Parallel Studio’s upcoming game, Under the Waves, offers a unique and calming gaming experience set in an underwater world. As I immersed myself in the depths of the ocean, pursuing a drifting shipping container that revealed a hidden submarine, I found myself both relaxed and slightly unsettled by the game’s atmosphere.
Under the Waves introduces players to the protagonist, Stan, who seems to be grappling with personal turmoil. The demo begins on the third day of Stan’s placement at an underwater living pod, where he seeks solace from the outside world following the loss of his daughter. While the game only lightly touches on his grief during the initial stages, Stan’s unease is palpable. His facial expressions are twitchy, a detail that may be refined as the game undergoes further development.
At the start of the demo, Stan wakes up with a pounding headache and receives a call from his colleague, Tim, who informs him about an issue with the living pod’s oxygen mix. This revelation explains Stan’s discomfort and headache. Tim shares a cautionary tale of a previous worker who failed to report similar symptoms, leading to hallucinations. Soon after, Stan begins experiencing his own hallucinatory moments.
While players have the freedom to explore the oxygenated living quarters, most of the game takes place in the ocean. They can dive with a limited oxygen supply, which can be replenished using oxygen sticks, or navigate a deep-sea vehicle to conserve oxygen and cover more ground.
Under the Waves also incorporates an element of environmental awareness. Spent oxygen sticks float in the water where they are left, and players can collect and convert them into plastic. Throughout the game, players will encounter machines and crafting blueprints that allow them to create items, such as additional oxygen sticks, using materials found in the ocean or on the seabed. Parallel Studio has partnered with Surfrider Foundation Europe to support ocean preservation initiatives, reflecting a commitment to raising awareness about the issue of ocean waste.
The game’s aesthetic combines the allure of the ocean floor with retro-futuristic design elements. Man-made structures and objects possess a distinct alternate-future appearance that evokes a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of games like Prey or Deathloop. This anachronistic combination adds to the game’s unique charm.
Stan is equipped with a scanner, which simplifies decoding instructions from Tim and other objectives. However, players must still pay attention and actively engage with the game’s mechanics, similar to the experience of playing Firewatch. For instance, when Stan embarks on a mission to fix the oxygen issues, players need to trace the route of various pipes and identify the broken ones indicated by their red bulbs. The scanner serves as a helpful tool, ensuring players stay on the right path while retaining a level of challenge.
In terms of development and publishing, Under the Waves is being developed by Parallel Studio and will be published through Quantic Dream’s new Spotlight arm, which focuses on supporting new developer IP. Quantic Dream, known for narrative-driven games like Heavy Rain and Detroit: Become Human, is an ideal partner for Parallel Studio, given their shared emphasis on immersive storytelling.
Under the Waves presents an intriguing blend of storytelling, atmospheric tension, and environmental consciousness. With its undersea setting and engaging gameplay mechanics, the game is poised to offer players a captivating and introspective journey when it is released.
