The Sirena Expedition Switch Review
Summary: A short puzzle game with supernatural themes in a Playstation graphics style.
3.5
Ocean Oddities
It’s an interesting idea for a modern game to intentionally go with “retro” graphics without actually being a “retro” title, but that’s just what Sirena Expedition has done. Visually the game absolutely hits its mark… the wavy, blocky visuals transported me right back to the old Playstation days. As for the rest of the games claims “horror-platformer”… well, that’s half right.
The basic premise is you have been sent to investigate a deep sea facility. It’s a bit hard to tell what it was because it essentially ends up just being a number of platforms/gangways etc placed around large rooms providing a reason for you to navigate up and down levels to move ahead. Occasionally you will come across a switch that needs pulling or a box that needs moving… but that’s about the depth (pun semi intended) of the puzzling (later there is more that can be done with the boxes… but not much more). In terms of actual movement… you move slowly, which is appropriate given you are deep under water, but your character also has a jaunty bob to their walk that somewhat suggests an ease of movement that is in contrast with that slow pace.
The horror element… I guess that’s open to interpretation. If you were expecting dark corridors and creatures jumping out at you… you will be very disappointed. The Sirena Expedition is far more a weird or unnerving experience… and even then it’s kind of passed through an almost cute filter. Part of that may be because the PSX style graphics don’t really lend themselves towards realism and a big sense of fear (granted you can do a lot with them… eg Resident Evil series). But mostly it comes across as a benevolent presence that if anything, wants to help you.
The game is very short so don’t expect to get a lot of deep (again pun semi intended) story telling. This almost works more as a prelude or introduction to something that could be a much larger project. There are interesting elements to the game… but nothing really has a chance to get overly fleshed out before you are finished. The audio is reasonably simplistic but suitable for the game, mostly consisting of radio chatter or somewhat inner monologue (I say somewhat because it’s not always clear what your character is “broadcasting” or just saying to themself.)
Final Thoughts?
Ultimately, it’s a bit of fun and has some interesting ideas… just don’t expect to need to put a lot of time into it or to be scared. Maybe worth a look if it’s on special (it is reasonably cheap… but as mentioned, very short).
About the Author
Chris O'Connor Father of four, husband of one and all round oddity. Gaming at home since about 1982 with a Sinclair ZX Spectrum. Moving on to the more traditional PC genre in the years that followed with the classic Jump Joe and Alley Cat. CGA, EGA, VGA and beyond PC's have been central to my gaming but I've also enjoyed consoles and hand helds along the way (who remembers the Atari Lynx?). Would have been actor/film maker, jack of many trades master of none.
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