Subnautica: Below Zero
" Immersive underwater adventure with polished graphics and base-building, but smaller map limits exploration "
Subnautica: Below Zero Review
Subnautica: Below Zero serves as a standalone sequel to the original Subnautica, continuing survival exploration on the alien planet 4546B but in a colder, more confined environment. Players control Robin, searching for answers about her sister's fate, with gameplay split between underwater and surface exploration. The game retains core mechanics like crafting, base-building, and scanning, while introducing new vehicles such as the modular SeaTruck and a hoverbike for land traversal.
Many players appreciate the polished visuals, atmospheric audio, and quality-of-life improvements that streamline gameplay. However, the smaller map size, less threatening fauna, and a more linear, dialogue-driven narrative were often cited as drawbacks. The story's emotional impact and mystery are seen as weaker compared to the original, with some dissatisfaction around character development and pacing. Despite these issues, fans of the franchise find it a worthwhile experience, though some view it more as an extended DLC rather than a full sequel.
Highlights
Players praise Below Zero's stunning graphics and immersive audio, noting the beautiful world design and refined environments. The gameplay mechanics, including crafting, base-building, and the introduction of new vehicles, receive positive remarks for enhancing exploration variety. The storyline, while divisive, offers an intriguing continuation with voiced protagonist interactions and a fresh setting. Quality-of-life improvements and the addition of surface exploration add depth to the survival experience. Overall, the game is recognized for retaining the essence of Subnautica with some innovative twists.
Criticisms
Common criticisms focus on the smaller, more confined map that reduces the sense of vastness and discovery. The narrative is often described as less engaging, with flat character development and awkward dialogue detracting from immersion. The SeaTruck vehicle is seen as clunky and frustrating compared to the original's iconic vehicles. Many players find the creatures less threatening, diminishing survival tension. The increased land exploration is sometimes considered tedious, and some mechanics feel underdeveloped or copied without innovation. Additionally, the PDA voice and some story elements received negative feedback.
Pros
- • Beautiful and polished graphics create a captivating underwater world experience.
- • Immersive audio and atmospheric soundtrack enhance exploration and tension.
- • Quality-of-life improvements streamline crafting, building, and inventory management.
- • Introduction of surface exploration adds variety to gameplay environments.
- • Engaging base-building tools allow creative freedom for player-designed habitats.
- • New modular SeaTruck vehicle offers versatile, if imperfect, transportation options.
- • The storyline provides a fresh narrative with voiced protagonist interactions.
Cons
- • Significantly smaller map limits exploration and reduces sense of scale.
- • Narrative and character development lack depth and emotional engagement.
- • SeaTruck vehicle is fragile, slow, and cumbersome to manage effectively.
- • Creatures are less threatening, weakening survival tension and fear.
- • Excessive land exploration segments are often tedious and poorly designed.
- • Dialogue and PDA voice acting are frequently criticized as annoying or distracting.
- • Lack of iconic vehicles like Seamoth and Cyclops disappoints longtime fans.
Rating Criteria
Dive into a freezing underwater adventure on an alien planet. Below Zero is set two years after the original Subnautica. Return to Planet 4546B to uncover the truth behind a deadly cover-up. Survive by building habitats, crafting tools, & diving deeper into the world of Subnautica.