Under the Waves Reviews
A story about loneliness and grief, set in a retro-futuristic 1970s and told from the perspective of a deepsea diver, which is less interested in action than creating the right atmosphere.
A deep dive into an emotionally resonant, thematically intriguing, and visually striking abyss, Under the Waves' waters are choppy at times, but there's pearls to be found amidst the turbulence of its enthralling ocean.
Under the Waves is a beautiful game, both graphically an narratively, though the latter is on the sadder end of the beauty scale. It is a little short, but it's an affecting story with some fantastic voice performances that really help elevate what is already effective dialogue. It's not perfect but it is unique and it's a joy to explore the depths of the north sea in your cute little submarine.
It lacks a good polish (in the form of a patch) to correct the technical problems, but if you like games that give a lot of importance to exploration and are not afraid to navigate a gigantic underwater level, Under the Waves is a hidden treasure in the depths.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Under the Waves offers a unique experience, masterfully combining fascinating underwater exploration with an emotional story
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Under the Waves delivers an incredibly emotional story about grief and its ability to manifest in the realities of those who attempt to evade it. While the title's main narrative is powerfully effective, its secondary focus on environmentalism, fueled by a real-world partnership, diminishes the overall impact of the experience. Though its close-up visuals and optional objectives are marred by technical issues, the core of Under the Waves' gameplay is enough to keep players engaged in its mandatory tasks. The story of Stan is one many fans will resonate with, as it captures the difficult thoughts that accompany grief. Unfortunately, Under the Waves doesn't quite deliver a gaming experience deserving of such meaningful concepts.
Although some mechanical elements suggest other games, Under the Waves uses deep sea exploration for its twin themes of personal grief and environmental exploitation in a unique way. There’s a lack of technical refinement here and there, and the messaging gets heavy-handed at times. Under the Waves is actually about something which puts it ahead of many other games in the survival crafting genre.
But the soundtrack is excellent and perfectly complements your lonely swimming, the atmosphere is thick, and the occasionally wondrous moments are suitably awesome, in the literal sense. While you spend most of your time swimming alone in the grim dark of the sea, the moments where you find a sunken wreck or a friendly octopus act as a kind of catharsis, and always feel special.
Under The Waves is an incredible journey of memories. Developed by Parallel Studio and Quantic Dream, the work combines the environmental theme with a moving and engaging story, also strong in a well-implemented play structure. Must have absolutely.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Under The Waves provokes emotions, it makes you cry, shiver, clench your fists and above all, it makes you think. Far from a moralizing speech, he learns. Learn to love the ocean, the beauty it represents but also the strength hidden there. Under the Waves is touching with such human characters, with weaknesses and many doubts. A poignant story that is not wrapped in embellishments to deliver 7 completely captivating hours.
Review in French | Read full review
The emerging narrative of Under the Waves will accompany you while you are underwater and then will make you return the desire to embrace the surface again: Stan is a man who hides his past, he wanted to bury it, but he has to deal with it, especially at night.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Melancholic underwater adventure with story focus and goosebump atmosphere.
Review in German | Read full review
Under The Waves is just a missed opportunity and it's a real shame, because its environmental message would still deserve to be listened to.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Under the Waves on the XSX is a very unique and emotional experience that may not be for everyone, especially if you have just lost a friend or loved one. While the game will only be played once due to the content, it is quite a unique and memorable title that successfully addresses how grief is handled with the backdrop of a very component game set deep under the sea. All in all, the developers should be commended on this beautiful game that really sets itself from other titles at the moment on this next-gen console.
Under the waves is a one time experience that despite all its weaknesses, could potentially entertain you for a few hours and deliver an unique experience at the end of the day. but don't expect anything revelutionary or ground breaking.
Review in Persian | Read full review
There are three types of people. The living, the dead, and those at sea. Under The Waves is a non-standard philosophical game where you think about this statement. It mainly focuses on the effect from the emotional experience.
Review in Slovak | Read full review
Under The Waves is a powerful story with wonderful atmosphere, but a lack of polish holds it back from achieving its true potential.
Rather simple in its conception, Under The Waves immerses the player in a narrative dealing with several subjects. The atmosphere and the way the story is told are undoubtedly the strengths of this game developed by the Parallel Studio team. Nevertheless, loading times, the pace of certain phases and technical problems detract from the overall experience. Still, the game should appeal to players looking for an immersive narrative experience.
Review in French | Read full review
Under the Waves tells a solid tale of grief that is at its best when it focuses on environmentalism and technical issues and lack of polish hinder the unique experience of the deep sea.
In "Under the Waves" we didn't find the graphics of Detroit Become Human or the plot that Heavy Rain develops, but I found a more solid and engaging experience as a whole. By simplifying some elements and refining others, we are faced with a solid narrative that will captivate players and easily allow us to join the character's struggle... on a personal or professional level. The developer's bet on teaming up with an organization with "on-site" knowledge of the reality and difficulties our oceans face, was a successful bet and one that we see as an example for other publishers to follow.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review