71
MONSTER
Under the Waves is a narrative-driven adventure game about the engulfing power of grief. Set in the depths of the North Sea in a techno-futuristic 1970s, professional diver Stan is struggling to overcome a life-changing loss and embrace a new future. The isolation of the deep sea is a fitting manifestation of his state of mind, and as Stan retreads further into his self-imposed solitude, he starts to experience strange events far beneath the waves. Stuck between life and death, Stan will have to make the most significant choice of his existence.
Game analysis
Monster Scorecard
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Story and Narrative
Expand for full analysis
78
Critics praise Under The Waves for its exploration of themes like grief and environmentalism, with engaging plot and genuine character interactions. Some criticize messaging and genre shifts, but overall, the game delivers an emotionally impactful and thought-provoking story that resonates with players.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY
Story Score
78
Positive (80-100)
69%
Mixed (50-79)
28%
Negative (0-49)
3%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.
TL;DR
story and narrative
Critics praise Under The Waves for its exploration of themes like grief and environmentalism, with engaging plot and genuine character interactions. Some criticize messaging and genre shifts, but overall, the game delivers an emotionally impactful and thought-provoking story that resonates with players.
Gameplay Mechanics
Expand for full analysis
65
Critics praise Under The Waves for its immersive underwater exploration and enjoyable gameplay mechanics, including meditative experiences and engaging daily tasks. However, some critics note issues with navigation and repetitive tasks that could be improved. Overall, the game offers a mix of exploration, survival elements, and narrative content, providing players with a relaxing and solitary experience despite its shortcomings.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY
Gameplay Score
65
Positive (80-100)
6%
Mixed (50-79)
88%
Negative (0-49)
6%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.
TL;DR
gameplay mechanics
Critics praise Under The Waves for its immersive underwater exploration and enjoyable gameplay mechanics, including meditative experiences and engaging daily tasks. However, some critics note issues with navigation and repetitive tasks that could be improved. Overall, the game offers a mix of exploration, survival elements, and narrative content, providing players with a relaxing and solitary experience despite its shortcomings.
Graphics and Visual Design
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80
Critics rave about Under The Waves' stunning underwater visuals, praising the detailed environments and marine life. The mix of realism and cartoon aesthetics creates a captivating atmosphere, though technical issues like screen tearing and rough character models are noted. Overall, the game's graphics impress with beautiful lighting and unique design choices, despite some minor flaws affecting the visual experience.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS
Visual Score
80
Positive (80-100)
69%
Mixed (50-79)
31%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.
TL;DR
graphics and visual design
Critics rave about Under The Waves' stunning underwater visuals, praising the detailed environments and marine life. The mix of realism and cartoon aesthetics creates a captivating atmosphere, though technical issues like screen tearing and rough character models are noted. Overall, the game's graphics impress with beautiful lighting and unique design choices, despite some minor flaws affecting the visual experience.
Music and Sound Design
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84
Critics raved about the immersive sound design and music of Under The Waves, praising the zen-like synth drones, enchanting whale songs, and tension-building proggy soundtrack. While some noted issues like unfitting music and flat voice acting, the majority agreed that the sound design enhanced the overall experience. Ultimately, Under The Waves' sound design and music received high praise for creating a captivating and immersive atmosphere.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN
Sound Score
84
Positive (80-100)
85%
Mixed (50-79)
15%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.
TL;DR
music and sound design
Critics raved about the immersive sound design and music of Under The Waves, praising the zen-like synth drones, enchanting whale songs, and tension-building proggy soundtrack. While some noted issues like unfitting music and flat voice acting, the majority agreed that the sound design enhanced the overall experience. Ultimately, Under The Waves' sound design and music received high praise for creating a captivating and immersive atmosphere.
Voice Acting
Expand for full analysis
75
Summary: Critics have mixed opinions on the voice acting in Under The Waves. While some praise the protagonist's strong performance and emotional depth, others criticize the wooden delivery and lack of empathy. Positive feedback highlights the banter and French voice performances, while negative comments point out distracting lip-syncing and flat line delivery. Overall, the voice acting has strengths but also weaknesses, with varying perspectives among critics.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING
Acting Score
75
Positive (80-100)
63%
Mixed (50-79)
32%
Negative (0-49)
5%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.
