Under The Waves

 PlayStation 5
Metascore
70

Mixed or average reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27
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  1. The Games Machine
    Sep 5, 2023
    89
    Under The Waves is an incredible journey of memories. Developed by Parallel Studio and Quantic Dream, the work combines the environmental theme with a moving and engaging story, also strong in a well-implemented play structure. Must have absolutely.
  2. Adventure Game Hotspot
    Oct 4, 2023
    84
    The otherwise moving narrative of Under the Waves misses out on some lost opportunities, but if you have an affinity for collecting, exploration and ocean preservation, you’ll effortlessly immerse yourself for hours in this enchanting, beautiful underwater adventure.
  3. Gameblog.fr
    Sep 17, 2023
    80
    nder The Waves provokes emotions, it makes you cry, shiver, clench your fists and above all, it makes you think. Far from a moralizing speech, he learns. Learn to love the ocean, the beauty it represents but also the strength hidden there. Under the Waves is touching with such human characters, with weaknesses and many doubts. A poignant story that is not wrapped in embellishments to deliver 7 completely captivating hours.
  5. IGN Spain
    Sep 4, 2023
    80
    Under the Waves offers a unique experience, masterfully combining fascinating underwater exploration with an emotional story.
  6. Everyeye.it
    Aug 29, 2023
    80
    The emerging narrative of Under the Waves will accompany you while you are underwater and then will make you desire to re-embrace the surface: Stan is a man who hides his past, he wanted to bury it, but he has to deal with it, especially at night . The title of Parallel Studio certainly does not offer a layered playful component, but its engaging story - linked to a credible and multifaceted protagonist - will certainly push you to fully experience this journey consisting of 7 chapters.
  7. VGC
    Aug 29, 2023
    80
    Under the Waves is an emotional adventure that handles distressing subject matter in a touching way. There are some issues with the execution, but the overall experience is a memorable one.
  8. TierraGamer
    Sep 14, 2023
    78
    Under the Waves is a game with a strong story that keeps you hooked throughout its duration. Its objectives are varied to keep you active. Unfortunately, it has several technical glitches that negatively affect the gaming experience.
  9. GamePro Germany
    Aug 29, 2023
    78
    Melancholic underwater adventure with a story focus and an atmosphere that produces goosebumps.
  10. Jeuxvideo.com
    Sep 13, 2023
    75
    A high-level atmospheric experience, Under the Waves offers a truly immersive aquatic experience, enhanced by an absolutely memorable soundtrack (which you will undoubtedly want to listen to in your free time) and very convincing French performances. It's a shame that the story, although fascinating, suffers from a sometimes languorous pace, also hampered by laborious micro-tasks.

Awards & Rankings

72
#72 Most Discussed PlayStation 5 Game of 2023

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
5.6

Mixed or average reviews- based on 18 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 18
  3. Negative: 6 out of 18
  1. Redneb
    Sep 3, 2023
    9
    If you are looking for a fast-paced, feel-good action game, then this isn't for you. I really enjoyed "under the waves" because it is slow andIf you are looking for a fast-paced, feel-good action game, then this isn't for you. I really enjoyed "under the waves" because it is slow and very atmospheric. I recommend turning off the music completely. Without the music it feels like you are really down there, alone with your thoughts and the sounds of the ocean. Being a big fan of the Abyss movie, I really liked the game a lot.

    After a few hours, I encountered an extremely annoying bug: PS5 error CE-100028-1 pop-ups constantly (“no free space for save” but I had over 160 gb free space). Rebooting my ps5 did the trick but unfortunately the error did come back after some time.

    The swimming controls are a bit weird, but the little submarine you are in feels great to maneuver. Even with the flaws and some glitches (I was stuck 3 times while swimming and collecting stuff and had to reload) I highly recommend the game. Get down there and see for yourself. Very good and chill story game, and it looks absolutely fantastic! (And yeah, the lip sync was totally off - but that didn't bother me at all.)    … Full Review »
  2. TrevorTommyGun
    Aug 31, 2023
    9
    Refreshing game for people who loved Firewatch. Beautiful underwater environment with plenty of features. Pretty nice indie work.
  3. Jt0429
    Sep 11, 2023
    7
    Good-
    Great writing and voice acting; well-directed cutscenes with great art direction; the length of the game is appropriate for its    Good-
    Great writing and voice acting; well-directed cutscenes with great art direction; the length of the game is appropriate for its simplistic mechanics.

    Bad-
    Audio and video sync issues; heavy movement mechanics; puzzles could have been better.

    Thoughts-
    All in all, Under The Waves tells an emotionally packed narrative about overcoming grief and the importance of underwater wildlife preservation. While the story beats may not always hit the mark, it’s a narrative that’s well worth seeing through to the end. The gameplay doesn’t break any new ground in terms of mechanics or interesting features, but it works well for the rather short duration of the adventure. Under The Waves is a great first step for Parallel Studio, and might be worth a try if this review manages to pique your interest – but also know that you wouldn’t be missing out on much if you end up skipping this one.    … Full Review »
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