The Oily Depths is a psychological horror game that traps you inside a claustrophobic submarine. You are tasked with drilling for oil to satisfy a mysterious, demanding voice. If you fail the quota, your oxygen supply gets cut off. This premium adventure game blends industrial tension with the constant, looming dread of the unknown.

The Oily Depths draws heavy inspiration from minimalist horror hits like Iron Lung and THRESHOLD. Its lo-fi aesthetic, grainy visuals, and industrial soundscapes help with deep immersion. You must navigate using limited gauges and monitors, making every successful extraction feel like a hard-won victory against the crushing deep sea.

Obey or perish

The Oily Depths requires you to flip levers, set locking arms, and monitor pressure levels manually. This approach makes the submarine feel like a rattling piece of scrap metal held together by hope. The absence of a traditional soundtrack heightens the tension, leaving only the creaks of the hull and the distant, unsettling sounds of aquatic creatures to fill the silence as you descend further into the cold, dark ocean.

It uses a grimy 3D style that captures the dystopian setting. Subtle environmental storytelling, such as propaganda posters and the cryptic instructions from the loudspeaker, hints at a larger, darker world above the waves. The transition from the cramped cockpit to the stressful moments of repairing leaks or extinguishing fires keeps the pace brisk and prevents the drilling loop from feeling stale, providing a constant sense of urgency.

Despite the great vibes, the game’s runtime is a major sticking point for many. Lasting only about 30 minutes, it feels more like a proof of concept than a full game. Some players find the navigation too simplistic compared to its inspirations, and the lack of multiple endings or deeper lore entries leaves some feeling shortchanged for such a short horror experience without replay.

A quick chiller thriller

Overall, The Oily Depths is a successful debut that offers a bite-sized dose of high-quality thalassophobia. While it might be over too quickly for some, the mechanical depth of operating the submarine provides a uniquely stressful charm. It serves as a great entry point for those who enjoy atmospheric horror but prefer an experience they can finish in a single, intense, and terrifying sitting.