Subnautica Review: An Oceanic Masterpiece
Craft, explore, and survive in an alien underwater world that both captivates and terrifies.
VR Support
last updated Nov 25, 2023
Subnautica shines like a bioluminescent creature in the vast ocean of survival games.
Into the Abyss: Gameplay Mechanics
Subnautica isn't your typical walk in the park—more like a swim in uncharted waters with no floaties. The game kicks off with a thrilling descent straight into the unknown, sans any hand-holding, unless you consider a busted lifepod 'supportive.' It's survival of the fittest, weirdest, and smartest. You'll find yourself threading through aquatic mazes, harvesting resources, and jerry-rigging underwater habitations like you're the lovechild of MacGyver and Jacques Cousteau. But it's not all crafting and gathering; beware of cuddly squids that seem to enjoy tossing you around like a beach ball at a concert. Adventure-seekers will revel in the deceptively chill vibes that can turn into spine-tingling scares when you least expect it—those deep grand reefs aren't just spooky, they're outright bosses of the oceanic underworld.
Ears to the Ocean: Audio Signature
The game's sound design is nothing short of a symphony of the deep seas—don't be surprised if you find yourself just stopping to let the ambiance wash over you like a soothing saltwater spray. From the subtle groans of your humble submarine to the distant, haunting cries of unseen leviathans, the soundscape is crafted to keep you on your toes—or fins. And let's not forget that sweet, sweet soundtrack. It'll give you goosebumps in one moment and serenade you into a false sense of security in the next. It's enough to make you contemplate a career in marine biology, or at least invest in a decent pair of headphones.
A Visual Feast Under the Sea
Subnautica treats its players to a visual banquet of alien beauty, serving up a platter of lush coral, mysterious caves, and creatures that could either pass for modern art or your worst nightmares. Performance-wise, it's like a dolphin gracefully cutting through the waves—it runs smooth on a good day, but even dolphins hit rough seas sometimes. A bit buggy at moments, you might say, but rarely enough to sour your dive. For those with the horsepower under their PC's hood, the experience is akin to watching an HD documentary on extraterrestrial waters where you're the star. Just a heads up, VR enthusiasts might want to bring a barf bag—reports of seasickness have floated up from the depths of virtual reality's darker corners.
Beneath the Surface: Extras Worth Noting
Let's talk multiplayer—you didn't think you'd have to brave the depths alone, did you? With fan-made mods, you can now team up and tackle the oceanic unknown with buddies, making the deep dark sea a little less daunting. Word on the seabed is that thermal power is your best bet, so don't forget to embrace your inner engineer. Also, for a giggle, try feeding a cuddlefish to the bioreactor—some claim it's the crown jewel of dark humor in Subnautica's briny deep.
STEAM RATING
Developer & Publisher
Unknown Worlds Entertainment
Release Date
January 23, 2018
The Verdict: Subnautica
Subnautica shines like a bioluminescent creature in the vast ocean of survival games. Its blend of story-driven excitement and raw survival elements makes it a behemoth in the genre. The immersive experience is one of discovery, awe, and the occasional involuntary scream. Although the absence of any sing-along sesh with Sebastian the crab is bitterly noted, Subnautica's impact remains undiminished—a masterclass in crafting, exploration, and narratology combined. If you can stomach the initial learning curve and are equipped to handle the bug squalls, this game is a veritable treasure trove that beckons to be plumbed. Dive in, the water's fine, if not brimming with monstrous beauty and adventure.
