Inside Depth 6 is a short indie horror game from publisher TurnVex and developer Stanislaw Truchowski, the same creator of Suite 776. It was released on the 12th of March 2021. Inside Depth 6 is the 3rd latest from them, with Within Skerry released on 8th February 2022 and SNAFU released on 8th March 2023.
The game last, on average, around 60-90 minutes, although from my playthrough, you could spend longer. However, you risk getting a bit turned around in the mines. I got lost a few times.
I played this game previously in 2021, but I replayed it so I could finish the review I started back then.
Synopsis
The game takes you through six depths within the Lavender Mines. Unfortunately, and suspiciously, the mines are scheduled to close, so you want to sneak in one last exploration. The government plans to pour cement down tomorrow, locking its secrets forever. With only a few days left before that happens, you have just enough time to go down and discover what the government is trying to keep secret. With over 117 deaths and 24 missing, this mine has many dark secrets in its depths.
You intend to go down, document what you can and see if you can discover anything about the original 70 workers; 70 workers with no record, no names, no life, no family.
Graphics
As soon as the game loaded, I was amazed by how natural and atmospheric the game was. It felt like I was really there! The graphics have an unnervingly natural feel, combined with the movement and audio, giving the illusion of being there.
The graphics from Stanislaw Truchowski and TurnVex have always been good, so this is a massive step up that only adds to the true horror of the game.
Despite previously playing the game in 2021, I found myself terrified once again, as if it was the first all over again.
Gameplay
The gameplay itself is horrifying and engaging. Rather than continuous jump scares, Inside Depth 6 builds its fear factor on the atmosphere and unnerving story. With tapes left around the mine for you to read, players are forced to read what the tapes have to save without pausing the game. So, while your screen is filled with the tape’s words, the haunting atmosphere reminds you of yourself. Good luck!
Audio
Oh. My. God. THE AUDIO! Inside Depth 6 has one of the best audios I’ve ever experienced in a game, with minimal audio!
I say minimal because there weren’t a million pounds spent on a star orchestral team to come in and make a Lord of the Rings-type soundtrack. It was all atmosphere. Your footsteps, other footsteps, the water (under your feet, trickling down the walls), distant coughs and “heys”, the noise of items around you. Everything was atmospheric. Even during the scary parts, it was the atmosphere. No change in music or lull in sound, just the eerie calm of the cold, dark mines.
The audio made this game much scarier than most big franchise horror games. I don’t remember how I coped during my first playthrough (which I remember playing in the dark), but this time, I played with my curtains open and had to take several breaks. I was so scared!
Difficulty/Controls
Inside Depth 6 is a super easy game to play. It’s a simple walk-through with the option to run, which I never used as I was too scared. No defence or combat system is in place, so there is no need to know how to play combatively.
Other than piecing the story together, the only part where any significant brain power is needed is in Depth 4, where there is a safe that you need to work the code out for it. I figured out how to solve it, but by the time I did, I was too scared to return. I will return to the Purple Lavender Mines and do it.
Story
The story is fascinating. The crime and supernatural mystery pull you in, along with the eeriness of the tapes. I enjoyed the story; it wasn’t over or underwhelming and complemented the other aspects of the game nicely.
If you don’t like reading notes (or tapes), then it might not be the game for you since there is a good amount you need to read to understand the story. However, I do enjoy reading, so it doesn’t bother me. Plus, since the game continues while you read, it wraps you into the horror of anything that could happen, so read fast.
Game Time
When the game starts, it tells you there is no way to save and that it takes about 60 to 90 minutes to play. You could spend longer in it; or less time.
Since there is an extra section added since I first played, you can spend time investigating that area. However, even without that, you can wander the mines for a while. Inside Depth 6 isn’t Skyrim-level roaming, but you could explore the areas, piece together every note and tape, and see what’s behind certain areas. I know there was a door I never figured out to get through. There is apparently a seventh depth, which I figured out through the achievements, so I plan to find that.
Alternatively, you could run through it. Find the lifts, anything you need, and go. If you know where everything you need, you can finish the game in 30 minutes.
Price
Inside Depth 6 is around £3 to £5, but it is entirely worth it. As I said, it is a genuinely good game, covering the horror aspect better than some big games.
Fun Factor/Replay Ability
Would I play again? YES, AND HAVE. I’ve played Inside Depth 6 twice and will play it again. I really want to earn all the achievements, especially Depth 7.
Conclusion/My Opinion
In the end, I recommend this to anyone who loves horror games, wants something refreshing and if you want to support indie games. As I said, the price is super low for the quality. Plus, I’m yet to play a TurnVex game and not like it.
I’m looking forward to playing their new game, SNAFU!
Information & Rating
Rating: 7/7
Total Steam Play Time: 99 minutes (First Playthrough)
Total as of March 7th 2023: 3.5 hours
Did it run with ease? Yes
Name: Inside Depth 6
Publisher: TurnVex
Developer: Stanislaw Truchowski
Edition: Base
My Gaming Laptop Specs
Graphics
NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 2060
NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1660 Ti
Processor
Up to AMD Ryzen™ 7 4800H
Display
15.6″ FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS (144 Hz / <6 ms Response Time / 100% sRGB / 300 nits / Dolby Vision™ Enabled)
15.6″ FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS (60 Hz / 100% sRGB / 300 nits)
