of being unbearable.

Gameplay feedback:
- Slow-paced, narrative-driven exploration (weight 0.78): The game is primarily a slow-paced, narrative-driven experience focused on underwater exploration. It is not an action, survival, or traditional adventure game, emphasizing story and atmosphere over complex gameplay mechanics or combat.
- Optional, basic crafting system (weight 0.27): The game includes crafting and resource gathering, but these elements are often described as basic, optional, and largely unnecessary for story progression. Many players found the crafting system trivial and lacking significant impact on the adventure.
- Protagonist's journey of grief (weight 0.23): The central narrative revolves around the protagonist, Stan, an industrial diver who retreats to the deep sea to cope with the profound loss of his daughter. The story delves into his psychological journey, grief, and attempts to process his trauma.
- Strong environmental message (weight 0.13): A significant theme woven throughout the game's narrative is environmental protection and the impact of ocean pollution, particularly from oil industries. The game was developed in partnership with an environmental organization, reinforcing this message.
- Short, linear story with two endings (weight 0.12): The game's main story is relatively short, typically taking 8-12 hours to complete. It is structured into 'days' with some time skips, and the narrative is linear with a single significant choice at the very end leading to two distinct endings.
- Psychological horror elements (weight 0.09): Towards the end, the game incorporates elements of psychological horror, featuring cramped, dark, and maze-like sections that contribute to an oppressive atmosphere and reflect the protagonist's mental state.
- Optional collectibles and lore (weight 0.09): The game features numerous collectibles that provide additional lore and backstory. While finding them can enhance the experience, they are optional and can be ignored if players prefer to focus solely on the main story.
- Accessible achievements (weight 0.08): The game offers a moderate number of easily obtainable achievements, including those tied to collectibles, story progression, and specific actions. Some achievements may be missable, potentially requiring multiple playthroughs for 100% completion.
- Auto-save and unskippable cutscenes (weight 0.07): The game features an auto-save system at key points, with no manual save option. It also includes quick-time events and does not allow players to skip cutscenes, which can impact pacing for some.
- Repetitive mission design (weight 0.05): Some players found the main missions to be repetitive 'fetch quests' or maze-like, which could feel like padding to extend gameplay. However, the game does allow for some self-directed entertainment outside of these core objectives.

Performance notes:
- Frequent game crashes (weight 0.18): Many players reported frequent game crashes, often linked to the Unreal Engine, which significantly impacted their gameplay experience. While some crashes were minor, others made the game unplayable for certain users.
- Good Steam Deck compatibility (weight 0.07): Despite not being officially supported, the game generally performs well on the Steam Deck, maintaining stable framerates (around 30 FPS) even on medium to high settings, making it a viable option for portable play.
- Excellent performance and optimization (weight 0.04): Many players praised the game's excellent optimization and strong performance, noting smooth gameplay and high frame rates, even on demanding settings.
- Attractive graphics (weight 0.02): Players generally found the game's graphics to be visually appealing and attractive, contributing positively to the overall aesthetic experience.
- Character stuck in transitions (weight 0.02): A specific bug was reported where the character could get stuck during the transition between swimming and ground movement, impacting player progression.
- Settings not saving (weight 0.01): Some in-game settings, such as 'disable screen sway,' were reported to not save or function correctly, leading to minor persistent annoyances for players.
- Achievement unlocking issues (weight 0.01): Some players encountered bugs where achievements did not unlock correctly, preventing them from completing in-game milestones.
- Subpar controller experience (weight 0.01): Despite requiring modern hardware, the game's controller experience was perceived by one reviewer as a step backward, suggesting potential issues with responsiveness or layout.
- Windowed mode resolves issues (weight 0.01): Switching to windowed mode, specifically at 1920x1080 resolution, was reported by one player as a solution to resolve performance or stability issues.
- Persistent chest icons (weight 0.01): A minor map bug was reported where chest icons remained visible on the map even after the chests had already been opened, causing confusion.
- Minor issues patched (weight 0.01): It was noted that some minor annoyances or bugs might have been addressed and fixed with the release of the 1.02 patch, indicating ongoing developer support.
- Adequate soundtrack (weight 0.01): The game's soundtrack was described as 'correct,' implying it was fitting and adequate for the game's atmosphere, though not necessarily outstanding.

