Game is so much worse than the original.
- The map is smaller, which by itself isnt usually a problem if its packed with interesting things
- The biomes transitions are abrupt in this weird nonsensical way compared to OG Subnautica. Everything in this world feels disconnected from eachother and thus pointless.
- The movement got nerfed thinking that that would somehow make the map feel bigger but instead the gameplay just feels more sluggish.
- They nerfed the sea glide got nerfed.
- Even the fking leviathans got nerfed (smaller size) and they're placed so that you intentionally run into them which is only fun the first two times and then it becomes insanely annoying. Unlike the Reaper for instance which most of us first heard before it creeped up behind us and made is sht ourselves.
- Sector zero feels very cramped and at the same time its so empty.
- The dialogue is super bad.
- The new data bank entries had no effort put into them.
- The story is boring and shallow asf too.
- Margaret shouldnt even be alive but somehow she magically is.
- The sea truck... my god this thing... Its such an insane downgrade compared to the Sea moth which was my favorite vehicle in the first game. Its clunky to use and has an irritatingly long entrance animation
- Oh they nerfed the PRAWN suit too.

And of course they had to throw in a pinch of wokeness to go with the times. The protagonist is so boring.
She doesnt take anything serious and always either jokes about it or knows that she's going to find a way to fix things because she's a strong independent w0man

Lets see if the sequel turns out any better.

Subnautica: Below Zero is an exceptional underwater survival adventure that builds upon the success of its predecessor by delivering a richly immersive, visually stunning, and emotionally engaging experience set in a beautifully alien arctic ocean world. Developed by Unknown Worlds Entertainment, this sequel transports players to the frozen planet 4546B, where they must navigate treacherous icy waters, mysterious ecosystems, and unravel a gripping narrative centered around survival, exploration, and discovery. With its seamless blend of open-world exploration, crafting, and story-driven gameplay, Below Zero manages to capture the sense of awe and isolation that defined the original Subnautica while introducing new mechanics and environments that keep the gameplay fresh and compelling.

At the core of Subnautica: Below Zero is the survival experience, which challenges players to manage resources such as oxygen, food, and warmth while exploring the sprawling underwater biomes. The game expands on the crafting and base-building systems, allowing for more customization and complexity in underwater habitats that serve as safe havens from the harsh environment. Players can gather materials, develop new tools and vehicles, and construct elaborate bases that not only provide shelter but also enhance exploration capabilities. The game’s crafting system is intuitive yet deep, rewarding experimentation and strategic planning.

Exploration is a standout element in Below Zero, with the game world teeming with unique flora and fauna that range from the serene to the terrifying. The diverse biomes—from frozen tundra and icy caves to geothermal vents and alien coral reefs—are meticulously designed, each with its own ecosystem and hazards. The introduction of new creatures, some hostile and others neutral or curious, adds to the sense of wonder and danger. The underwater environments are both breathtaking and intimidating, perfectly capturing the loneliness and beauty of alien oceans. The dynamic weather and day-night cycles further immerse players, impacting visibility and gameplay strategy.

The narrative in Subnautica: Below Zero is more structured and character-driven compared to the first game. Players assume the role of Robin Ayou, a scientist searching for her missing sister while uncovering secrets about the planet’s past and the mysterious research facility buried beneath the ice. The story unfolds through audio logs, environmental clues, and encounters with other survivors, creating a compelling mystery that motivates exploration and discovery. The emotional depth of the narrative adds a human touch to the survival experience, making the player’s journey feel purposeful and impactful.

Gameplay mechanics have been refined and expanded, including new tools like the grappling arm and the introduction of customizable vehicles such as the Prawn Suit and Sea Truck, which make traversing the underwater terrain more engaging and versatile. The game also improves on its predecessor’s accessibility and user interface, streamlining inventory management and map navigation to reduce frustration and keep the player focused on exploration and survival.

Despite its many strengths, Subnautica: Below Zero is not without minor flaws. Some players may find the pacing slow, especially during early-game resource gathering and exploration, and certain late-game challenges can feel repetitive. Occasionally, bugs or glitches may disrupt immersion, though the developers have been proactive in addressing these issues through updates. Additionally, players who are less patient with survival mechanics or open-world exploration might find the game’s deliberate pace less appealing.

In summary, Subnautica: Below Zero is a masterful sequel that expands on the foundation of the original with a richer story, diverse biomes, and enhanced gameplay systems. It offers a captivating blend of survival, exploration, and narrative depth set in a stunningly realized alien world that is as beautiful as it is perilous. For fans of atmospheric survival games and immersive storytelling, Below Zero delivers an unforgettable adventure beneath the ice, inviting players to lose themselves in the mysteries and majesty of the deep.

Rating: 8/10

Was a good franchise until they fired the creators and brought in the guy behind the worst games like dead space3 and Callisto protocol. I do not recommend subnautica 2 or this one since any future purchases benefit the people who literally kicked out their own creators of the series.