Jili No 1

The first time I booted up Still Wakes The Deep, I expected jump scares and predictable horror tropes. What I got instead was something far more sophisticated—a masterclass in atmospheric dread that still lingers in my mind months later. Though some tension is lost in the binary and sometimes simplistic encounters with the creature, its physical makeup, and behavior are the game's best aspects and rise to be deeply unsettling, if not terrifying. All of this makes Still Wakes The Deep a story that memorably tugs on your heart, starring a monster eager to tear it out. I remember one particular sequence where the creature’s tendrils slithered through narrow corridors, its movements eerily organic and unpredictable. That’s the kind of detail that separates memorable horror from forgettable jump-scare fests. It’s not about how many times you make players scream, but how long you can make them feel uneasy even after they’ve put down the controller.

Now, if horror isn’t your thing, let me shift gears to something completely different but equally masterful. Late into Shadow of the Erdtree, Elden Ring's first and only DLC, I encountered something I'd never seen before in a From Software game. Nestled in a far corner of the Land of Shadow was a village untouched by the death, devastation, and decay left in the wake of Messmer The Impaler's bloody conquest. There, I watched trees sway gently as the wind swept through and marveled at the multicolored flowers spread across a field of lush green grass. The twilight of an overhanging moon met the golden rays of a life-giving tree towering above, creating a dream-like tranquility that was accentuated by soft, sorrowful music. No monsters lurked in the shadows and no threats awaited around corners; there was just beautiful, untarnished serenity. In a game known for its brutal difficulty and oppressive atmosphere, this moment of pure peace felt like a revelation. It lasted about fifteen minutes in real time, but it changed my entire perspective on what game design could achieve emotionally.

What both these experiences share—despite being polar opposites in tone—is a commitment to immersive world-building that respects the player’s intelligence. In Still Wakes The Deep, the horror works because the environment sells the monster’s plausibility. You’re not just running from a generic beast; you’re navigating a space that feels authentically threatening because of how the creature interacts with it. Similarly, that quiet village in Shadow of the Erdtree isn’t just pretty scenery. It’s a deliberate narrative choice, a respite that makes the return to violence feel more impactful. I’ve played over 200 horror and action-adventure titles in the last decade, and it’s rare to find games that balance pacing and emotional beats so deftly.

From a technical standpoint, both games excel in their use of audio-visual design to enhance immersion. Still Wakes The Deep uses sound sparingly but effectively—the creak of metal, the distant drip of water, the creature’s guttural breaths—to keep you on edge. On the other hand, Shadow of the Erdtree’s village sequence is a symphony of subtle audio cues: rustling leaves, a faint melody, the crunch of grass underfoot. These details might seem minor, but they’re what transform good games into unforgettable experiences. I’ve noticed that players who skip these “quiet” moments often miss the point entirely. They’re not filler; they’re foundational to the emotional arc.

If you’re diving into these games for the first time, here’s my advice: don’t rush. Still Wakes The Deep is at its best when you let the atmosphere sink in. Spend time observing the creature’s patterns. Notice how it moves, how it reacts. You’ll find that the fear becomes more psychological than visceral. With Shadow of the Erdtree, take detours. Explore every corner. That village I mentioned? It’s easy to miss if you’re just following the critical path. I’d estimate that 30% of players overlook it entirely, which is a shame because it’s one of the most beautifully crafted areas in the game.

Of course, no game is perfect. Still Wakes The Deep occasionally falters in its pacing, particularly in the middle sections where the tension dips a bit too low. And while Shadow of the Erdtree is a masterpiece, its difficulty spikes might frustrate players who aren’t familiar with From Software’s design philosophy. But these are minor quibbles in otherwise stellar experiences. What matters is that both games understand the power of contrast—horror and tranquility, chaos and calm—and use it to create something truly memorable.

In the end, whether you’re navigating the claustrophobic corridors of an oil rig or wandering through a peaceful village under a twilight sky, the best games are the ones that make you feel something. Still Wakes The Deep leaves you with a sense of lingering unease, while Shadow of the Erdtree offers moments of pure, unadulterated peace. Both are achievements in their own right, and both deserve a spot in any serious gamer’s library. So take your time, soak in the details, and let these worlds wash over you. You won’t regret it.