A mysterious signal. A missing crew. And the one man trying to piece it all together. As Abe Douglas, dive deep into a fully underwater metroidvania to explore massive oceanic biomes, battle monstrous bosses, and piece together a mystery that threatens not only your crew, but your own sanity.
Players control a nimble submersible that can freely move in any direction, unlike the typical two-dimensional platforming found in most Metroidvania games. This unconventional control scheme takes time to get accustomed to, as the submarine possesses significant weight and momentum that requires careful maneuvering. However, those who invest the effort to master the submarine's handling are rewarded with a heightened sense of freedom and precision during exploration and combat encounters.
The game's combat revolves around an upgradeable arsenal of weapons and tools. Enemies come in a vast array of creative designs, each with their own unique attack patterns that force players to adapt their tactics. For example, one early foe relentlessly charges the player, requiring careful positioning and timing to evade its strikes and land counterattacks. The slower, more deliberate pacing of the combat encourages strategic thinking over reflexive button-mashing, as players must consider how best to leverage the submarine's capabilities against each new threat.
As a Metroidvania, the game is structured around uncovering new abilities to access previously inaccessible areas. The interconnected underwater environments are densely packed with secrets and collectibles that reward the player's curiosity and persistence. Upgrading the submarine's health, damage output, and special abilities feels genuinely impactful, as each new enhancement tangibly expands the player's options for traversal and combat.
While the core gameplay loop of exploration and combat is engaging in its own right, the game's atmospheric presentation and slow-burning narrative are what truly captivate many players. The Lovecraftian-inspired story, conveyed through environmental details and audio logs, creates a pervasive sense of unease and mystery that draws the player deeper into the game's unsettling underwater world. The evocative pixel art, moody lighting, and unsettling sound design all coalesce to forge an immersive, foreboding experience.