Recommendations:
- Highly Recommended Experience (weight 0.51): The game is generally well-received and highly recommended by a significant portion of players, often praised for its unique experience and emotional depth. Many consider it a must-play, especially for fans of its specific genre.
- Niche Audience & Gameplay (weight 0.38): The game is best suited for players who enjoy calm, story-driven, and contemplative underwater experiences, often described as a 'walking simulator' with a strong narrative. It's not recommended for those seeking action, survival, or fast-paced gameplay, or those with thalassophobia.
- Buy On Sale (weight 0.19): A common recommendation is to purchase the game only when it's on sale, preferably with a significant discount. Many players feel the current full price is too high for the content offered, suggesting it's better value at a reduced cost.
- Mixed Completion Satisfaction (weight 0.03): Player satisfaction upon completing the game varies, with some feeling content and others simply relieved that it ended. This suggests a mixed reception regarding the overall pacing and conclusion of the experience.
- Length vs. Price Concerns (weight 0.02): Some players felt the game's duration was too long for its content, or that it was too expensive given its length. This indicates a concern about the game's value proposition relative to its playtime.
- Read Fine Print (weight 0.02): Players are advised to be aware of the game's details and potentially play it soon after purchase to ensure it meets their expectations. This implies a need for due diligence before committing to the game.
- Desire for Multiplayer (weight 0.02): A few players expressed a desire for a multiplayer survival mode with base building, suggesting that such a feature would significantly enhance the game's appeal and potential.
- Debut Developer Effort (weight 0.02): The game is recognized as a debut title from new developers, implying that some of its flaws might be attributed to their inexperience. This suggests a potential for future improvement from the studio.

Other player notes:
- Strong Environmental Message (weight 0.15): The game effectively integrates a strong environmental message about marine pollution, often in partnership with the Surfrider Foundation. While some found the message impactful and well-integrated, others felt it was occasionally heavy-handed or ironic given real-world events.
- Beautiful, Immersive Atmosphere (weight 0.14): Players consistently praise the game's beautiful and relaxing atmosphere, particularly the immersive underwater visuals and serene music. The aesthetic quality is a major highlight, contributing to a pleasant and engaging experience.
- Complex Protagonist & Story (weight 0.11): The protagonist, Stan, is a complex character whose inner struggles with grief are intertwined with his work for an oil company and the overarching environmental themes. His journey involves recycling trash and dealing with his past activism, creating a nuanced character arc.
- Moderate Playtime & Pacing (weight 0.07): The game's length is considered average, suitable for players who enjoy a slower pace. While the main story can be completed in about 9 hours, achieving 100% completion may require multiple playthroughs due to potentially hidden objectives.
- Impactful & Surprising Ending (weight 0.06): The game's ending is a significant highlight, featuring plot twists and a difficult choice that left many players surprised and emotionally impacted, prompting reflection on life and connection to the narrative.
- Unique Genre Blend (weight 0.06): The game is often compared to titles like Subnautica for its underwater exploration and Firewatch for its blend of emotional narrative with environmental themes. It focuses more on ocean protection than extensive deep-sea exploration.
- Excellent Audio & Voice Acting (weight 0.05): The game features stellar voice acting and an awesome soundtrack, contributing significantly to the overall immersion. The inclusion of full voice-overs in multiple languages is particularly commendable.
- Engaging & Unique Ideas (weight 0.04): While not always delivering 'WOW' moments, the game's unique ideas and engaging narrative manage to impress and hold player interest consistently, suggesting a fresh approach compared to more conventional titles.
- Mixed Graphics Feedback (weight 0.04): The game features a beautiful visual style and smooth animations. However, some players noted a lack of extensive graphics settings and felt that certain post-processing effects did not enhance immersion.
- Developer Effort Appreciated (weight 0.03): Players appreciate the developers' efforts, noting that they did a fine job with the game's execution. There's also positive feedback regarding developer support in addressing in-game issues.

