Sylvio: Black Waters

SBW is the first Sylvio game I got to play even though it’s the third one in the series. The start was a bit confusing, not knowing why or how the main character arrived at that planet. But it’s quickly forgotten about, the plot is intentionally mysterious and it will slowly make sense as a standalone game. It didn’t feel like I needed to know about 1 and 2 aside from what I already mentioned which is pretty impressive. Anyway, the game could be seen as a walking simulator with light first person shooter elements, it might be seen as too simple with its mechanics, some might find it boring even. I surprisingly enjoyed it a lot, its structure and simplicity gave me a cathartic experience. I’ve completed a level each evening until I completed all 5. Each level has you following a route while watching out for spirits, collecting text/art to create songs/pages and deciphering video recordings to get more text. All the songs and pages are related to the main story, the main story is delivered through conversations between the main character and Lee that come up once in a while. The mystery, story and voice actors are the stars of the show. Juliette has a charming and appealing voice but Lee’s voice actor did a phenomenal job. I got intrigued and wanted to find out more thanks to his delivery. The idea of 2 different bullet types, one for killing a spirit preemptively and the other when you fail to do so, is genuinely interesting. It changes the way to play the game by being careful not to get too close to statues. The levels are super atmospheric and they’re literally dark, but it works well with the lights guiding your way, adding to the chill experience. Trying to decipher what’s in the videos is really cool when you try to slow down or speed up what’s being said to make out a word, combining sentences is also fun and never frustrating. You can have each sentence auto-solved when you’re impatient. The game has a few memorable tracks and even the songs are catchy with haunting lyrics. The game has a couple of cute secrets, some which might not be easy to figure out on your own but you can find the solutions on steam forums. I also appreciate the completionist aspect that show you what you collected, what’s left and being able to replay levels quickly once you reach the end. There are other reviewers who didn’t like having guns in this game. I’m not one of them as I liked the change of pace they added to the game. I am however puzzled by the 4 different guns you can find and not being able to feel any difference between them in terms of power, there are no descriptions or stats that help out with this. The game might also be considered cheap in terms of graphical assets being similar, character models not being impressive, neither animations etc. I can say that it didn’t affect the experience for me, the developer used his budget wisely. So it all comes down to expectations and what you’re looking for. I bought this through a bundle and I was the most worried about this game not being good. But I actually really enjoyed it, it exceeded my expectations with certain elements and it made me buy the other 2 Sylvio games. The normal price of around €13 is sensible as the max price but it’s easier to recommend when it’s cheaper or as part of a bundle. It took me 9 hours to get all the achievements, a normal run is closer to 4-6 hours.

Sylvio: Black Waters, developed by Stroboskop and published by DreadXP, is a first-person horror adventure that immerses players in a desolate, alien landscape where gravity defies logic and the whispers of the past echo through the air. Released on July 25, 2024, this standalone installment in the Sylvio series invites players to explore an enigmatic world, uncovering its secrets through audio-based puzzles and atmospheric storytelling. The narrative centers on Juliette, a lone traveler stranded on a mysterious planet that bears an uncanny resemblance to Earth. Equipped with a device that allows her to hear the voices of the deceased, she encounters Lee, the planet's purported sole survivor. Guided by Lee's cryptic messages, Juliette delves into the planet's depths, known as the "lungs," to unravel the mysteries of its past and her own existence. The story unfolds through fragmented audio recordings and video logs, creating a sense of isolation and intrigue as players piece together the planet's history. Gameplay in Sylvio: Black Waters revolves around exploration and puzzle-solving. The planet's gravity-defying environments challenge players to navigate through surreal landscapes, where platforms shift and perspectives warp unexpectedly. Utilizing her audio device, Juliette must decipher distorted sounds and voices, adjusting playback speeds and directions to uncover hidden messages and clues. This mechanic not only serves as the primary method of storytelling but also enhances the game's eerie atmosphere, as players are drawn into the unsettling sounds of the unknown. Combat in the game is minimal but present, with Juliette employing air-powered weaponry to defend herself against hostile entities. The focus remains on exploration and auditory puzzles, with combat sequences serving as brief interludes that add tension without detracting from the game's core experience. The integration of these elements ensures a balance between cerebral challenges and moments of heightened suspense. Visually, Sylvio: Black Waters employs a muted color palette and detailed textures to create a hauntingly beautiful world. The alien landscapes are meticulously designed, with decaying structures and otherworldly flora contributing to the game's sense of desolation. Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood, casting long shadows and highlighting the eerie stillness of the environment. The game's aesthetic choices reinforce its themes of isolation and the uncanny, drawing players deeper into its world. The audio design is perhaps the game's most compelling feature. The use of distorted voices and ambient sounds creates an immersive experience that blurs the line between reality and the supernatural. Players must attune themselves to the subtle cues provided by the audio device, interpreting the sounds to progress through the game. This reliance on sound not only enhances the horror elements but also engages players in a unique form of interaction, setting Sylvio: Black Waters apart from other titles in the genre. In conclusion, Sylvio: Black Waters offers a distinctive and atmospheric horror experience that combines innovative gameplay mechanics with a compelling narrative. Its emphasis on audio-based puzzles and exploration creates an immersive environment that captivates players from start to finish. While the game's minimalist combat and reliance on auditory cues may not appeal to all players, those seeking a thought-provoking and eerie adventure will find much to appreciate in this atmospheric title. Rating: 6/10

This is the worst game I've ever played. I ran it for 35 hellish minutes going nowhere and nothing happening. The graphics are muddy and boxy. I tried to get a refund because it's unplayable but yet to receive a response.

The usual Sylvio trash. Got stuck on an invisible wall at the first spirit/gun encounter. If someone gifts this to you, don't bother installing, then stop talking to that person.

I did miss the photos and the "real" ghost interviews, but the graphics, music and atmosphere won me over again. So take your toy train and go splashing around in the lake with "Lee". What bad thing could possibly happen?

Pathetically dark so you can't tell what's going on. Buggy, got stuck.

Great follow-up to two of the best indie horror games of all time.

I don't know what drugs the voice actors are on, but you might need to try them to enjoy this extremely slow dark, and aimless walking simulator.

I´m absolutely in love with this game! It reminded me so much of the first Sylvio. It has some bugs here and there but none did (negatively) influence my personal experience. 10/10 would recommend, especially if you liked the first two Sylvio games!!

If you liked the previous games, you gonna like this one. I especially liked the map design. Bonus points for Juliette voice, both in dialogues and the songs.