Analysis of Deep Beyond – The little treasures of the sea

Analysis of Deep Beyond for Xbox Series X. A brief but interesting narrative proposition with puzzles under the ocean.

Most of the time when we play video games, we seek challenges and intense experiences that either give us adrenaline or frustrate us in equal measure. But others, we simply want to relax and enjoy the narrative part, what the title wants to tell us with its characters. Works whose weight rests more on the story than on its playable aspect. Works like Deep beyond.

We’re talking about the latest release from the Argentinian studio Avix Games. A brief (but very well done) first-person narrative experience created by Léandro Camugli Yes Nahuel Defosse. Do you dare to discover the mysteries of the ocean? Well, get ready to dive into this analysis.

Adventures on the high seas

Lily She is a young treasure hunter who travels the seas, accompanied by her dog. Chestersearching for sunken ships and objects buried in the depths. She was raised by Howardher father’s best friend, who took care of her when he passed away when she was still very young. Both are on the trail of the last lost treasure of the great Rodrigo Menéndez Espinozasank with him and his crew a long time ago.

When we finally find the key to its location, things start to go wrong. A gang of strangers pillage our ship and kidnap Howard. It is then that an adventure full of mysteries, revelations and lies begins.

Shallow puzzles

If we had to assign a genre to Deep Beyond, we would say that it is a walking simulator. However, the game also offers several puzzle pieces. These puzzles are not too complicated, they are all perfectly understood. The design of the scenarios helps a lot in understanding how they work and most will not require more than two or three attempts.

In addition, the title guides the player a lot with indications of what we should do or where we should go. Although, personally, I would have liked to have a little more freedom to explore each scenario.

Like in a comic book

Certainly, Where Deep Beyond stands out the most is in its graphics section.. The video game from the Argentine studio hits the eye straight with a line that can be associated with classic comic books. This is partly reminiscent of the art style of Return of Obra Dinn, except that Avix Games’ work uses a simple color palette which manages to convey a wonderful atmosphere, with magnificent shadow management.

On the technical level, we will find simple animations. For starters, the characters don’t have facial features. Additionally, interactions with environmental objects are somewhat crude, compared to other games of the style such as Firewatch. But with all that, the game works pretty well and I haven’t encountered any bugs.

Concerning the sound part, Deep Beyond fulfills its mission of transmitting serenity and calm thanks to the constant sound of the sea which accompanies us during almost the entire adventure. But he also knows how to mark moments of tension or emotion thanks to themes adapted to each situation.

Eventually

Deep Beyond is the example that good essences come in small bottles. A short title (it takes about two hours to complete) made with great care that conquers you with a moving story and a simple but very beautiful artistic section. It’s true that its puzzles are simple and not very abundants. Or that we wish there were collectibles to motivate us to explore or learn the secrets of history. But, in the end, Avix Games’ work ultimately fulfills its mission of being a beautiful and relaxing narrative experience.