Intersecting worlds of gaming and cinema always pique my interest. Films like Until Dawn bring back the nostalgia of classic slasher movies, creating a direct bridge between mediums that I thoroughly enjoy.
Still Wakes the Deep, a newly released horror game by The Chinese Room, provides a similar experience. It exudes the essence of a John Carpenter film, set on an oil rig in Scotland. While it may not fully live up to that comparison, its intense atmosphere and gory elements make it a worthwhile experience.
Set in 1975, the game follows Cameron McLeary as he navigates a nightmarish scenario on an offshore oil rig. The presence of a supernatural flesh monster adds to the suspense and horror.
The game’s Carpenter-esque influence is evident, particularly in the design of monstrous creatures. The narrative builds a sense of paranoia akin to The Thing, adding to the overall grotesque yet captivating experience.
While the game excels in creating tension through chase sequences and stealth elements, it falls short in gameplay variety. The repetition of tasks like valves and levers diminishes the overall anxiety-inducing potential of the game.
The game’s narrative potential, focusing on perilous working conditions and a monstrous threat, falls slightly flat in its execution. While it captures the essence of ’80s horror, it lacks a deeper commentary on its themes.
Despite its flaws, Still Wakes the Deep delivers a chilling experience reminiscent of classic horror movies, ensuring that its fleshy monsters leave a lasting impact.
Still Wakes the Deep is now available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, also accessible through Xbox Game Pass.
