Stirring Abyss

Stirring Abyss is an indie strategy game with strong RPG elements, the action of which takes place under water. The game is set in a dark universe inspired by the prose of the master of horror, H.P. Lovecraft. It was developed by Sleepy Sentry and K-Project studios. The publisher is Slitherine.

Plot

Stirring Abyss is set during the Cold War. The player controls the crew members of the submarine USS Salem, which is sent to the depths with a secret mission. Unfortunately, the ship is severely damaged by a mysterious threat, and the crew is left on their own to try and find a way back to the surface.

Mechanics

Stirring Abyss is a strategy game, in which the action is observed from an isometric perspective. The gameplay brings to mind the well-known XCOM series - controlling a team of several people we explore the underwater ruins of an ancient civilization and fight with encountered enemies. Each of the characters has different skills, as well as strengths and weaknesses. The key to success is proper coordination between the different specialties.

Reconnaissance and lighting are also very important - in the dangerous ocean depths, the loss of light sources can be fatal. While exploring, you'll find all sorts of useful items and resources that you can use to create armour and weapons, improving your chances of survival.

As we progress, we upgrade our submarine and our characters' abilities improve. We also have the ability to expose them to the dark forces they come into contact with - the result is a variety of macabre mutations (one example is having a tentacle instead of a hand), offering additional tactical options.

What's more, physical dangers aren't the only ones in Stirring Abyss - we also have to look after our characters' mental health. Constant tension and fatigue can result in insanity.

Game modes

In Stirring Abyss we can play only alone. The main game mode is the story campaign, but the game also offers so called Endless Mode. In this module the game never ends and is enriched with elements of roguelike genre and interesting mechanics - the longer we play, the stronger our enemies become, but we can choose what powers they gain.

Technical aspects

Stirring Abyss features good, 3D graphics. The setting is stylized to resemble a comic book or animated film, but at the same time it has a rather dark atmosphere, visible mainly in the disturbing designs of the monsters encountered by our heroes.