Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Treasures of the Deep delivers a rich, mission-based structure that keeps players returning to the abyss again and again. With 12 unique assignments spanning locations from the vibrant coral gardens of the Great Barrier Reef to the eerie depths of the Bermuda Triangle, each outing feels fresh. Players take on the role of Jack Runyan, an ex-Navy SEAL turned Underwater Mercenary, and are tasked with everything from high-stakes salvage operations to covert submarine raids.

The progression system is particularly satisfying: you begin with a small USN RV-1 mini‐sub and, as you complete contracts and recover valuable loot, you unlock more formidable vessels. By the endgame, commanding the lethal Viper attack submarine transforms you from a lone explorer into a one‐man navy. Between subs, you’ll also outfit Jack with an arsenal of cutting-edge gear—steel-mesh wetsuits for stealth, night-vision goggles for scouting wrecks at pitch-black depths, and homing torpedoes to deal with hostile threats.

Controls feel intuitive yet deep. Navigating the subs strikes a realistic balance between inertia and responsiveness, while on-foot segments allow for precise movement in narrow corridors of sunken ships. The inclusion of remote underwater vehicles (ROVs) adds another strategic layer—you can send drones to scout ahead, disable traps, or plant explosives in hard-to-reach areas.

Enemy encounters range from territorial sharks and giant squid to rival mercenary divers, ensuring combat never grows stale. AI opponents adapt to your tactics, forcing you to change approach mid-mission. Whether sneaking past a patrolling drone or unleashing a full torpedo salvo, there’s a strong sense of risk versus reward that fuels the entire experience.

Graphics

The visual fidelity in Treasures of the Deep is one of its standout features. Water physics are rendered beautifully, complete with volumetric lighting shafts cutting through emerald green shallows or the inky darkness of deep trenches. Real-time caustics dance across the seafloor, and particulate effects fill the water column, creating an immersive sense of being submerged.

Each mission’s environment is distinct and meticulously crafted. The colorful sponges and corals of the Great Barrier Reef glimmer with life, while the rusted hulls and jagged metal of long-forgotten shipwrecks lend a haunting beauty to your dives. The Bermuda Triangle level leans into mysterious visual cues—ghostly sonar reflections, flickering instrument panels, and drifting debris that hint at unsolved maritime disasters.

Character and vehicle models are equally impressive. Jack Runyan’s wetsuit fabric shows tension and stretch with realistic shading, and submarines gleam with polished metal textures. High-detail animations—such as the subtle sway of algae in currents or the jerky movements of startled fish—contribute to an organic, living world beneath the waves.

Performance remains stable even in the most cluttered scenes, thanks to thoughtful optimization. Frame rates hold up on mid-range systems without sacrificing draw distance or dynamic lighting. If there’s any downside, it’s that occasional texture pop-in can be noticed when rapidly ascending or descending in your sub, but these instances are fleeting and don’t detract from the overall spectacle.

Story

At its core, Treasures of the Deep weaves a straightforward but engaging narrative around Jack Runyan’s transformation from disciplined Navy SEAL to freelance underwater operative. The Underwater Mercenary Agency (UMA) hires him for jobs that governments won’t sanction, offering lucrative payment in exchange for unparalleled danger. As Jack dives deeper—both literally and metaphorically—he uncovers hints of a shadowy conspiracy involving lost military prototypes and clandestine bioweapon testing.

Storytelling unfolds primarily through mission briefings, in-mission radio chatter, and periodic cutscenes. The dialogue is well-written, injecting dry humor and terse military banter that feels authentic. Supporting characters, such as UMA director Lucia Marquez, add depth with conflicting motivations—she wants results at any cost, while Jack begins to question the toll his missions take on innocent marine ecosystems.

Each mission ties into the larger narrative arc, whether you’re tasked with retrieving a prototype drone or investigating an unexplained submarine disappearance. These objectives aren’t merely fetch quests; they often reveal new plot threads or introduce moral dilemmas, such as deciding whether to prioritize civilian divers in distress over completing your contract on time.

While the main storyline reaches a satisfying climax, optional side logs and audio diaries populate the levels for completionists. These collectibles flesh out the backstory of the UMA, the tragic fate of pioneering marine biologists, and cryptic notes hinting at a secret superweapon hidden in the deepest ocean trench. This supplementary lore rewards players who explore every nook and cranny.

Overall Experience

Treasures of the Deep blends exploration, stealth, and combat into a cohesive underwater adventure. Its blend of mission variety, deep equipment customization, and evolving narrative keeps players invested through multiple playthroughs. Each new sub or gadget adds creative possibilities, whether you’re choosing between a silent approach with ROVs or an all-out assault with homing torpedoes.

The pacing is excellent: calmer surveying sections let you admire the game’s stunning environments, while high-stress encounters with sea monsters or rival mercenaries ramp up the tension. Sound design plays a key role, too—distant whale calls, sonar pings, and the hum of your sub’s engines heighten immersion and underscore the ocean’s vastness.

If you’re a fan of simulation-style controls with a narrative-driven core, this title offers hours of content without feeling repetitive. Players seeking a story-only shooter may find the learning curve for submarines and ROV piloting steep at first, but the reward is a deeply rewarding sense of mastery as you navigate underwater labyrinths with precision.

All told, Treasures of the Deep shines as a unique take on maritime adventure, marrying technical depth with storytelling flair. Whether you’re fascinated by marine biology, military hardware, or simply love a good treasure hunt, Jack Runyan’s exploits will keep you enthralled until the final dive—and likely inspire you to venture back into the blue in search of any secrets you might have missed.

Retro Replay Score

7.7/10