Beyond Blue

This is a great game if you are interested in learning about the deep sea and the creatures that inhabit it. There isn’t much of a ‘story’ happening here but that’s not really needed when the main task of the game is the learn and explore. It is a perfect way to pass some time but it is not for those who want more of an action/thrill element of a game that features dangerous underwater creatures.

If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about marine life or wanted to explore the ocean depths without fear of having to fend for yourself, this is the game for you. Not to mention Beyond Blue would be a fantastic way to get children more immersed and aware of underwater creatures. However, suppose you’re looking for a game with a bit more to offer in terms of gameplay and content. In that case, you may be better off sticking to games like Subnautica that provide the same exploration with added goals and an even higher arching narrative.

In Beyond Blue the narrative seamlessly supports gameplay that is pure pleasure. The absence of challenges is replaced by the always interesting act of exploring and discovering. A necessary game whose only negative point is how short the experience is... because we would like it to last forever.

Beyond Blue is an interesting game with some solid story strands to propel its underwater gameplay. Its emotional impact doesn’t reach the heights of the likes of Firewatch, and its limited gameplay may put some players off if they want something more substantial or challenging, but nonetheless this is a well crafted and calm title that proves its worth. When it comes to education-based games, this is a good example of how engaging it can be.

If you’re the type who likes to relax with the calming sites and sounds of an ocean life documentary, Beyond Blue will allow you to get more interactive with it. The educational and narrative moments don’t fully gel with the undersea exploration, and the visuals get murky on the Switch, but that won’t matter when you’re exploring these deep, safe waters.

Beyond Blue is an adventure that will not be remembered for its gameplay, but it's something different from what we usually see in gaming and brings a strong message with it.

This is no frantic action game, rather its experience is about diving and tracking different maritime species, with a background plot that helps the players know more about the main character. The gameplay is relaxing and contemplative, and it has a relevant educational pillar, though there could have been a lot more done here to further advance the exploration aspect of the game, not to mention that the graphics feel rather sub-par, which is disappointing in a game that depends so much on its visual dimension.

Beyond Blue has noble intentions, with an urgent and vital message about our impact on the Earth. However, it doesn’t do itself justice. Although there is some decent content in here – videos, music, sound design, gameplay, narrative – those parts do little to support or enhance one another. Gameplay is soothing but one-note, the video documentaries don’t frame the missions and neither are well connected to the narrative. While there are moments of majesty in exploring the ocean, the limited draw distance and pop-in frequently interrupt the awe. Edutainment’s a hard one to pull off, and Beyond Blue feels less like an awesome rock concert about dolphins and more like your science teacher trying to do a rap.