Subnautica was one of my favorite open world survival games of the last decade, and on the floor of its frigid ocean, Under Zero may virtually be mistaken for an enormous growth. As I dive deeper, although, what I’ve discovered is a full-fledged sequel that does not repair what wasn’t damaged in regards to the first recreation whereas enhancing in little however significant methods in lots of areas. I have never absolutely plumbed the depths of the present Early Entry model, which now consists of the whole lot of the fully-voiced foremost story. However what I’ve seen makes me desirous to go deeper.
Proper as I take my first plunge, it is instantly noticeable how a lot better the tech is that this time round. Certainly one of my solely main frustrations with the unique Subnautica was how mood-ruining it might be to see textures and objects pop in as I used to be zipping across the in any other case superbly immersive underwater environments in my submersible. These jarring eyesores are fully gone, permitting me to discover eerie reefs and foreboding geothermal vents the best way they should be seen. The general constancy hasn’t taken an enormous step ahead, and I can acknowledge lots of re-used and recolored fashions, however it’s an amazing instance of how far a little bit optimization can go.
[ignvideo url=”https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/02/05/7-minutes-of-subnautica-below-zeros-exciting-new-story”]
Under Zero additionally places its story front-and-center rather more than its predecessor. Your character has a reputation (Robin), a backstory, present relationships, and built-in motivations for pursuing the mysteries of this watery world. A sequence of private logs that unlock as you hit sure milestones offer you a glimpse into her ideas and emotions. I am not fairly certain but if I like that higher than the clean slate protagonist of the unique, however the voice appearing and writing have been spectacular to this point. And with out spoiling an excessive amount of, I feel it is value mentioning that you simply may not be the one residing human within the ocean this time…
[poilib element=”quoteBox” parameters=”excerpt=It’s%20immediately%20noticeable%20how%20much%20better%20the%20tech%20is%20this%20time%20around.”]
A lot of the fundamental gameplay of exploration, crafting, and fleeing from sea monsters appears fairly unchanged, however it’s the little issues that make a distinction. There is a new radar gadget to craft that allows you to discover particular minerals and different sources sooner. I nonetheless have flashbacks of hours spent attempting to find lithium within the first Subnautica, so this was a welcome addition. The Seatruck is the alternative for the outdated Seamoth, which might tow helpful modules like a crafting station or additional storage like an underwater large rig. Having the ability to convey a mini-base with you early within the recreation, lengthy earlier than the Cyclops turns into accessible, is an effective way to chop down on hours spent going backwards and forwards between your habitat and the subsequent goal.
[ignvideo url=”https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/02/05/subnautica-below-zeros-chilly-new-biomes-and-terrifying-sea-monsters”]
The opposite large divergence is that extra of Under Zero takes place on land, although the builders estimated it is round ten % of the content material and needed to emphasize that the oceanic gameplay continues to be the primary focus. These floor expeditions are difficult by harsh climate and a temperature system, which might lead you to freeze to loss of life in the event you’re uncovered for too lengthy within the Arctic chill. With hypothermia above the water and the specter of drowning beneath the water, you are solely ever really protected inside player-made autos and enclosures. That enhances the sense of hazard successfully.
[poilib element=”quoteBox” parameters=”excerpt=There’s%20a%20new%20radar%20gadget%20to%20craft%20that%20lets%20you%20find%20specific%20minerals%20and%20other%20resources%20faster.”]
Add in a small handful of recent creatures with attention-grabbing designs and ecological niches, and a narrative that appears to be constructing as much as some sort of reckoning with the heartless Alterra company, and Under Zero is shaping as much as be a worthy follow-up to its stellar precursor. The ultimate model might be out later this 12 months, however you may try the Early Entry construct (the exact same one I bought to play), which incorporates the total story, proper now.
[poilib element=”accentDivider”]
Leana Hafer is a contributor to IGN. Speak Subnautica along with her on Twitter at @AsaTJ.
