Under The Waves frames grief as both its subject and its environment. Set in a techno-futuristic version of the 1970s, the adventure follows professional diver Stan as he tries to live with a life-changing loss. The North Sea’s isolation reflects his self-imposed solitude, while strange events beneath the water draw him toward a difficult choice. Its focus is less on a crowded social world than on one character’s inward journey.
Exploration gives that premise a physical shape. Players pilot Stan’s submarine across the seabed, then leave it to swim through caves and wrecks in his special wetsuit. Wildlife, submerged plants, and mysterious manifestations of memory make the ocean both a place to investigate and a reflection of Stan’s state of mind. Collecting materials and crafting equipment helps him venture farther, while optional finds include pieces of backstory, salvageable waste, and collectibles. The blend of retro-futurism, science fiction, and fantasy distinguishes this underwater setting from a straightforward dive simulation.
Under The Waves is listed as single-player, so its play format centers on following Stan’s story rather than sharing the adventure with other players. Cinematic visuals and an atmospheric soundtrack support a contemplative mood as the journey moves between the depths and retro-futuristic facilities.