Emotions:
- Satisfaction (weight 0.2): Players felt satisfied due to the game's strong narrative, immersive atmosphere, and beautiful visuals and sound design. The overall unique gaming experience, including exploration and a bug-free performance, contributed significantly to this positive sentiment.
- Frustration (weight 0.13): Frustration stemmed primarily from technical issues such as frequent crashes and game-breaking bugs. Clunky, imprecise controls, slow pacing, and repetitive or unskippable cutscenes also significantly contributed to player annoyance.
- Disappointment (weight 0.13): Disappointment arose from unmet expectations, particularly regarding the game's depth, content, and story execution. Players felt the game had wasted potential due to shallow themes, repetitive gameplay, and technical issues, leading to a lack of engagement.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.07): Players experienced enjoyment from the game's immersive atmosphere, engaging story, and beautiful aesthetics. The relaxing qualities of underwater exploration and the overall adventure contributed to a positive gaming experience.
- Appreciation (weight 0.05): Appreciation was driven by the game's strong ecological message, artistic visuals, and immersive atmosphere. Players valued the unique perspective, well-crafted story, and the developer's attention to detail, including features like Turkish language support.
- Boredom (weight 0.03): Boredom was a result of repetitive and monotonous gameplay, a slow pace, and a lack of challenge or evolution in missions. The predictable story progression and drawn-out pacing also contributed to players losing interest.
- Excitement (weight 0.03): Excitement was generated by the game's immersive atmosphere, high-quality visuals, and engaging story. Players were thrilled by the potential for a sequel and the game's ability to realistically portray diving and marine life, filling a niche for underwater games.
- Awe (weight 0.03): Awe was primarily evoked by the game's stunning visuals, immersive atmosphere, and powerful emotional impact, particularly from the story and soundtrack. Players described the experience as beautiful, gripping, and a masterpiece.
- Admiration (weight 0.03): Admiration was felt for the game's artistic merit, particularly its visuals, atmosphere, and story. Players appreciated the developers' ambition, the quality of the voice acting, and the overall artistic presentation.
- Annoyance (weight 0.03): Annoyance stemmed from the protagonist's perceived whining and preachy dialogue, as well as finicky controls and misleading trailers. Technical issues like disappearing UI and a lack of autosaves also contributed to player irritation.
- Relaxation (weight 0.03): Players found the game relaxing due to its calm atmosphere, meditative quality, and stress-free gameplay. The immersive experience of observing marine life and the chill pace contributed to a sense of tranquility.
- Sadness (weight 0.02): Sadness was caused by the game's heartbreaking and heavy story elements, particularly themes of grief and loss. The emotional impact of the narrative and the protagonist's sad journey evoked strong feelings of sorrow in players.
- Immersion (weight 0.02): Immersion was achieved through the game's captivating atmosphere, engaging narrative, and detailed world. The combination of music, visuals, and story progression drew players deeply into the game experience.
- Joy (weight 0.02): Joy was experienced through the game's enjoyable gameplay, particularly exploration and movement. The beautiful underwater scenery, magnificent soundtrack, and overall high quality contributed to a chill and positive gaming experience.
- Reflection (weight 0.02): Reflection was prompted by the game's thematic elements, particularly its message about ocean pollution. The narrative encouraged players to consider the game's deeper meanings and their own connection to the environmental themes.
- Empathy (weight 0.01): Empathy was evoked by the game's emotional depth, particularly the protagonist's suffering and isolation. Players connected with the story's themes of loss and identified with the character's struggles, leading to a strong emotional response.
- Mild frustration (weight 0.01): Mild frustration arose from minor issues such as crafting mechanics, occasional navigation difficulties, and pacing problems towards the end of the game. Facial animations and intrusive eco-messages also contributed to slight annoyance.
- Calmness (weight 0.01): Calmness was a result of the game's relaxing style, atmospheric immersion, and peaceful pacing. The overall gameplay experience contributed to a tranquil and serene feeling for players.
- Emotional (weight 0.01): Players felt emotional due to the game's beautiful and deeply impactful story and message. The narrative's emotional depth and range, including moments that made reviewers shiver and shed tears, created a powerful and moving journey.
- Anger (weight 0.01): Anger was caused by frustrating missions, particularly towards the end of the game, and issues with keyboard controls. A significant source of anger was the perceived lack of developer support, including unaddressed bugs and difficulties with refunds.}