UBOAT Review: Submerge into History
A WWII U-Boat sim that might just torpedo your free time - in a good way!
Early Access Review
last updated Dec 10, 2023
Despite taking some torpedoes to the hull in the form of bugs and performance issues, the game remains afloat thanks to stellar audiovisuals and a vibrant modding community.
Beneath the Waves - Immersive Gameplay
Embarking on UBOAT feels like we've been tossed keys to a time capsule that plummets straight into WWII's oceanic skirmishes. It's like a history buff's interactive dream, melding survival sandbox elements with tight crew management that requires some serious strategic noodling. Maneuvering through the treacherous waters of war, the simulation aspect hits you just right without drowning you in unnecessary complexity. While it might not demand an understanding of quantum physics to land a torpedo, striking that sweet balance between sim and arcade means you hop from 'Das Boot' to 'Don't Rock the Boat' without much fuss.
An Auditory Journey Through the Depths
Imagine hearing the distant hum of an enemy destroyer's propeller through the hull—UBOAT's sound design dials up the tension and immerses players in an aquatic concert of war. The sonar pings and the creaking of stressed metal as you dip below crush depth are a constant reminder of your vulnerability. The game's music boasts an orchestral score worthy of a silver screen wartime epic, weaving tracks that range from subtly haunting to the glorious clamor of victory and celebration at enemy ships' expense.
A Visual Voyage - Graphics and Performance
Visually, UBOAT doesn't shy away from showcasing the crammed and claustrophobic confines of a German WWII submarine with an almost obsessive attention to detail. Sporting a steely, industrial aesthetic with graphical fidelity that makes you reach for an imaginary periscope, it's pretty clear where the team's passion lies. Performance-wise, UBOAT is largely smooth sailing, though it sometimes feels like the game is trying to surface through thick tar, with frame rate dips that are as surprising as a destroyer above your periscope.
A Splash of Modding Magic
The modding community really deserves a shoutout for hitching a ride on this UBOAT. They've slapped on some shiny mods that fine-tune sinking mechanics and buff up the armadas with added ships and planes. A word to the wise: start dabbling with mods early on. Some have the potential to rock your digital boat by breaking saved games if not integrated with care. The game might be a couple of patches shy of perfect, but it's still a seaworthy endeavor that benefits greatly from the dedication of its players.
Captain's Log - Bugs on the Horizon
Aye, there's a squall in every simulator's sea, and in UBOAT's case, it's the occasional sonar blip of bugs. From game crashes to submarines playing groundhog on land, these issues can surface faster than a leaky boat. Even the tutorial can be a tactical nightmare due to some pesky glitches. Gamers seeking a flawless foray into naval history might wait on deck a while longer; for those willing to navigate through bugs with a bit of sailor's patience, a rich experience awaits.
EARLY ACCESS RATING
Developer
Deep Water Studio
Publisher
PlayWay S.A.
Early Accesss Release Date
April 30, 2019
The Verdict
UBOAT offers a deep dive into the underexplored realm of WWII's German U-Boats, delivering an experience that's dense with historical atmosphere and buoyed by its dynamic sim-arcade hybrid gameplay. Despite taking some torpedoes to the hull in the form of bugs and performance issues, the game remains afloat thanks to stellar audiovisuals and a vibrant modding community. It's not all smooth sailing, but the currents are right for the making of a fine maritime classic.
