When you're going through difficult times, or trying to deal with painful emotions, it can be hard to feel present. Sometimes you need to get away, to give yourself space to breathe. It's why, in part, the concept for Under the Waves immediately piqued my interest. The new narrative adventure from Parallel Studio takes place in the depths of the North Sea in an alternate techno-futuristic take on the 1970s. As well as providing an environment ripe for discovery and exploration, the setting serves as a poetic metaphor for protagonist Stan's state of mind. As a professional diver who retreats underwater, the solitude of the deep sea offers a contemplative backdrop for Stan to come to terms with his grief.
As we navigate his experiences in the depths, we'll encounter strange events under the sea, have the freedom to explore during story missions, and make discoveries at our leisure. While Stan's journey is at the heart of the experience, there's also an undercurrent of environmentalism in Under the Waves, with mechanics and subtle messages that explore our connection to nature. In fact, the very idea for Under the Waves was originally born after CEO and game director Ronan Coiffec witnessed an oil spill in Brittany.
