Under the Waves
IGDB
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About Under the Waves
Parallel Studio created Under the Waves, a narrative adventure that launched on August 29, 2023. Quantic Dream published this title across PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The story follows Stan, a professional diver working in the North Sea during a techno-futuristic 1970s. He battles a devastating loss while exploring deep underwater. The game uses the crushing pressure of the ocean to mirror his internal state. Isolation drives the plot as strange events begin occurring around him. You make key choices that determine his path forward. This single-player experience blends sci-fi elements with heavy emotional themes without relying on combat or complex systems.
Gameplay
You control Stan through long sequences of diving and exploration rather than traditional action combat. The interface focuses on environmental interaction and dialogue trees that shape the narrative direction. Sessions involve navigating claustrophobic underwater habitats while scanning for clues about the strange occurrences you face. Your movements feel weighted to simulate deep-sea pressure, adding tension to every decision. You manage oxygen levels and equipment checks between story beats. The game lacks a traditional leveling system or inventory management. Instead, progress relies on uncovering backstory fragments and resolving emotional conflicts. Each playthrough feels different based on your dialogue choices. The pacing slows down significantly during key narrative moments to let the story breathe without rushing the player toward an outcome.
What Players Think
PlayPile data shows a polarized reception for this title. Critics and players gave it an IGDB score of 71.1 out of 100 based on just 17 ratings. Most users report spending around 8 hours completing the main story, with completion rates hovering near 45 percent. Community moods lean heavily toward contemplative but frustrated by the pacing issues. Many reviews mention the game feels too short for its ambitious themes. Achievement hunters find the 38 total trophies achievable in a single run without much grinding. The community notes that players who dislike slow-burn narratives often leave early. Prices have dropped to a historical low of $2.44 on Fanatical, making it accessible for those curious about the premise despite mixed feedback.
PlayPile's Take
Under the Waves works best for players willing to sit through long dialogue scenes without expecting action. The 38 achievements offer little challenge since you can unlock everything in one playthrough. At a price point near $2.50, it is worth grabbing if you enjoy character studies over gameplay loops. The story tackles grief directly but lacks the mechanical depth to keep everyone engaged. Skip this title if you need constant feedback or fast pacing. The ending depends entirely on your choices, yet many paths feel equally melancholic regardless of what you pick.
Game Modes
Single player
IGDB Rating
71.1
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