This game is easily Game of the Year for 2018 for me. In fact, it is so good that it is only like the second game out of hundreds that I’ve played that I felt obligated to give a positive review. Yes, it is that good! It’s truly a shame it isn’t in the running as GOTY for the Steam Awards this year instead of all the other been there done that titles that got nominated.

The graphics aren’t mind blowing but plenty good enough, and along with the art, sound and music, make an atmosphere that is immersive as hell. I’ve been both awed by its beauty and terrified of what lurks it it’s depths, especially at night, although day and night become irrelevant concepts after you go deep enough since it is always dark down there. Thank goodness for floodlights (except when they attract unwanted attention)!

The gameplay mechanics are pretty much what you can expect from a survival adventure game but solid none the less. You will need to find food and water as well as manage your oxygen supply when diving. You also need to avoid predators. There are no firearms in the game, so you can’t just go around blasting everything. Early on you acquire a knife and later you will get access to some other tools that you can use to kill some of the smaller creatures, but you are usually better off using them to scare off or stun larger predators.

Luckily it doesn’t take very long before you can construct submersibles and bases that help make survival and exploration easier. There’s also a “creative” mode that lets you play the game with everything unlocked and with the survival and story elements disabled, as well an an ironman mode for the masochists out there.

Personally, I found the story very interesting, but it probably won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. Luckily the story is told in an unobtrusive manor which guides you to progression without becoming overbearing. Primarily though one-way radio communications as well as voice and text logs.

TL;DR I loved every minute I spent playing Subnautica and can’t wait for the expansion and/or sequel. This game is truly a masterpiece! Just one more thing… fear the reapers 😉