First-person walking simulator narratives have delivered some of the most unforgettable experiences in video gaming. Titles such as “What Remains of Edith Finch,” “Firewatch,” and “The Vanishing of Ethan Carter” stand out as exceptional examples within this category. Although they lack complex gameplay mechanics, their breathtaking visuals, exquisite artistry, and compelling storytelling establish them as indie masterpieces.

Sarepta Studio’s Thalassa: Edge of the Abyss aims to capitalize on a proven formula, and for the most part, it succeeds, despite some occasional pitfalls encountered along the way.

Thalassa: Edge of the Abyss, a first-person psychological drama, was developed by Sarepta Studios and released by Team17. It launched on August 1, 2024, for Windows. Set in 1905, the game centers around Cam, a deep-sea diver, who revisits the ruins of the ship Thalassa following a catastrophic event.

A Quest for Answers

The narrative opens with Cam departing the ship due to personal trauma, only to come back following the sinking of the Thalassa, which leads to the loss of her fellow crew members. The game delves into themes of mourning, bereavement, and the quest for resolution as Cam traverses the ruins to discover the reality of the catastrophe. Influenced by traditional nautical exploration and psychological thrillers, the story is profoundly entrenched in the human condition, emphasizing the intricacies of mourning and the effects of loss on the individual.

The game aims to craft a haunting and immersive atmosphere. Its narrative is engaging, featuring well-crafted characters and a story slowly revealing itself, pulling players further into the enigma. The emotional depth of the story is augmented by solid voice acting and scriptwriting, lending authenticity to the characters’ challenges and making them resonate with the player.

The game, while engaging, is not without its flaws. The slow pace may deter players who prefer action-packed games. The gameplay mechanics are appropriate for the story but might seem monotonous to certain players. Moreover, the frequent backtracking and reliance on trial and error for puzzle-solving can lead to frustration. Personally, these aspects often interrupted my gameplay experience.

Mystery Over Action

The gameplay primarily focuses on exploration and solving mysteries. Players take on the role of Cam, exploring the sunken ship from a first-person perspective to uncover clues and deduce the events that led to the Thalassa’s downfall. It involves searching for keys and bolt cutters to access new areas and decipher puzzles. The game includes a “Mysteries” menu, which allows players to organize clues and tackle interconnected puzzles, akin to constructing a mind map. This feature promotes critical thinking and logical progression in piecing together the story. The gameplay is similar to other narrative-centric exploration games, commonly known as “walking simulators,” where the emphasis lies on narrative and atmosphere over action.

The game’s visuals are breathtaking. Its art style beautifully encapsulates the haunting allure of the underwater realm, with intricate textures and moody lighting that animate the submerged vessel. The imagery adeptly communicates the game’s pervasive feelings of solitude and wistfulness. The audio design is just as remarkable, with sound effects that range from the groaning of the ship to the soft reverberations of the sea, forging a captivating and eerie auditory environment. The original soundtrack augments the atmosphere, intensifying the emotional resonance during crucial scenes. The voice acting is solid, providing additional layers to the narrative and character development.

Despite the minimalistic and subtle visuals, the game still struggles with stuttering issues. Regardless of the visual settings chosen, whether low or ultra, the micro stutters and unstable frame rates persist. For most of the game, the frame rate averages over 100, but suddenly there are significant drops to the mid-60s and 70s. A locked 60 fps does little to address the annoying micro-stutters. Hopefully, these issues will be resolved in upcoming patch updates.

Real Talk

“Thalassa: Edge of the Abyss” delivers a beautifully crafted narrative that excels in storytelling and atmosphere. While it may not satisfy those in search of high-octane action, its emotional depth and enthralling world set it apart in its genre. It’s a must-try for enthusiasts of narrative-driven exploration games that focus on emotional storytelling. Yet, players should brace themselves for its measured pacing, repetitive gameplay elements, and potential frustration due to extensive backtracking and trial-and-error puzzles.

FINAL RATING: 75/100