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The desolate, unforgiving environment of an oil rig presents a rich backdrop for horror: the isolation of the open sea, the chilling creaks of metal against the relentless wind, and the frigid darkness concealing unseen dangers. Despite this potential, few games have truly captured the terror of this setting. The Chinese Room, developers of the BAFTA-winning Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture and currently working on the next installment of Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2, aim to change that with Still Wakes The Deep. This review explores whether they succeed in delivering a truly terrifying experience.

alt text describing the game's dark and stormy environment on an oil rig

Still Wakes The Deep plunges players into the heart of a North Sea oil rig during a fierce storm in 1975. As Cameron “Caz” McCleary, players must navigate the collapsing structure while facing a mysterious, terrifying entity that’s picking off the crew one by one. The game blends body horror, cosmic horror, and the backdrop of a political conflict between England and Scotland to create a truly unsettling atmosphere. But does the gameplay live up to the premise?

A Chilling Narrative Inspired by “The Thing”

The story unfolds amidst the political tension surrounding oil rights between the UK and Scotland. Caz, seeking refuge from legal troubles and driven by financial desperation, joins his friend Roy on the Cadal Beira D 2/23 oil rig, despite his wife Suze’s pleas. On Christmas Eve, 1975, while preparing to finally return home, a catastrophic event unleashes a terrifying presence onto the rig, trapping Caz and the remaining crew in a desperate fight for survival.

alt text showing a monstrous creature in a dimly lit corridor

The game’s slow-burn narrative evokes the chilling atmosphere of John Carpenter’s The Thing. Like the Antarctic researchers who unknowingly bring back a dangerous extraterrestrial lifeform, the crew of the Cadal Beira D 2/23 face a similar, insidious threat. This entity spreads throughout the rig, transforming the crew into grotesque, monstrous beings.

alt text displaying a close-up of a grotesque, mutated creature

Still Wakes The Deep distinguishes itself from other body horror games like Dead Space and SOMA by incorporating elements of cosmic horror. The creature’s design is both disturbing and strangely beautiful, resembling coral formations while retaining vestiges of the human forms it has consumed. The game offers no easy explanations for the entity’s origins or its motivations, enhancing the sense of dread and mystery surrounding it.

alt text showing Caz navigating a flooded section of the oil rig

Compelling Characters and Immersive Environments

The Chinese Room excels in creating believable characters. The authentic Scottish accents, the option to switch to Gaelic, and the nuanced portrayal of the crew contribute to the game’s immersion. Caz, in particular, is more than just a protagonist; he’s a flawed man grappling with regret, fear, and a desperate desire to reunite with his family.

The environmental design is equally impressive. The oil rig feels real, from the rusting metal and damp corridors to the howling wind and crashing waves. The attention to detail brings the setting to life, enhancing the sense of isolation and vulnerability.

alt text showing a character in a dimly lit room with various objects scattered around

Linear Gameplay Holds the Game Back

Despite the strong narrative and atmosphere, Still Wakes The Deep suffers from overly linear gameplay. The core gameplay loop revolves around navigating from point A to point B, with occasional puzzle-solving and stealth sections. While there are moments of tension and suspense, the lack of player agency can make the experience feel repetitive. The over-reliance on visual cues, such as yellow paint highlighting the correct path, further detracts from the sense of exploration and discovery.

alt text displaying a creature lurking in the shadows

The enemy AI also presents issues, sometimes ignoring the player’s presence or reacting inconsistently. While these flaws don’t completely derail the experience, they prevent Still Wakes The Deep from reaching its full potential.

alt text showing Caz navigating a dark and cluttered area of the oil rig

Conclusion

Still Wakes The Deep delivers a chilling and atmospheric horror experience with a compelling narrative, strong characters, and a terrifying creature. However, the linear gameplay and occasional AI issues hold it back from being a truly groundbreaking title. While The Chinese Room has successfully crafted a tense and unsettling journey, further refinement of the gameplay mechanics would elevate this game to the next level.