Still Wakes The Deep Review: A Strong, But Not Particularly Creative Horror Title

Developer The Chinese Room has rightly gained its reputation for atmospheric and affecting narrative-driven games. Whether it's the haunting or the mystery of, those who are fans of the occasionally maligned 'walking simulator' subgenre of adventure game will likely have played and loved one of the developer's creations. The studio has often tied horror into its creations, and latest creation is perhaps the most direct example of this on show.

takes place in December 1975, casting the player as an electrician on the Beira D oil rig off the coast of Scotland in the North Sea. Before too long something goes wrong, causing disaster on the rig. However, that initial accident is the least of the crew's worries, as there is something unknowable and ancient that has been unleashed on the world. The player must try to find their way off the rig and to safety, avoiding the mysterious creature that is engulfing the entirety of the Beira D. It's an enticing horror prospect, although it's perhaps one that sticks a little too close to the narrative horror template.

An area where really excels is with its location and its atmosphere. The oil rig of the Beira D feels extremely authentic, from its labyrinthine engineering tunnels to its tired and well-trod deck. Of particular note are some excellent claustrophobic moments thoughout the game where the player can almost feel the pressure on them outside of the game world. This is especially true during the game's sections down in the pontoons, dark areas filled with water and debris and likely leading to many a player holding their breath as they make their way through flooded sections.

In spite of these impressive moments in the pitch black of the underside of the rig, isn't afraid to use color effectively, meaning there's actually a very good variety of different kinds of scares on show here. Although the most obvious comparison of plot once the monsters are unleashed is to John Carpenter's, with plenty of body horror to keep