Apple Arcade review #59: Shinsekai Into the Depths

This was one of the highest profile Arcade launch titles, and it got a lot of exposure, partly due to the big name publisher, Capcom, and particularly because it looks quite impressive for an iOS exclusive. And it’s not bad, as long as you’re playing with a controller.

Shinsekai is a Metroid-style adventure where you play a beautifully animated aquanaut exploring the deep sea. You discover new areas, pick up objects and expand your air supply, which must be closely watched. Air is used for breathing and for propulsion. You come across various dangerous creatures like crabs and jellyfish that you can kill with your wrench. You mine minerals to upgrade your suit. There’s a story, or at least some sort of mystery to be sold, but I’m not quite sure what it is.

The touch controls use virtual joystick and buttons. They’re not great. I struggled controlling my aquanaut, especially when it came to jumping and grabbing onto walls, and there’s too much complexity for touch. Using a controller, the Apple TV version is much easier to control, and the performance is pretty good.

The game looks polished and pretty in screenshots but the detailed art looks muddled on the small screen, and it’s hard to understand where the floors and walkable surfaces are. Dangerous sea creatures are also often obscured by the scenery. Things are better on the big screen, but it’s still too busy and not easy to navigate.

I found Shinsekai a frustrating experience to play with touch controls, but much better with the physical controls and on a big screen. I still had problems with the slow pace and controls, and muddled art, but it’s not a bad game. It’s perhaps better suited to a platform like the Switch rather than iOS.

Link: https://apps.apple.com/no/app/shinsekai-into-the-depths/id1465048285