Explore the haunting mystery of Thalassa: Edge of the Abyss review in our in-depth review.
Table of Contents
Thalassa: Edge of the Abyss Review – Hauntingly Poignant Journey Below the Waves
A Mystery Lurks Below
Underwater levels in video games terrify me. I have no idea why. I’ve never had a negative experience with water during my 33 years of life, yet pixelated waves cause me to tense up, especially when I sink below their foaming white peaks.
It’s interesting then, that someone like me should jump at the chance to review a game like Thalassa: Edge of the Abyss. The title might not give away its watery environment, but the images from its gameplay certainly do; images that I saw before agreeing to review the game.
Call it a momentary lapse in judgment, a brain fart, or just a sudden loss of sense, but I accepted my mission with vigor, ignorant of the fear that would grip my heart the whole time I played.
Realization soon hit me, of course. But by then it was too late.
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A Haunting Experience
While I initially regretted my eagerness, I soon found myself grateful for taking the plunge, for I found a stunningly crafted experience that haunts me still. It lingers like the chill of autumnal air. The sensation isn’t unpleasant, though I’d be remiss if I didn’t say that there is a continuous eerie sense of dread that follows you throughout this tale. Arguably, it comes with the territory of investigating a sunken wreckage.
There’s so much I want to tell you about this melancholy story; however, many of its secrets are best experienced first-hand, and thus I’ll keep my review free of spoilers. The only way to truly immerse yourself is to go in armed with blissful ignorance. I’ll certainly speak of my experience, the atmosphere, and the playability of this Team17 Digital game, but it’s up to you to uncover what happened to your former crew.
I liken my time with Thalassa: Edge of the Abyss to my experience as I walked through the many memories of What Remains of Edith Finch. There are ghosts here, but not necessarily the specters we fear when we dangle our legs out of our beds at night. Instead, we’re haunted by loss, of human connection that transcends all experiences both good and ill.
Narrative Depth
Narratively speaking, this is a strong experience from beginning to end. Woven like the delicate threads we read of in Sherlock Holmes, we must act as an investigator to follow each strand to the crux of this mystery. I mention the great detective not simply because of his association with mysteries, but because of how certain gameplay elements mirror his powers of deduction. By collecting clues, we must then piece them together to form a whole, with that one solution part of a far bigger puzzle.
It sounds like a daunting task, and in some ways, it is, yet you’ll not feel overwhelmed despite the wealth of information coming your way. This is because the game informs you when you’ve made enough progress to solve one of the secrets hidden onboard. It’s a welcome feature that ensures you always know how far along in the plot you are, provided you update and solve mysteries as you go, of course.
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Character Dossiers and Exploration
This constant stream of information is made more manageable through dossiers on the various crew members. Every time you learn more about a character, those details will update, which in turn might help you if you become lost during your investigation. Which brings me to my next point: scan the map religiously. If an area is highlighted as a place of interest even though you’re sure you’ve discovered everything hidden there, go back and search again. I can guarantee you’ll have missed something.
There’s so much depth here, yet all those layers of intrigue and character development end up being part of the game’s downfall. Thalassa: Edge of the Abyss is by no means a poor game, nor would I trust anyone who describes it as such. Nevertheless, it’s essentially a walking simulator, albeit a very attractive one.
Atmospheric Design
If you removed the ambient creaks of the ship as it groans under the weight of the sea, or cut the talented cast of actors who lend their voice to the experience, it would be devoid of much of the depth I’ve so fondly remarked on throughout this review. Similarly to the puzzle pieces of this mystery, you need all elements for the final image to become clear; remove one and it doesn’t work.
Your journey through this evocative world is steeped in history, memories, love, and loss, but you’re simply walking through it to add yet another puzzle piece to the board. There’s no action, at least not in a traditional sense, and therefore its appeal can start to wane towards the end. Personally, I felt the story overstayed its welcome. Although, I will concede and say I was most impatient to learn the truth of the events that befell the crew, so maybe that played a part in my longing to see the finish line.
Technical Issues
I also think it’s important that I mention how I experienced multiple game crashes during my playthrough; though again, I place the blame on me because I was playing on my Steam Deck. Thalassa: Edge of the Abyss is a sizeable game. Consequently, it put my poor Deck through its paces, and ultimately, the hardware sometimes failed. This hasn’t impacted my overall score for the game, though. However, I want to draw attention to the issue in case it happens to PC users as well. I only have my own experience to speak of, so I can’t say if crashes are a common occurrence or not.
