Summary
- Release Year: 2016
- Genres: Adventure, Indie, Platform, Role-playing game (RPG)
- Platforms: Mac, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- Developers: Analgesic Productions, Marina Kittaka, Melos Han-Tani
- Publishers: Analgesic Productions, Ratalaika Games
Even the Ocean: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Environmentalism
Introduction
Even the Ocean is a narrative-driven adventure game developed by Analgesic Productions and published by Finji. It was released for Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux in 2016. The game follows the story of Aliph, a lowly power plant technician who finds her world turned upside-down after a routine maintenance trip goes awry.
Gameplay
Even the Ocean is a 2D side-scrolling adventure game. The player controls Aliph as she explores the world, interacts with other characters, and solves puzzles. The game features a unique “duality” system, which allows Aliph to switch between two different forms: a human form and a spirit form.
In her human form, Aliph can interact with the physical world and solve puzzles using objects. In her spirit form, Aliph can float through the air and interact with the spirit world. The player must use both forms to progress through the game.
Story
Even the Ocean tells the story of Aliph, a young woman who works as a power plant technician for Whiteforge City. Aliph is a quiet and introspective person, but she is also fiercely loyal to her friends and family.
One day, Aliph is sent on a routine maintenance trip to a remote part of the city. While she is there, she witnesses a strange event that changes her life forever. A massive wave of energy surges through the city, and Aliph is knocked unconscious.
When Aliph wakes up, she finds that she has been given new powers. She can now switch between her human form and a spirit form, and she can use her powers to heal others and communicate with the spirits of the dead.
Aliph soon learns that the energy surge was caused by a powerful entity known as the Leviathan. The Leviathan is a creature of darkness that threatens to destroy the world. Aliph must use her new powers to stop the Leviathan and save the city.
Themes
Even the Ocean explores a number of themes, including identity, environmentalism, and the power of choice.
- Identity: Aliph’s journey is a journey of self-discovery. She must learn to accept her new powers and her place in the world.
- Environmentalism: Even the Ocean is set in a world that is suffering from the effects of pollution and climate change. The game explores the importance of protecting the environment and living in harmony with nature.
- Power of choice: Aliph is constantly faced with choices throughout the game. The choices she makes will affect the outcome of the story.
Critical reception
Even the Ocean received critical acclaim upon release. The game was praised for its beautiful art style, its thought-provoking story, and its innovative gameplay. Many reviewers compared the game to classic adventure games like Zelda and Metroid.
Even the Ocean was nominated for several awards, including the Independent Games Festival Award for Excellence in Narrative. The game won the Nuovo Award at the 2016 Independent Games Festival.
Conclusion
Even the Ocean is a beautiful and thought-provoking game that explores important themes like identity, environmentalism, and the power of choice. The game features a unique and innovative gameplay mechanic, and its story is sure to stay with you long after you finish playing.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
