You learn early on that this curious beast likes your gadgets and will steal them away if you get too close. Take the comically named Sea Monkey for example. Some discoveries have many layers to them. While I was always on the hunt for the next big thing, the moment-to-moment collection of crafting materials is immensely satisfying and better balanced than that of the original game.

I don’t want to spoil what the discoveries are, but many are grand in design, stretching both the narrative and gameplay in directions that make the experience even more enthralling. Audio and visual cues are effectively used, often making you question what something is or where it could go.

Unknown Worlds does a fantastic job of leading the player along to points of interest without clearly labeling them. Even though I would periodically have to fry up a fish to sate my hunger and/or thirst, the majority of my time was spent doing what I wanted at my own comfortable pace and in the order that made the most sense to me.Ī nicely penned science-fiction story is in lockstep with the discovery element, often overlapping in ways that impact your stance in the world and what you are capable of. Holding true to the first game, the main attraction is once again a sprawling alien sea that dazzles with its unusual aquatic life, but the survival gameplay impresses far more now that its been streamlined to the point that it’s rarely stressful or a bother. When you come back up for air, you feel like you’ve accomplished something, unearthed a new mystery, and perhaps found what you needed to make your next dive even more rewarding.īelow Zero is what every sequel should be, building upon the established core formula in clever ways to make the new content feel just as exciting and unpredictable. Each dive is an empowering experience of discovery and self-preservation. Subnautica: Below Zero delivers a continual sense of wonder and terror in its beautifully designed underwater exploration. You know you are approaching your objective, but feel the monster is even closer. You don’t know what monster is hidden in the blackened waters, but you can hear its terrifying roar grow louder as you dive deeper.

Subnautica below zero xbox one