As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I approach every new title with a sense of excitement and curiosity. Yet, as I delved into Sylvio: Black Waters, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia. The eerie atmosphere transported me back to the early days of survival horror games, where exploration and discovery were the keys to unraveling the mystery at hand.
Short stories in the horror genre have consistently thrived due to their ability to effectively convey fear and suspense. This is evident in the large number of indie films and games within this genre. Indie studio Stroboskop intends to demonstrate this yet again with its newest addition to the Sylvio franchise, Sylvio: Black Waters. Instead of sticking with the usual grounded setting, this installation invites us to explore an alien planet, harboring mysteries that are ominously reminiscent of our own dark secrets.
When you begin, the objective is straightforward: determine the computer’s coding that you encounter initially.
In the newest installment, the gameplay remains close to its roots with interactions primarily focused on orbs for learning phrases, which must be correctly sequenced to advance. For added tension, this game includes rudimentary combat using an air-powered weapon to fend off agitated spirits.
In the opening moments of Sylvio: Black Waters, I found myself plunged into an enigma. The game didn’t bother with lengthy explanations or elaborate introductions; instead, it left me as clueless as its protagonist, both metaphorically and physically, about our whereabouts and objectives.
When I first begin playing this game, the objective seems straightforward: crack the code for a computer I encounter early on. A helpful hint comes in the form of a video recording found along the way, suggesting that I delve deeper into the darkness and possibly encounter someone who knows the solution. The broader storyline of the game remains shrouded in mystery.
Our protagonist begins by removing her spacesuit and wading into the water.
In “Sylvio: Black Waters,” the overarching impression is the extreme darkness that enshrouds the environment. With visibility restricted to only a few feet, players must rely on guiding lights to navigate their way. The game’s creators intentionally employed this stylistic decision to amplify the eerie ambiance. Although there are no significant jump scares, the darkness functions as a curtain that conceals the unknown. As a result, players remain wary of their surroundings and are always cautious of potential threats lurking in their peripheral vision.
Instead of just adding a great ambiance, the darkness in Sylvio: Black Waters conceals its less-than-stellar visuals. The game doesn’t boast top-notch graphics, and the details aren’t particularly sharp during your exploration. In truth, the visuals appear quite old. Fortunately, this isn’t much of a problem due to the game’s clever employment of darkness to create visually striking moments, even when performing a seemingly routine task like ascending a ladder.
The audio design subtly contributes to an uneasy experience, amplifying the sense of unease in the game’s settings. It alternates between melancholic melodies that intensify feelings of isolation, and sudden bursts of loud sounds that startle you, leaving you uncertain if danger is imminent. The overall effect is a haunting atmosphere skillfully engineered through the game’s use of lighting and sound to instill a persistent sense of fear.
“The darkness acts as a veil into the unknown”
In contrast to the intricate storyline, navigating through “Sylvio: Black Waters” primarily depends on observing and following the aforementioned lights. Even though the game is shrouded in perpetual darkness, you’ll seldom find yourself lost. Barriers, whether visible or hidden, restrict your wandering, keeping you on the main path. Occasionally, you’re given some freedom to explore your environment, but there’s little value in doing so as any discoveries are usually insignificant tidbits of background information, obtained through old video recordings left behind. However, the incentive for delving deeper into the game world isn’t substantial enough to justify the investment of time and effort.
After a short while into your journey, you’ll come across a peculiar watch that appears to let you contact the departed souls. These souls serve as your source of new expressions essential for advancing in the game. In Sylvio: Black Waters, this ability to discover phrases is a significant aspect of gameplay. The watch additionally connects you with an individual named Lee, who believes he’s the last living person on Earth. Lee proves helpful in leading you further into the planet’s “Lungs,” as you encounter more souls during your journey.
In “Sylvio: Black Waters,” most of the narrative unfolds through your interactions with Lee and the spectral phrases you pick up. Occasionally, you’ll encounter optional audio puzzles that provide additional story details if solved. The game emphasizes that these puzzles are not required for progression. You will acquire a rudimentary gun at some point, which seems to shoot nothing but air for self-defense against spirits. The fighting mechanics are elementary and appear to have been added without much refinement or depth.
As you explore deeper into the earth’s “lungs,” or vast forests, Lee assists you by facilitating encounters with spiritual beings.
In Sylvio: Black Waters, the level design is engrossing and full of intrigue. The game is set in a world enshrouded in darkness, with a limited view distance to heighten the sense of mystery. This constraint allowed the game’s designers to unleash their creativity. Throughout your journey, you will encounter areas that defy physics laws, such as rooms shifting gravities at random and suspended train tracks acting like an erratic roller coaster ride.
Black Waters” typically takes only 5 to 6 hours. This brief playtime enhances the game’s atmospheric vibe, making it seem more like an immersive piece than a lengthy experience. The game doesn’t appear intended for multiple playthroughs due to its unchanging puzzles and level design. Yet, there’s value in revisiting the game once you’ve finished to tackle any optional puzzles that might have eluded you during your initial playthrough.
Sylvio: Black Waters offers a brief yet engaging journey with top-notch audio-visual elements, set in an ominous ambiance. Although there are moments when the player character is in peril, this game serves primarily as a mood setter, inviting you to explore its hauntingly beautiful world at your own pace. The narrative unfolds through a chilling tale of a decaying planet, and the seemingly mundane concept of “air” assumes significant significance throughout the game. However, those seeking a clear-cut storyline for their horror fix may need to turn to other games instead.
This game was reviewed on PC.
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2024-07-29 15:42