Video Game Review - Submerged: Hidden Depths

Rob reviews Submerged: Hidden Depths on PlayStation 4...

Submerged: Hidden Depths is one of those rare games that offers a wealth of simplistic gameplay, with a deep narrative core. The core experience allows you to explore a vast sunken city at your own pace without fear of reprisal from enemies and the like. Whilst it doesn't have the scope - or necessary depth - of other big open-world games, there's enough here to give you a satisfying experience. 

The story of Submerged: Hidden Depths revolves around siblings; Miku and Taku. A strange substance dubbed the Black Mass has taken over the world, and as such has caused an exponential rise in sea levels. The siblings soon realise that by collecting strange seeds they can bring life back to the world, and convert the Black Mass into something more friendly. As such you'll traverse this vast expanse in search of these mystical seeds. 

Your first steps into this aquatic world may seem a little daunting. Aside from a quick tutorial Submerged: Hidden Depths leaves you to your own devices. Whilst it does loosen the reins, it does subtly point you in the right direction. When it comes to locations of the seeds, these will be marked on the map, and the buildings that house them will always have one entrance - normally signalled by a dock. Once on dry, you're then guided to the location of the seeds by various environmental puzzles and visual cues. Locations that can be traversed are usually identified by their entwined plants life or red painted ledges. There are also plenty of zip-lines and rope bridges too. Locations are a little linear in their design, but Uppercut Games fills each nook and cranny with plenty of collectables to be found. 

With zero combat, you're able to explore this world at your own pace. Without the threat of enemies your ability to soak up the atmosphere and invest in Miku and Taku's journey. While the world is extremely colourful it does hide a bleak undertone. Not only can you optionally uncover what caused the end of the world, Miku's powers over the Black Mass cause some worry with Taku. It is quite an interesting story and when coupled with the scenic views and serene gameplay, Submerged: Hidden Depths offers quite a relaxing experience. 

As mentioned above, the world is full of various collectables to be found. Various relics are scattered across the landscape which offers the option to change clothing. There are also boat upgrades to be found, as well as various journal entries to discover. A more interesting thing is that your central base houses a garden. This garden can be tendered and customised by finding various plants out in the world.

When it comes to presentation, Submerged: Hidden Depths is quite a beautiful game. Its city location is a gorgeous place to explore and its crumbling towers, half-submerged buildings, and makeshift hideouts offer a great look into this world and those who call it home. This is all entwined with the ominous Black Mass which twists and turns around everything with its meandering tentacle-like vines. However, once you've brought life back to the world the harsh black turns into lush greenery with sprouting plant and animal life. 

All in all, Submerged: Hidden Depths offers a great relaxing experience that's wonderful to get lost in. Its simple structure offers something different from the hustle and bustle of Fortnite, or the brutality of Elden Ring. However, if you want to spend a few hours exploring a gorgeous sunken city, with plenty of incredible vistas, then Submerged: Hidden Depths has you covered.

Rating: 7/10 

Submerged: Hidden Depths is out now and can be purchased via the PlayStation Store. 

A code was kindly provided for this review

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