Still wakes the deep is a horror adventure game developed by Chinese room, the studio that released Dear Esther and thereby created the walking simulator genre back in 2012. Playing during the 1970’s you play in the role of Scottish crew member Cameron McLeary (“Caz”) on the oil rig Beira D in the North Sea.

Starting with a short first chapter in which you get to know the other coworkers and explore the crew cabins, the canteen, and the main deck of the oil platform Caz shortly after is witness of a large disaster and explosion destroying part of Beira D. In the course of the following 4-6 hours, you explore the root cause and consequences of the disaster immersing you more and more into the horror that entered the oil rig. Typic for the genre small cutscenes embed the personal story of Caz and problems with his wife and family into the main story. Unfortunately, this personal story feels too generic and did not catch me especially as the games ending, also as typic for such types of games, leaves quite some room for own interpretation.

In first person view you reach different decks to find surviving colleagues, solve tasks to prevent further catastrophes and find the root cause behind all the mess happening. Soon you encounter first enemies, former coworkers who transformed into monsters of different sizes and shapes. The game has no action mechanics: Stealth and running away are the means to prevent or escape encounters. Only objects can be thrown to distract enemies allowing to pass them while they are distracted. Some quick time events, usage of fire extinguishers to stop fires and avoiding being electrocuted are the remaining gameplay enhancements.

Neither graphics nor sound excels in contrast to similar games of the genre but do a good job overall to create a dense atmosphere. The real highlight is the level-design. Throughout the game you get to know the different decks and areas of Beira D, including the main deck, lower levels, the living area, and the machine machine room which really makes you immerse into the scenario. The only drawback is that the different areas are clearly separated by doors and loading screens.

Still Wakes the Deep is a good entry in the long list of first-person adventure games, coming with with a fresh scenario and very excellently designed levels. Technically solid it lacks innovation in terms of storytelling and gameplay.