Tides of Tethys by Black Rust LLC
Tides of Tethys is an underwater strategy game with roguelite elements and procedurally generated levels. Set in an alien world where a divided civilization survives beneath the ocean in habitats built in the depths, Tides of Tethys leverages this intriguing setting alongside its slow-paced strategy and exploration-based gameplay to offer something quite unusual.
The game is still in development, with only early features available for testing- the first region and a small selection of upgrade options.
Knight Moves
Set after the collapse of civilization, Tides of Tethys follows an attempt to reorganize disparate houses back into a kingdom. This endeavor necessitates bold expeditions to deeper ocean reaches to find lost artifacts and technologies. The game puts players in the role of an expedition leader, free to choose which “knights” to deploy and what equipment to outfit them with.
Between expeditions, various upgrades, and cosmetics can be unlocked by spending accumulated resources. Some of these are still unavailable whilst Tides is being developed, but it’s clear that plenty of options are planned. The growing kingdom can be augmented with new buildings that offer new unlocks: more knights, perks, and other abilities to use during adventures in the deep.
The expeditions themselves are currently limited to the first region, but the atmospheric potential of the setting is obvious. A base is deployed to get things started before knights are sent out to explore the surrounding areas and find relics.
Knights have a limited oxygen supply and must be kept close to tether points to keep them stocked up. Plenty of threats are dotted about the ocean floor- strange creatures and wildlife are generally keen to fight off anything that gets too close.
The base can be upgraded with additional buildings to provide resources; some can be retained between missions. Relics are often guarded by threats that must be carefully navigated. However, sometimes a friendly surprise may emerge: I was rather delighted to meet a sea creature that accepted food in exchange for protection.
Tidal Troubles
There are some rather noticeable glitches lurking in the depths; massive sea creatures, purely cosmetic in nature, swim a little too low at the moment and clip through the ground regularly. A more troublesome glitch I encountered saw the game crash when a particular cutscene initiated- hopefully these issues will be dealt with in time.
Tides of Tethys is quite beautiful; the imagery and soundtrack are complimentary, conjuring eerie and soothing vibes in equal measure. The nautical setting is used to great effect, with the unnerving idea of an entire civilization having to eke out an existence in this deep and mysterious world plundered for all it’s worth.
Early Verdict
Whilst there are a few wrinkles to smooth out, Tides of Tethys has much potential to grow into an absorbing strategy exploration experience. I feel like the roguelite framing for the expeditions could be less compelling than a narrative campaign might have been, but I am nonetheless keen to see how this grows and what kind of horrors lurk deeper in the abyss.