Chris InglisFeed the Deep is a 2D Lovecraftian roguelite that was solo developed by fellow Australian Luke Muscat and released on August 17, 2024. Playing as a deep-sea diver, you will explore procedurally generated caverns, encounter strange creatures, and uncover secrets that challenge your sanity.
Set in a world of floating cities, Feed the Deep offers a compelling story scattered across the ocean floor within hidden books. The game’s simplistic aesthetic captivated me initially until I started diving deeper, with darkness closing in and creepy creatures on the edge of darkness, attacking quickly if I wasn’t careful. There are also side tunnels to explore but be wary of your oxygen levels as it drops deceptively quick.
The core gameplay loop focuses on collecting resources, mainly treasure from cave walls, and returning to the shop to purchase upgrades. You must keep an eye on and manage your oxygen supply whilst navigate twisting tunnels and avoiding hostile creatures. The game effectively creates tension and a claustrophobic feeling through its responsive and fluid controls, which become cumbersome in the right places. There are some great moments when you explore deep and come across an arcade minigame you can play. The first time I played it I was so sucked into it that I forgot about my depleting oxygen and subsequently died – worth it!
The desire to loot everything in sight is quickly quashed as you slow down with the weight of the objects as you watch your oxygen meter slowly depleting, wishing for the diver to reach the surface faster. The shop has different items depending on the expedition you are in, and items give you small goals to aim for as you work towards the greater expedition goals.
Despite its simplistic aesthetic, Feed the Deep impressed me with its ability to induce panic and adrenaline through its visuals and audio. The Lovecraftian themes and immersive atmosphere create a haunting experience, but I kept coming back for more. The eerie silence of the underwater world adds to the sense of isolation and dread; however, the game’s soundtrack is whimsical and urges you to keep exploring despite the dangers.
There are three expeditions available to start, with more unlocked after successful expeditions are complete. The procedurally generated levels and roguelike elements ensure that each dive is a unique experience, providing ample replay value for those who enjoy exploring and discovering new secrets.
Overall, Feed the Deep is an addictive yet intense roguelite that lures you into just one more dive as you try to search for specific objectives. The mysterious atmosphere and captivating audio make for an exciting underwater journey as you collect resources and attempt to complete objectives.
This review utilised a key provided by Future Friends Games and Feed the Deep is out now on Steam.
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