Shinsekai: Into the Depths Review

Last year, tech giants, Apple, launched their brand new mobile gaming subscription service called Apple Arcade. Shinsekai: Into the Depths, a game by developer Capcom, was available through the service from the moment it launched. While playing I found out that Shinsekai: Into the Depths is basically just a deep sea metroidvania game.

Let’s just describe it like this, then you roughly have an idea what’s going on. As I already mentioned, the game is playable on the flashy iPhones, but it has recently also released on the Nintendo Switch. To be exact, the Switch version released on March 26. Is the Switch version better than the Apple Arcade version? Here is my Shinsekai: Into the Depths review for Nintendo Switch.

SURVIVING AS A HUMAN UNDERWATER

In Shinsekai: Into the Depths, you are the only surviving person on planet Earth. You would say nice, but that is far from it. You are forced to live underwater, due to merciless weather conditions on land, and your only friend is the bottom of the ocean. Obviously, you will not settle, because you have to make life bearable for yourself. As a real go-getter, you look for things, equipment, and new places to add color to your life.

As you might expect, this is not without a struggle. During your adventure in this metroidvania title, you will come face to face with various sea animals that see you as an invader. I mean, you are living in their territory, so the inevitable of seeing a giant fish is quite normal. Humans are not made to live underwater, that should be clear. Capcom seems to emphasize on this philosophy once again in the game. Conditions are anything but ideal.

In the beginning of the game you start with a hand full of oxygen bottles, which help you to some extent, but at the same time limits you. The more you move, the faster the oxygen bottles run out. If only you had gills instead of lungs. Don’t panic, because the oxygen bottles are automatically refilled with new oxygen as time goes on. Later in the game, you get access to more oxygen bottles, which means you have fewer abrupt breaks. Phew!

In addition to the other dangers in the sea and I am not only referring to gigantic sharks, you also have to watch where you walk. In every corner of this mysterious unknown world, danger lurks, although the atmosphere in the game does not always make you feel suspicious. I therefore recommend careful maneuvering. A point of criticism: the controls on the Nintendo Switch feel a bit uncomfortable at first, but as you spend more time within the game, this feeling will get better and you will soon start to really enjoy the game.

MECHANICS VERSUS PURPOSE

Oxygen, sharks, and other potential hazards. Those are quite a few difficulties you wouldn’t want in real life. Fortunately, the game also offers defenses that allow you to defend yourself against these animals. Soon you will come into contact with handy weapons, such as a harpoon. I noticed in my Shinsekai: Into the Depths review for Nintendo Switch that this is a much needed and handy tool with which you can at least keep the fish at a distance.

Although Shinsekai: Into the Depth is only a small fish in the wide range of playable Nintendo Switch games, the game surprisingly has many mechanics. For example, the game includes an upgrade system that allows you to refine your underwater suit. Although the upgrades still feel like a luxury especially at the beginning of the game, as you progress, they become increasingly essential to your overall progress. This gives you the option to upgrade your oxygen efficiency, so you use less oxygen while moving.

In addition, it is also necessary that your underwater suit is able to withstand the increasing pressure of the water. After all, the game is all about survival and exploration in the ocean. Because of this, you will have to go deeper and deeper. Most importantly, don’t give up, your persistence will be rewarded later in the game. There will come a time when you no longer have to stumble over the bottom of the ocean, but you will get help from an underwater vehicle.

In addition to survival, Capcom’s metroidvania game is also about important technological development, which will make life below sea level much more bearable. But in addition, Shinsekai: Into the Depths is also about checking suspicious nooks and crannies at excavation sites. This is especially true if you feel the urge to look for optional resources that can provide additional benefits.

Later in the game, everything will go smoother, but you have to go through the “bad part” first, in which your progression is quite linear. The world in which the game takes place, however, continues to surprise you. The map encourages you to walk critical paths and also challenges you to explore new areas. Depth, as I mentioned above, plays an important role. The pressure of the water can literally mean your end. How far you can go is indicated by the means of red water, and red more than often means bad things in a game!

CONCLUSION

Shinsekai: Into the Depths is a challenging game that takes you to the dark bottom of the ocean. You are, as far as you know, the last survivor on the planet and with that thought you kick off the adventure. Shinsekai: Into the Depths is a deep sea metroidvania game with a more that appreciated survival sauce.

If you have enjoyed metroidvania-esque games in the past, I can more than definitely guarantee that this game will provide you with loads of entertainment and enjoyment. The game has a surprising amount of bells and whistles, and the game looks slick.

Do you want to try Capcom’s Shinsekai: Into the Depths? What do you think of my Shinsekai: Into the Depths review for Nintendo Switch? Leave your thoughts in the comments.

Are you a big fan of Capcom and their series of games? Check out our reviews for Resident Evil 3 Remake, Monster Hunter Generations, and Devil May Cry.