Under the Waves (Cross-platform, 2023)

Release date: Monday 28th August 2023

Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One

Published by: Quantic Dream

Developed by: Parallel Studio

Genres: Adventure, Sandbox

Story Drive📖 17/20
Accessibility🚪 17/20
Depth🤿 4/20
Challenge💀 3/20
Duration⌛ 8/20
Freedom🌎 14/20
Review Scores
5xB8B
Fouttaf Score
Dimension: 5
The scale can be deceiving, considering that it's an open world game after all, but once you start exploring this world, you realize it's much less deep than you might have imagined at the start of the adventure, both metaphorically and literally. What ends up expanding the scope of the game is the audiovisual aspect and the specific scenarios where the story takes you. Otherwise, it's not far from being an indie title in many ways.
The Flair: B
A bit of good and bad. The audiovisual aspect is frankly one of the strongest points of the game, both the graphics of the underwater world and the incredible soundtrack that fits the game like a glove are worthy of praise. Unfortunately, the game stumbles in other areas and has many technical problems; popping and visual bugs are the most recurring. The protagonist's face looks like it belongs in another video game, maybe because they only had to create one face and didn't want to put in much effort, but the quality and level of detail are far inferior to the rest of the elements.
The Feel: 8
We find gameplay that doesn't quite know where to land, and it shines the most when it simply lets us enjoy its environments. The physics of diving and the control of the ship are good, and it's pleasant to move around and explore the underwater nooks and crannies — this is the strongest point of the gameplay. Neither the scavenging nor the crafting mechanics are well integrated into the game, as you will always find the resources you need on-site, and the upgrades always feel unnecessary. Additionally, the lack of any kind of action or danger, combined with the complete absence of decision-making, which is uncommon for such a narrative-driven adventure, makes the experience feel somewhat sterile.
The Fuel: B
The story’s premise is honestly good, both in terms of the protagonist's personal side and the plot involving the company they work for, but the execution didn't quite convince us. It’s true that everything is gradually revealed, but for such a short adventure, the pacing is very, very slow, and the scripts are boring. On the other hand, the level design of the underwater world, especially the sections you visit in the main missions, is of high quality and detail.
Decent
66
Classic Score
Conclusions
Under the Waves is an innovative game in its concept and has great potential that, unfortunately, hasn’t been fully realized. Both the various technical issues and the poorly integrated key mechanics weigh down the experience. However, it remains a decent title that will be especially enjoyed by fans of indie games and, above all, laid-back narrative adventures.
Under the Waves
Under the Waves (Cross-platform, 2023)
Badge Cabinet
Release date: Monday 28th August 2023
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One
Published by: Quantic Dream
Developed by: Parallel Studio
Genres: Adventure, Sandbox
Trait Chart
Story Drive 📖 17/20
Accessibility 🚪 17/20
Depth 🤿 4/20
Challenge 💀 3/20
Duration ⌛ 8/20
Freedom 🌎 14/20
Review Scores
5xB8B
Fouttaf Score
Dimension: 5
The scale can be deceiving, considering that it's an open world game after all, but once you start exploring this world, you realize it's much less deep than you might have imagined at the start of the adventure, both metaphorically and literally. What ends up expanding the scope of the game is the audiovisual aspect and the specific scenarios where the story takes you. Otherwise, it's not far from being an indie title in many ways.
The Flair: B
A bit of good and bad. The audiovisual aspect is frankly one of the strongest points of the game, both the graphics of the underwater world and the incredible soundtrack that fits the game like a glove are worthy of praise. Unfortunately, the game stumbles in other areas and has many technical problems; popping and visual bugs are the most recurring. The protagonist's face looks like it belongs in another video game, maybe because they only had to create one face and didn't want to put in much effort, but the quality and level of detail are far inferior to the rest of the elements.
The Feel: 8
We find gameplay that doesn't quite know where to land, and it shines the most when it simply lets us enjoy its environments. The physics of diving and the control of the ship are good, and it's pleasant to move around and explore the underwater nooks and crannies — this is the strongest point of the gameplay. Neither the scavenging nor the crafting mechanics are well integrated into the game, as you will always find the resources you need on-site, and the upgrades always feel unnecessary. Additionally, the lack of any kind of action or danger, combined with the complete absence of decision-making, which is uncommon for such a narrative-driven adventure, makes the experience feel somewhat sterile.
The Fuel: B
The story’s premise is honestly good, both in terms of the protagonist's personal side and the plot involving the company they work for, but the execution didn't quite convince us. It’s true that everything is gradually revealed, but for such a short adventure, the pacing is very, very slow, and the scripts are boring. On the other hand, the level design of the underwater world, especially the sections you visit in the main missions, is of high quality and detail.
Conclusions

Under the Waves is an innovative game in its concept and has great potential that, unfortunately, hasn’t been fully realized. Both the various technical issues and the poorly integrated key mechanics weigh down the experience. However, it remains a decent title that will be especially enjoyed by fans of indie games and, above all, laid-back narrative adventures.

Decent
66
Classic Score