I am not terribly far into this, but real life has prevented me getting any further for the moment, so I thought I should share my initial impressions.

To quote the Steam page, "A boy went missing. A village drowned. And somehow you can reach into the past."

It has been a gentle, even peaceful experience so far, all of it occurring under water. As Mora, you are exploring the sunken ruins of her village following the fish you can summon to help guide your endeavours. I confess to having not done terribly much more at this stage than languidly swim about and settle into things, but it is all rather serene. The view of my forearms as they swim me around just adds a little something.

The game says you will "unlock portals to the days before the flood," and I have found a number of these. These are the Echoes, memories if you will, and they will no doubt flesh out what went on and perhaps assist in what is to come. As the game tells you, the lake remembers.

Throughout the game you will gather 'fragments,' whispers of the past which relate to the echoes. How they relate you can find out for yourself.

Activating a portal plays out as a cutscene, one in which you can both see and hear the participants. You might also be present in these scenes. And how the game plays out is apparently in Mora's hands.

The game uses both the keyboard and mouse, and while using the inventory is a little fussy, it's a small thing. There is spoken word, as well as a soundtrack and ambient sound, and a watery, colourful vista. Movement is completely free, and I don't think I have played a game where swimming is the primary means of getting around. It is rather soothing.

You can save whenever you like by exiting the game, and it utilises a single save point. Just hit continue in the start menu to pick up where you left off.

I am currently exploring the family home, trying to find the objects necessary to enter my old bedroom. I can take my time, because as the GB announcement said, there are no timers or dangers waiting around the next corner, just a quiet world full of secret places, lost belongings and stories waiting to be found. Which sounds enticing and is certainly consistent with my experience to date.

Thanks for the great first look, flotsam. I've been tempted to try the VR version!

Thank you, Drac!

Ana

Thanks flotsam (and Drac)!

Didn't know you were a VR person, Ana! Quite sure I would not be able to do VR!

Thank you for the first look, flotsam and Drac. I enjoyed reading your initial impressions.

I've done VR about 6 years since the Quest 2 came out. I can't do it too long or too often because I get seasick, but I absolutely love it and would play lots more if I could!

Draclvr & flotsam.

Thank you, flotsam. Sounds like a nice experience 👍

(Thanks also Draclvr.)