this game really surprised me. i went into it with low expectations thinking it would be a janky mess but it ended up being my favourite game of the year.
you quickly get sucked into it. planning a dive is one of the most addicting factors, figuring out what to bring, what to drop when you're at weight limit and if it'll impact your ability to make it back to the top fills each dive with tension. every dive was a challenge, and even if it would take hours at a time time, i immediately wanted to go back down the abyss after it was done. the feeling of a successful dive is unparalleled.
the music really stands out and is extremely immersive. the compendium is great as well. i think my only gripe with the game is the side missions which can be a bit tedious if you choose to do some of the latter ones, but if you're already at that point you know how to make your way around the abyss and can pretty easily finish them off with some time and dedication.