Barotrauma: Navigating the Perilous Depths with a Side of Crazy
Dip into the abyss of this survival horror RPG, where co-op chaos meets undersea perils in a 2D space-sub wonderland.
last updated Dec 12, 2023
It's like giving a child a box of matches and a fireworks kit - what could possibly go wrong?
Dive Into the Gameplay Vortex
Steering a submarine through the treacherous waters of Barotrauma is like juggling nitroglycerine: explosively fun with a side of imminent doom. With survival elements stitched into an RPG fabric, this game embroiders a tapestry of meticulous submarine operation seasoned with the right amount of pressure to keep even the most steel-nerved players sweating. As you complete missions and battle monstrosities, you'll find that it's not just about killing the big bads but also mastering the claustrophobic art of crisis management. The curveball? Your biggest adversary might just be the very crew you rely on - surprise betrayals, anyone?
An Orchestra of Drips and Echoes
Now let's talk about the siren calls from the deep - the audio in Barotrauma can only be described as the lovechild of a horror flick and a nature documentary. With a soundtrack that oscillates between unsettling silence and adrenaline-pumping beats, every ping, groan, and screech keeps you perched on the edge of your captain’s chair. It's not just music; it's an audio narrative that guides your journey through the inky blackness, complemented by sound design poised to rival the Kraken's whispers.
Seeing Beyond The Dark Waters
Gazing into the abyss never looked so good. Barotrauma’s 2D art style blends nostalgic charm with enough detail to keep your retinas fully engaged. Each sprite is crafted with the kind of love only a pixel artist could give, while the submarine and creature designs are a testament to creativity under constraints. Performance-wise, this game could run on a potato, yet offers enough spectacle to dazzle the eyes of those with a rig that could launch an actual space shuttle.
Crafting and Companion Misadventures
Let's not skim over the fact that this game is a crafter's paradise, replete with deep customization that’ll have you tweaking your submarine as if it were your first car. Meanwhile, your ragtag crew of possibly psychotic companions adds a delightful level of unpredictability. Trust me, nothing says 'teamwork' quite like a medic with a penchant for handing out questionable prescriptions and engineers who are more explosive than helpful. It's like giving a child a box of matches and a fireworks kit - what could possibly go wrong?
STEAM RATING
Developer
FakeFish, Undertow Games
Publisher
Daedalic Entertainment
Release Date
March 13, 2023
The Verdict: Immersive Aquatic Anarchy
Barotrauma doesn't just let you dip your toes into the ocean; it throws you in with cement shoes and a pat on the back. With gripping co-op gameplay, intense role immersion, and customization options straight from Neptune's vault, it's a nautical nightmare you'll want to relive with friends – if you dare. It's survival horror that doesn't take itself too seriously, unless you're on the wrong end of a shipmate's prank. Despite its challenges and the occasional existential crisis, Barotrauma manages to balance the fine line between chaotic fun and tactical engagement, making it an essential addition to any co-op connoisseur's library.
