Shane
In deep ocean, alone, the only one left.
Shinsekai: Into the Depths is an ethereal 2.5D underwater adventure title from Capcom that initially released on Apple Arcade and has now been ported over to Nintendo Switch.
An at times calming game where I even found myself reflecting back to retro titles like Echo the Dolphin, your character is purportedly last survivor in an underwater wonderland, battling both hostile sea creatures and environmental hazards.
As the world began to ice over, mankind tried to seek refuge in the ocean – but that too is fast becoming a frozen wasteland.
Your survival depends on your aqua suit, and it’s oxygen reserves. Your suit is fragile and susceptible to not only clashes with sea life and the salty sea hazards but also how you play. Take a fall from a ledge, rock face or platform and it could be your last.
Encounters with ice which usually encroaches into your path will also eventually kill you.
Shinsekai has its fair amount of puzzle play with which you will need to have your logical wits about you to get past and at times also requires a fair bit of backtracking.
Your character does have tools.
From a small pick axe, spear gun to a grappling hook and your astronaut looking aqua suit can also jettison some of your precious oxygen reserves to give you a much needed boost or soften a fall.
You will pick up additional oxygen tanks (these too are breakable) and find air pockets and air vents throughout all environments and there are an abundance of hidden areas and items to pick up if you remain observant.
But Shinsekai: into the Depths is not an RPG. It is a full deep ocean exploratory game that is just as peaceful as it is challenging at times.
Capcom have produced an outstanding literally submerssive title with Shinsekai and with the calming soundtrack you absolutely feel totally isolated and in peril for the length of the game.
Shinsekai: Into the Depths was THE game of Apple Arcade and probably the only reason you would have wanted to be roped in to Apple’s pay to play monthly subscription service.
Now being on Switch those that do not own an Apple device can more than enjoy this unique play, which would have been wasted if only released on iOS.
A fantastic game that I highly recommend to gamers of all genres to spend some time with.
Released: March 2020
Rating: PG
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
Genre: Adventure
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
