I’ve been spending time with this lovely little game and wanted to take a moment to talk about it.

Submerged: Hidden Depths, the successor to Submerged, has genuinely surprised me with its stunning visuals and non-combat focus, managing to still be an intriguing mystery.

I just felt so calm playing, cruising on my boat, identifying points of interest via telescope, and listening to its beautiful, clean, energising music. It might, in fact, be the most relaxing game I’ve played in years.

And yet, despite that this is a world of mystery, full of memory, fragments of a life once lived. This is a haunting game that lingers and sends shivers down the spine.

As you explore each island, you gather unique collectables, get a glimpse at what life was once like before cities were drowned and how it has now been tainted by corruption.

As a young brother and sister – Miku and Taku – you each use your abilities to restore what was lost and try to rebuild civilisation. Miku has a mystical energy which enables her to purify the environment around her and see prior events. Taku is a seafarer and helps prepare the journey from one place to the next.

The wonderful thing about Hidden Depths, though, is their relationship. The heartwarming games they play together, the way they trust and confide in one another. It’s such a refreshing change of pace from what we’re normally used to.

At times, the game plays like a Prince of Persia or an Assassin’s Creed, as you crawl along ledges and leap between platforms, but it’s much more accessible, easier to get into. This is a story and game anyone can enjoy.

Helped by the fact it’s a beauty. Truly, the distance, views and style is so well-suited and eye-catching that you’ll immediately be sucked in and compelled by this broken world.

Submerged: Hidden Depths is a bit of a hidden gem amongst a slew of major titles this year and one I’ve enjoyed immensely and will remember for a long time to come.