Song of the Deep

Song of the Deep, developed by Insomniac Games and published by GameTrust Games, is a delicate and melancholic adventure that unfolds beneath the waves, blending elements of exploration, puzzle-solving, and emotional storytelling into a hauntingly beautiful experience. At its core, it tells the story of Merryn, a young girl who sets out to find her missing father after his ship fails to return from sea. Using salvaged parts and sheer determination, she builds a small submarine and dives into the mysterious depths, where ancient ruins, mechanical contraptions, and mythical sea creatures await. The narrative is simple yet profoundly heartfelt, wrapped in themes of courage, perseverance, and the unbreakable bond between parent and child. It’s a fairy tale told through the lens of solitude and discovery, one that invites players to lose themselves in an oceanic dreamscape.
From the first dive, Song of the Deep captivates with its visual and auditory presentation. The underwater world feels both inviting and intimidating, illuminated by shifting beams of light that pierce through the murk and reveal coral-covered ruins, lost civilizations, and glowing marine life. Every environment feels handcrafted, and there’s a painterly touch to its color palette—muted blues and greens contrasted by warm bursts of light and bioluminescent creatures. The soundtrack by Jonathan Wandag plays a crucial role in shaping the mood, weaving a mix of ambient tones, soft melodies, and emotional swells that ebb and flow with the pace of exploration. Sound and silence are used with care, allowing moments of calm introspection to coexist with the awe of discovery. The narration, delivered in a storybook tone, reinforces the sense that this is a myth whispered to children before bed, yet one anchored in emotional sincerity rather than simple fantasy.
The gameplay itself draws heavily from the Metroidvania tradition, structured around exploration, gradual upgrades, and environmental puzzles. Merryn’s submarine begins modestly equipped, with only a basic claw for interacting with the environment and fending off enemies, but over time, it gains new tools—missiles, magnetic tethers, sonar pulses—that open new paths and enable more complex problem-solving. The sense of progression is satisfying in theory, though the game’s pacing sometimes undermines its momentum. Backtracking is a frequent necessity, and while revisiting old areas with new abilities is a hallmark of the genre, Song of the Deep’s underwater movement can make these stretches feel slow and cumbersome. The deliberate, floaty physics that define its underwater controls lend authenticity but can also frustrate, particularly in tight spaces or during sections that demand precision.
Combat plays a secondary role to exploration, but it remains an integral part of the experience. Most encounters involve using the mechanical claw to grab, throw, or strike enemies, with missiles and energy bursts supplementing the arsenal. While early confrontations carry a certain charm, the combat lacks depth as the game progresses. Enemies are often little more than obstacles, and boss battles rely on predictable patterns that offer limited challenge or variety. Still, the game’s focus on atmosphere and exploration over pure action ensures that combat rarely overstays its welcome. The true test lies in solving the world’s intricate environmental puzzles—maneuvering through mazes of coral, activating ancient machines, and deciphering the logic of mechanisms that feel both mechanical and organic. These puzzles are generally well-designed, alternating between intuitive and surprisingly complex, though a few veer into tedious territory with excessive repetition or unclear objectives.
Narratively, Song of the Deep shines brightest in its quieter moments. Merryn’s journey is as much an inward one as it is a physical descent, and the game captures that with poignant restraint. There’s very little direct dialogue—most of the story is conveyed through narration and visual cues—but the emotional resonance comes from the tone and imagery rather than words. The underwater world is filled with remnants of forgotten civilizations and sunken ships, evoking a sense of history and melancholy that parallels Merryn’s personal loss. The connection between the player and the protagonist grows not through dramatic storytelling but through shared perseverance: every obstacle overcome feels like an echo of her determination to find her father, no matter how deep she must go. When the story finally resolves, it does so with tenderness rather than grandeur, ending on a note that feels quietly triumphant and thematically consistent with the rest of the game.
Where Song of the Deep falters is in its pacing and repetition. Certain stretches drag due to extensive backtracking, and the slow movement of the submarine can make traversal feel laborious, especially once the wonder of the setting begins to fade. The game’s reliance on revisiting old areas to unlock new sections is a double-edged sword: while it gives a sense of progression, it can also break the rhythm and diminish a sense of discovery. The lack of variety in enemy design and the occasional clunkiness of the physics further contribute to a feeling of monotony in the middle hours. Yet, despite these shortcomings, there’s a warmth and sincerity to the experience that keeps it afloat. Every element, from the art to the music to the narration, feels crafted with care, and even when the mechanics stumble, the emotional throughline remains intact.
For an independent effort from a studio known for large-scale, high-energy projects, Song of the Deep stands out as a surprisingly intimate experiment. It trades the bombast of Insomniac’s other titles for something slower, gentler, and more reflective. Its shortcomings—unpolished mechanics, uneven pacing, and underwhelming combat—are real, but they don’t overshadow its heart. It’s a game that thrives on mood and meaning, appealing most to those who appreciate atmosphere and narrative over adrenaline. For players willing to approach it with patience, it offers a deeply human experience beneath its fantastical veneer, one that lingers long after the credits roll. Song of the Deep is not a flawless adventure, but it is a heartfelt one—a reminder that even in the darkest depths, hope can light the way forward.
Rating: 8/10

One of few games I have enjoyed doing a replay of.
Story and narration are a bit corny. Controls could be tighter. There is more backtracking than I would like. Physics a little janky at times (I'm looking at you pufferfish)
But it's got a good balance of cute, pretty, and spooky vibes, I liked getting the hang of the submarines weight and handling, it has some cool level design, and it doesn't outstay it's welcome.
Also it works fine on Linux, didn't have to try different version of Proton or anything.

really fun metroidvania, great story, wonderful world

I recently developed a passion for Metroidvania games, and Song of the Deep is one of those gems you must play if you are a fan of the genre as well. I can tell Insomniac made this game with so much love; it reflects on the story and the characters. Given that the game fully takes place underwater, you are treated to some amazing visuals, and the gameplay is smooth and engaging. My only problem with the game is the puzzles, as in some areas, they can get too complicated, slowing down progression and perhaps putting you in a spot where you'd have to rely on YouTube to solve them as I did. Overall, this is a beautiful game and I'd highly recommend it.
And yes, for those wondering, the game works beautifully on the Steam Deck too.

Pretty decent. Highly similar to Aquaria in theme and mechanics. Just as unlikely we'll ever get a sequel though.

A solid 7/10 it is worth the price and very fun beuatiful story. However, the combat is a little lacking. All in all, I had fun and it was worth my time and money

A bit confusing at times, but overall a fairly relaxed metroidvania. Voice only shows up occasionally, but adds for a nice storyline about a girl searching for her missing father.