Overview

Within the Abyss, there are many terrors. As an unnamed researcher, players climb into a rickety submarine and brave the darkness of the deep ocean in search of a mystery 'ghost ship' on the seabed. Once inside, players will encounter intriguing and terrifying challenges that await them.

Core Mechanics

Abyss is split into two very distinct methods of play - first, the submarine that carries the player around the outside of the ship. The gigantic ocean faring ship, larger than any ship ever built, proves to be a challenge for the player to navigate. As such, the submarine provides a means for the player to quickly access major sections of the ship. Internally, navigating the ship takes place in first person, with the character being able to equip a few tools (like torches) as they explore the creaking and flooded vessel. Mysteriously, the availability of oxygen is widespread in the ship, but so are the dangers. The ship fights as much against the player as do its inhabitants. A wide variety of challenges (leaking, rusted doors, rickety ladders, etc.) present themselves to the player, who has to defeat them in order to progress. Inhabitants of the ship include humans as well as a variety of large fish, all of whom consider the player a tasty snack.

Environment

The ship in Abyss is just as much of a character. The rusting, leaky bulkheads and the vast open cargo holds are just some of the results of spending years submerged in the darkness. The ghosts of a profitable past inhabit the ship - empty dining areas, vacant accommodation, and equipment areas still left full are a few of the locations a player can visit within the ship itself. Items and records the player can gather provide exposition and part of the backstory behind the mysterious nature of the ship.

Within the Abyss, fortune finds the fortunate.