There are two modes; Hello Abyss and Deep In Abyss.

Hello Abyss: Incredibly faithful to the original anime in the way the characters are presented, the styles, the actions are almost frame for frame perfectly replicated with the 3D models and the architecture of the abyss is incredible! You play an overall weaker character but it is a great way to learn some of the major mechanics you are going to be using within the Abyss on Deep In Abyss mode. Also Riko can die in many exciting and unique ways, which is a unique and nice touch to really drive home the gritty reality of the abyss.

The story follows up to about halfway through the first series of the anime where they descend into the vertical wall. So as it stands don't go into this expecting to get the full series of the anime in the game.

HOWEVER

Deep In Abyss: You control your own character and take them through a harsh, gritty reality that is unforgiving from the outset. You start out on your first dive, weaker than even Riko, and from there you spend your time growing, completing quests and gaining experience as a delver. You will easily surpass Riko after a few dives. With a story supervised by Akihito themselves, you know it's going to be a fantastic and brutal story that doesn't hold back.

Controls: Both keyboard and PS5 controller are a joy to play with. It claims to have partial controller support but in reality the controller support is 100% there and is not a problem at all.

Gameplay: Crafting, surviving, trying to work through the curse of the abyss, and reach the bottom of the netherworld. All enjoyable as you try and get past some incredibly dangerous and scary monsters. There is a large amount of inventory management in the early game which seems like it will become a bit easier as a skill allows you to carry a bit more. Just try not to go up too fast or you will be risking your life in unnecessary situations that would be child's play otherwise.

Graphics: There has been some mention of the graphics not being "the best", but I personally enjoy them as they are VERY close, if not an exact copy in some areas of the anime, and really gives a lot of depth and feel. I enjoy it thoroughly as it's like I'm playing the anime, and that's what I came here for.

Sound: A very important part of the abyss, sound has been crafted very well, from the game's OST, the songs, the ambience around you, and having the original VAs reprise their roles for ENG and JP is truly a delight. Every line I have encountered is voiced and it truly adds a feel to the game which makes it more exciting.

Lore: There are little bits of bonus info in the game that explore bits of lore here and there that really add to the knowledge gained in the anime and manga, so if you want get as much knowledge as possible the game is a must.

Replayability: The Abyss itself is a great replayable device, but there are lots of secrets hidden everywhere, but no "collect these golden eggs to get X" or "Korok Seeds" item mechanic, which is a boon, but also a shame because finding broken mail balloons could have been a chance to add in a few bits of extra lore by being able to read old delver's stories and could have just made the abyss itself feel more alive.

Conclusion: This game tries very hard to master many different areas of the game, and does well. While there is less from the Hello Abyss mode as originally expected, it's a tutorial, and Spike Chunsoft has clearly focused 100% around the quality of the game, and it shows in many ways. There are tiny bugs that in all honesty should be expected based on the terrain of the abyss.

Score: A resounding 9/10 Crying, Broken and Totally Helpless Children.

It's brilliant, and beautifully crafted. There's a hope that there might be some DLC in the future, but even without it the game is a gem. I truly am enjoying the experience.