Submerged: Miku and the Sunken City (2016)

Overview

Submerged: Miku and the Sunken City is a third-person exploration game without combat, where players navigate a flooded urban environment and experience the striking beauty of desolation. You assume the role of Miku, a young girl who arrives at the submerged city in a small fishing boat with her injured brother. The core gameplay revolves around exploration, observation, and problem-solving, emphasizing a calm and deliberate pace.

Gameplay

Players traverse the city streets by boat, climbing partially submerged buildings and using a telescope to locate essential supplies that will help Miku care for her brother. The game focuses on careful observation and strategic planning rather than combat. Exploration is at the player’s own pace, allowing a full appreciation of the detailed environments and the life that has adapted to this waterlogged world.

Exploration and Environment

The game features extensive outdoor areas with vibrant and richly colored habitats. Players can explore both during the day and at night, observing the creatures and plant life that have made the city their home. Each environment is designed to provide a sense of calm and immersion, offering beautiful vistas, quiet ocean sounds, and detailed architectural remnants that evoke a sense of mystery.

Objective and Story

The central objective is to collect supplies scattered throughout the city to aid Miku’s ailing brother. Players use the telescope to identify supply locations and mark them on the map. Once a location is chosen, they navigate complex routes using vines, ladders, ledges, and pipes to reach it. Along the way, hidden objects reveal pieces of the story, explaining the city’s history, and themes of sacrifice, resilience, and family bonds emerge.

Navigation and Puzzles

The game incorporates increasingly challenging navigation puzzles. Docking at tall buildings or other landmarks requires climbing and creative movement to access supplies. This system encourages careful observation, planning, and route optimization, making each successful climb and discovery a satisfying achievement.

Visual and Audio Design

The visual design emphasizes color, light, and the contrast between flooded urban structures and natural life that thrives in them. The music, composed by BAFTA-winning composer Jeff van Dyck, enhances the tranquil atmosphere and complements the serene gameplay. Players can enjoy sunrise, sunset, and the natural sounds of the environment, reinforcing the relaxing pace of the game.

Development

Submerged was created by an independent studio based in Australia. The development team includes veterans who have previously contributed to AAA titles such as the BioShock series. The studio’s experience in high-quality game production is reflected in the detailed design, environmental storytelling, and polished mechanics.

Key Features

• Expansive outdoor areas filled with colorful, vibrant habitats and mysterious remnants.
• Relaxed, combat-free gameplay that allows players to explore at their own pace.
• Engaging hidden objects and environmental storytelling revealing the history of the city and a family’s struggle.
• Boat navigation through flooded streets combined with observation using a telescope to identify supplies.
• Challenging climbing and navigation puzzles involving vines, ladders, ledges, and pipes.
• Beautiful visuals and immersive soundscapes, including ocean sounds and ambient wildlife.
• Music composed by BAFTA-winning Jeff van Dyck.

Compatibility Note

Submerged: Miku and the Sunken City does not support iPhone 5s, iPad Mini 2, iPad Mini 3, or iPad Air 1.

Verdict: Submerged: Miku and the Sunken City is a calm and beautiful exploration game that invites you to slow down and enjoy its flooded world. You won't find combat here—just peaceful navigation, climbing, and discovery. The city is full of color, life, and secrets, making every corner a small reward for curious players.

The game shines in its atmosphere. The sound of the water, the rustling of wildlife, and the warm lighting create a serene experience. It's perfect for players who want a thoughtful, gentle adventure rather than fast action or constant challenge.

We recommend Submerged: Miku and the Sunken City for anyone who enjoys relaxed exploration and storytelling through environment. It's a unique and soothing journey that leaves a lasting impression.