Submerged, developed and published by Uppercut Games, is a 3rd-person adventure that offers a unique and captivating experience for retro gaming enthusiasts. Set in a mysterious and flooded city, players take on the role of Miku, a young girl who has sailed to the city with her injured brother in search of help.
One of the standout qualities of Submerged is its beautiful and desolate outdoor environments. The game effortlessly captures the essence of isolation and abandonment, reminding players of classic retro titles that often emphasized mood and atmosphere. The vast landscapes and intricately designed structures exude a sense of mystery and intrigue, making exploration a truly rewarding experience.
While Submerged is primarily a combat-free game, it offers other engaging gameplay elements. As Miku, players must navigate the city using their trusty fishing boat, discovering hidden areas and unraveling the secrets of their surroundings. The puzzles and challenges scattered throughout the city provide a welcome break from the typical action-focused gameplay commonly found in modern titles.
However, despite its intriguing premise and visually striking environments, Submerged falls short in various aspects, resulting in a less-than-stellar gaming experience. One of the major drawbacks is the lack of depth in its gameplay mechanics. The limited interactions and repetitive tasks can feel monotonous after a while, leaving players craving for more varied and engaging gameplay elements.
Additionally, the story, while promising at first, fails to deliver a truly immersive and captivating narrative. The lack of character development and shallow exploration of the game's lore leaves players feeling disconnected from the world and its inhabitants, hindering the overall enjoyment of the game.
Furthermore, the technical performance of Submerged for PC is disappointing. The game suffers from frequent frame rate drops and occasional glitches that can disrupt the immersion and hinder the overall experience. These technical issues, coupled with the lackluster gameplay elements, contribute to the low rating of 2.5/10.
In conclusion, while Submerged manages to capture the nostalgic feel of classic retro games with its stunning visuals and desolate environments, it falls short in delivering a truly captivating and engaging gaming experience. The lack of depth in its gameplay mechanics, shallow narrative, and technical issues make it difficult to recommend to all but the most dedicated retro gaming enthusiasts.