TL;DR
voice acting
Summary: Critics have mixed opinions on the voice acting in Under The Waves. While some praise the protagonist's strong performance and emotional depth, others criticize the wooden delivery and lack of empathy. Positive feedback highlights the banter and French voice performances, while negative comments point out distracting lip-syncing and flat line delivery. Overall, the voice acting has strengths but also weaknesses, with varying perspectives among critics.
Technical Performance
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54
Critics found numerous technical issues plaguing Under The Waves on PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC, including screen-tearing, crashes, unsynced mouth movements, clipping assets, broken map markers, glitches, and lost progress. Some noted minor bugs while others found these issues frustrating and impacting gameplay enjoyment. However, a patch improved the situation for some, with a few critics mentioning the game running decently overall.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE
Tech Score
54
Positive (80-100)
0%
Mixed (50-79)
83%
Negative (0-49)
17%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.
TL;DR
technical performance
Critics found numerous technical issues plaguing Under The Waves on PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC, including screen-tearing, crashes, unsynced mouth movements, clipping assets, broken map markers, glitches, and lost progress. Some noted minor bugs while others found these issues frustrating and impacting gameplay enjoyment. However, a patch improved the situation for some, with a few critics mentioning the game running decently overall.
Replay Value
Expand for full analysis
58
Critics are split on the replay value of Under The Waves. Some praise its exploration and collectibles, while others find the gameplay lacking in hooks. While there are incentives for replayability, concerns about essential rewards and limited crafting may restrict its appeal to a niche audience.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE
Replay Score
58
Positive (80-100)
7%
Mixed (50-79)
73%
Negative (0-49)
20%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.
TL;DR
replay value
Critics are split on the replay value of Under The Waves. Some praise its exploration and collectibles, while others find the gameplay lacking in hooks. While there are incentives for replayability, concerns about essential rewards and limited crafting may restrict its appeal to a niche audience.
Overall Verdict
71
MONSTER
OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION
Monster Score
71
Positive (80-100)
34%
Mixed (50-79)
64%
Negative (0-49)
2%
Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.
TL;DR
Critics have mixed but generally positive opinions on Under The Waves. Praise for its unique narrative, emotional storytelling, and immersive atmosphere. Critics highlight strengths in storytelling, visuals, and themes of grief and environmentalism. However, technical issues, lackluster protagonist, and repetitive gameplay are drawbacks. Despite flaws, the game offers a memorable and impactful experience for players who enjoy narrative-driven games.
71
MONSTER
Reviews
62 reviews found90
PC Games
Aug 29, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The game is highly recommended and praised as one of the most breathtaking games of the year.
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90
But Why Tho?
Aug 29, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Under the Waves is a fantastic game that successfully uses the ocean as a character and creates a dynamic and intimate experience. The narrative is emotionally impactful, the gameplay is immersive, and the graphics and sound design are stunning. It is highly recommended.
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89
The Games Machine
Sep 5, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Under The Waves is a touching and engaging game that explores themes of grief and offers a gameplay experience that combines survival and adventure elements.
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87
Hooked Gamers
Sep 18, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Under the Waves is a beautiful and emotional game, with the only flaw being the stark contrast between the main character's appearance and the game's gorgeous design.
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80
Noisy Pixel
Oct 5, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The reviewer found the game discomforting but impactful, and believes it will stay with them for years to come.
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80
Gamereactor UK
Sep 6, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The game is praised for being memorable, beautiful, soothing, and atmospheric. The reviewer recommends playing it.
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80
Gameblog.fr
Sep 17, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Under The Waves may not have the most polished gameplay or cutting-edge technology, but it excels in storytelling and evoking emotions. It is a tribute to the ocean and its fauna, with a strong ecological theme. The game is well-crafted and succeeds in delivering its intended experience.
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80
VGC
Aug 29, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Under the Waves is an emotional adventure with some execution issues, but the overall experience is memorable.
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80
TRG
Sep 27, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Under The Waves is a heartfelt story-driven adventure with stunning visuals and a captivating soundtrack. Despite some flaws and technical issues, it offers an emotionally impactful experience for fans of narrative-driven games.
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78
GamePro Germany
Aug 29, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Under the Waves is a captivating underwater adventure with a beautiful visual design, a compelling narrative, and a relaxing soundtrack. However, the gameplay is simple and the technical performance has some issues.
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