Subnautica: Below Zero Review

Despite only being able to explore about 20% of the ocean, it is one of the most fascinating places on Earth. There are many things to learn about Earth's past and about the creatures that once lived here. Developers Unknown Worlds Entertainment have set out to capture that same sense of mystery and discovery of the ocean in their follow up to the 2018 indie hit Subnautica with the standalone expansion Subnautica: Below Zero.

Below Zero continues to explore planet 4546B from a new location that offers tons of new exciting additions. Robin Ayou is a character who attempts to unravel the mystery surrounding her sister Sam's murder. Robin, who is distrusted by the Alterra Corporation, takes a shuttle to 4645B. She crashes lands with only her clothes, a small pod and a fiery curiosity.

Robin has landed on Subnautica. Now it is up to the player how to survive and what tools to use to navigate this treacherous environment. It can take some time to get used to the survival techniques of Subnautica. However, the game explains the basics and provides water and flares. The game provides everything you need to survive the first few days, so that the player can concentrate on building materials and aiding in the investigation.

Robin is now the protagonist, and she offers a lot more insight into the various encounters on the cold planet. It was fascinating to hear about Robin's sister and how she responded to the different events in the story. This made the mystery more interesting than if I had tried to project my emotions on the character. Although some may argue that this eliminates the feeling isolation, Below Zero's 4546B feels more like a living environment.

Below Zero can make you feel as though you're barely making it through the harsh planet's conditions. To survive on Survival difficulty, you will need to balance your temperature, hunger, thirst, oxygen, health, and heat. While you are trying to find new materials and better food, you will need to be constantly on the lookout to get water and food. I lost valuable time and resources because of my obsession with oxygen.

The haunting soundtrack enhances the feeling of exploration and uncovering ancient mysteries. The player will discover long-forgotten stories and secrets of past explorers as he or she explores underwater caves and sunken ships. You can find text and voice logs from Alterra's planet work. These logs will enrich the Subnautica world's lore.

These messages will be Robin's only connection to civilization for a large portion of Below Zero's time. They offer comfort and suggestions on how to move forward. When I was stuck, I knew that I could find a databank log on the ocean floor to help me find the next step in my investigation.

Below Zero is an incredibly beautiful game. The light from your Sea Glider focuses only on the underwater flora, which adds color to otherwise dark blue waters. Bioluminescence is a way to bring life to the environment. Below Zero feels real and alive. It maintains that same wonder even at the surface. There are storms that force Robin to seek shelter, and there are penglings who wander around looking curiously at the player.

There's more to the surface than meets the eye, especially in relation to the story. There are many reasons to explore the sub-zero surface, including the remains of research bases. Robin is now equipped with new suits to keep her warm in the frigid temperatures.

Subnautica's newest addition, Below Zero, is the Sea Truck. This small submersible vehicle can be upgraded to reach deeper into the sea. The Sea Truck's most unique feature is its ability attach trailer-like modules to the Sea Truck, each offering a unique perk. One is a small cabin, the other is a storage area, while another can be used to make materials and carry them around. The Sea Truck can be used as a mobile base to make late-game exploration more fun and easier.

There are many options for making the base feel like home, including base building. I was able create my own little home at the bottom by adding an observatory equipped with a jukebox, coffee maker and a jukebox. It also saved me time and allowed me to swim back and forth between my pod, important resources, or locations.

Robin must first find blueprints, either in data banks or by scanning fragments of materials, to be able to create these materials that enhance exploration. Below Zero's biggest problem is the fact that it can often be difficult to find these materials.

The Sea Glider is a handy handheld vehicle that can propel the player through water quickly. It can also help to save oxygen and allow the player to explore deeper into the depths. The player simply needs to scan the pieces of the Sea Glider littering the 4645B ocean floor. It is easy to locate the Sea Glider because of its abundance. Robin will still need to find ways to survive long periods underwater.

Sometimes, Below Zero will provide clues to the player about where to go. This is done by placing a lot of oxygen plants along a path that leads to an interest. Sometimes, however, a useful blueprint may be found on an unmarked laboratory table in the middle of nowhere. Below Zero can sometimes feel more like a lottery ticket than an enjoyable exploration of a planet. You will fail more often than you think and have to try again.

Subnautica's Below Zero is a charming game, but it can sometimes be frustrating to play. Subnautica's limited supply and technology are part of its appeal. However, the developers must tread carefully to ensure that the experience is enjoyable for everyone.

It is important to not make blueprints or materials difficult to find. This will make upgrades feel cheap. If the player cannot find the blueprints they need to enhance their exploration, exploration becomes tedious and less exciting. There were many times when I was frustrated that I didn't know where the blueprint for a larger tank of oxygen was located.

Anyone who has played Subnautica before will be familiar with the game. The Sea Truck, new biomes and other quality-of life gadgets will make the game infinitely more enjoyable. The frustrating removal of key blueprints that allow you to advance in the main story can make some players feel exhausted or like they've seen it all. Subnautica: Below Zero's purpose is to explore this amazing world. However, the player shouldn’t have to search for the fun in the darkness to discover it.

Below Zero may not be right for you if you need to set a goal or have an idea of where you want to go. Subnautica: Below Zero is for you if your ability to take initiative and make decisions about your survival. You will need to have grit and luck to overcome the difficult conditions and find the Alterra secret.