Even if they are, I’d argue they’re a minor inconvenience at best. Nobody wants their game interrupted, but if I have to endure a couple of issues to experience such an emotive tale, I will do so without hesitation. I still don’t know what made me want to play this game. Nonetheless, I’m indebted to past Emma for taking that leap of faith, for I found a hidden gem nestling beneath the waves.
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Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Fantastic voice acting
- Attractive visuals
- Intriguing storyline
Cons:
- Essentially a walking simulator
- Slow burn, with a drawn-out story
For fans of: Riven, Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishment, What Remains of Edith Finch
Score: 8/10
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What type of game is Thalassa: Edge of the Abyss?
Thalassa: Edge of the Abyss is a narrative-driven adventure game with elements of mystery and exploration. It’s often described as a walking simulator due to its focus on story and atmosphere rather than action-packed gameplay.
2. What is the main objective in Thalassa: Edge of the Abyss?
The main objective is to uncover the mystery surrounding a sunken wreckage and the fate of its crew. Players gather clues, piece together information, and solve puzzles to progress through the story.
3. How does the game handle storytelling?
The game uses a combination of voice-acted cutscenes, environmental storytelling, and interactive dossiers to convey its narrative. Players collect clues and update character dossiers to unravel the mystery.
4. What are the key gameplay mechanics?
Gameplay involves exploration, clue gathering, and puzzle-solving. Players navigate through the underwater environment, investigate points of interest, and piece together the narrative from collected information.
5. Is there any action or combat in the game?
No, Thalassa: Edge of the Abyss focuses on exploration and narrative rather than action or combat. Players immerse themselves in the story and atmosphere without engaging in traditional combat scenarios.
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6. How long is the game?
The length of the game can vary depending on how thoroughly players explore and investigate. On average, a playthrough can take between 6 to 10 hours.
7. Are there any technical issues to be aware of?
Some players, especially those using Steam Deck, have reported game crashes. While this hasn’t been a widespread issue on all platforms, it’s something to be mindful of. The developers may release patches to address these problems.
8. Can you replay the game?
Yes, the game can be replayed, especially if players want to experience the story again or if they missed any clues during their first playthrough. However, since it’s a narrative-driven game, the core story remains the same.
9. Who developed Thalassa: Edge of the Abyss?
The game was developed by Team17 Digital, a company known for creating engaging and narrative-rich games.
10. What platforms is the game available on?
Thalassa: Edge of the Abyss is available on PC and various other platforms, including gaming consoles. Specific availability can be checked on the game’s official website or digital storefronts.
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11. How does the game compare to other narrative-driven games?
Thalassa: Edge of the Abyss is often compared to games like What Remains of Edith Finch and Riven due to its focus on story and atmosphere. It offers a unique underwater setting and a compelling mystery that sets it apart.
12. Is the game suitable for all ages?
The game’s themes of loss and mystery might be more suited to older audiences. Parents should review content descriptions and consider whether the game’s tone and themes are appropriate for younger players.
13. Does the game have multiple endings?
The game’s narrative is fairly linear, focusing on uncovering the single mystery at the heart of the story. However, the depth of exploration and the order in which clues are discovered can vary, offering some replay value.
14. What makes Thalassa: Edge of the Abyss stand out?
The game’s haunting atmosphere, strong voice acting, and intricate storytelling make it a standout experience for fans of narrative-driven games. Its underwater setting adds a unique twist to the mystery genre.
15. Are there any future updates or DLC planned?
As of now, there’s no official word on future updates or downloadable content (DLC). However, keeping an eye on announcements from Team17 Digital will provide the latest information on any potential additions to the game.
Conclusion
Thalassa: Edge of the Abyss is a beautifully crafted narrative adventure that combines a hauntingly poignant story with a richly detailed underwater environment. While its walking simulator nature might not appeal to everyone, those who enjoy deep, story-driven experiences will find much to appreciate. Despite some technical issues, the game stands out for its atmosphere, voice acting, and compelling mystery. If you’re a fan of games like What Remains of Edith Finch or Riven, Thalassa: Edge of the Abyss is well worth diving into.