Got it on sale for 17,99€ and its 100% worth that price. I wouldn't pay full price, as there is, imo, not enough content to justify it. 30€ would be the most I would pay for.

There are 2 modes that you can play.
Hello Abyss and Deep in the Abyss.
The first mode follows Riko and Reg, the protagonists of the Anime the game is based on, on their journey until the end of Layer 2. It is an introduction into the game and is not as hard as the other mode. You start with some equipment, already increased carryweight and durabilty is disabled.
In this mode, you controll Riko. At around hour 1 you meet Reg, who will now be your companion and follow you around. Regs AI is not great but is enough for what you will face.
I took my time with this mode and cleared it in 3-4 hours.

The second mode, Deep in the Abyss is where you forge your own path with your own character and it's a bit harder than Hello Abyss. This is where I recomend playing with mods, that make the game a bit easier. Having to manage carryweight is quite ennoying, more so the deeper into the abyss you get, so not having to endure that is a blessing.
As of the moment of writing this review, I have not yet finished the game. I am on my way to becoming a Black Whistle, the second highest rank and need to get to layer 4 for that. (Which I already was, so a bit annoying)
Backtracking is quite prevelant in this game.
often after finishing an exploration mission I was told to go back to the place I just visited to complete the mission.
Fast-Travel exists but you can't go to layers your Whistle doesn't allow you to go. Red Whistle has no Fast-Travel, Blue Whistle can also not Fast-Travel I think, I didn't try it as I only discoverd Fast-travel after I got the next Whistle, Moon-Whistle can go to the end of layer 2 and I haven't unlocked the rest.

My conclusion is, that it's a good-looking game where fans of the anime will feel right at home.
The voice acting in the cutscenes is good, as I use the original Japanese VA altough some standard voicelines, like jumping, are the exact same and are repeated constantly.
The story is basic but thats not the focus of the game. You are given missions to complete that take you progressively further into the abyss. There you will meet other Cave Divers and even civilians.

I'd give the game an 8/10 with mods and a 6,5/10 without.
Thats how badly I need mods.
But perhaps I am just bad.

at the current $20 sale price, this is an awesome experience. it's pretty challenging even if you grind, as it goes against the old "kill everything in sight" videogaming mentality. If you like the series and the game is on sale, scoop it and challenge the abyss!

This game seems pretty cute so far, I'll probably buy it for my niece since she's about the same age.