After receiving a steam key for this game (shout out to an awesome boss), I was excited to check it out. Hidden Deep boasts of a science fiction 2D adventure with fear inducing atmospheric gameplay. Join us as we delve into the depths of hidden deep and provide a brief insight into one of the most promising indie sci-fi games in early access.
“We’re On An Express Elevator To Hell, Goin’ Down!”
The story starts with a specialist named Murphy entering a system of dauntingly dark tunnels. Murphy has been given the terrifying task of locating missing researchers. Explore a hidden research facility under the ocean floor where previous scientists have disappeared without any contact. As you can see from the screen shots, the game is terrifyingly dark. The player must use the tools available to help their vision. This adds to the terrifying element of the unknown.
“Alright Sweethearts, You Heard The Man And You Know The Drill!”
As Murphy begins to explore other caverns, it’s revealed that there are several terrifying creatures. This includes grotesque, fleshy, and muscly bat creatures that fly towards the player and unleash a maggot creature that can drain health from the player. As if that wasn’t enough to instill fear, at certain points there is also long tentacles that grab the player from their position in the ceiling and begin to devour them. An arachnid with fleshy spores and fangs also makes an appearance, arachnophobes do not tread any further.
The enemies do considerable damage when attacking. One of the most interesting aspects of gameplay is that the player receives realistic damage. For example, if a player falls off a high cliff edge, they will splatter on the ground and break all their bones. An intriguing change from losing a bit of health after a life sustaining injury occurs.
“What The Hell Are We Supposed To Use, Man? Harsh Language?”
Thankfully, the player is armed with a gun and an arsenal of high tech equipment. The gun paired with a red laser sight allows for fluid aiming with quick and efficient execution of enemies. Once the combat is mastered its fairly straightforward and enemies can be mowed down without issue.
Additionally, other items in the players arsenal can be used to engage with the enemy. A spherical device that can be thrown and then controlled by the player, also features an electric charge which can zap enemies before the player reaches them. This is perfect for clearing the way ahead.
To help traverse the tricky and intricate caverns, the player also has several items such as a grappling gun, C4, and surveying tools to check for new entrances. The grappling gun was a great and fun addition. Spiral down chasms and zipline across abyss’.
“Hey, maybe you haven’t been keeping up on current events, but we just got our asses kicked, pal!”
In terms of difficulty, the game posed an intriguing challenge. My first hour or two of the game was spent familiarizing myself with the controls. Each death resulted in the player being splattered on the ground and copious amounts of blood. After restarting, the players’ blood is still fresh on the ground from the last attempt. An interesting feature, but it’s also a stark reminder of where the player went wrong.
Although this playthrough didn’t involve any cooperative game play, Hidden Deep offers a split screen challenge mode. This mode allows two players to navigate the caverns in an effort to escape. Face enemies, solve puzzles, and explore. Cooperative play adds another layer to the replayability factor of the game. However, whether you play this game solo or cooperative, it’s highly likely you’ll be disappointed.
Intrigued? Check Hidden Deep out
Hidden Deep is available early access on steam. It’s worth checking out, look out in the future for a more in-depth review of the game from VIBE. Until then, Stay Frosty.
26, Indie Game connoisseur. Also a hamster mum, fiancée & working in the addiction field. Gaming and writing are my escape and comfort for when the world gets too much!
