Apart from the odd screenshot, I have hardly seen any part of this game before playing. If you are on the edge of buying it, but are unsure if you do want it, make sure that you don't spoil the adventure for yourself. This review will be mostly spoiler free.

Playing this game for the first time almost completely blind was a magical experience. The feeling of exploring the great unknown is something that should never be taken for granted in any game, especially when the core gameplay is centered around exploring and discovering new technology, creatures and environments. Even the smallest of discoveries feel like big achievements. This is compounded by the fact that you explore an entire ocean, something that not a lot of games can boast (and fewer have done well). When it all comes together, the game looks absolutely beautiful.

Sandbox games are not known for having a strong story, or rely on extensive research to be able to begin to understand. The story of Subnautica is an exception however. The game manages to tell a compelling story through the usage of abandoned PDAs and through scanning, which feels organic within the game and never feels forced. Through this, the player can piece together stories to understand the overarching plot. While the story is a big driving point in the game, it isn't shoved down your throat, so you can explore to your heart's content knowing that you won't be missing out on other parts of the game.

There are still a number of intrusive and immersion-breaking bugs that plague the game and can be potentially frustrating. Notably, sometimes walls seem to be a "suggestion" to some of the larger inhabitants of the planet, and you may often see them phase right through walls. Occasionally you can also see smaller fish do this as well, but the worst is if something you made decides to clip out of bounds. Nothing feels worse than spending time painstakingly gathering materials to build something only to lose it to the ocean floor. With that said though, don't let that deter you from playing the game - the grief it may lead to is still worth the experience the game offers.

If you've been looking for a sandbox fix in a while, a story driven game, or just need a new and somewhat relaxed experience, I would highly recommend this game.

Apart from the odd screenshot, I have hardly seen any part of this game before playing. If you are on the edge of buying it, but are unsure if you do want it, make sure that you don't spoil the adventure for yourself. This review will be mostly spoiler free. Playing this game for the first time almost completely blind was a magical experience. The feeling of exploring the great unknown is something that should never be taken for granted in any game, especially when the core gameplay is centered around exploring and discovering new technology, creatures and environments. Even the smallest of discoveries feel like big achievements. This is compounded by the fact that you explore an entire ocean, something that not a lot of games can boast (and fewer have done well). When it all comes together, the game looks absolutely beautiful. Sandbox games are not known for having a strong story, or rely on extensive research to be able to begin to understand. The story of Subnautica is an exception however. The game manages to tell a compelling story through the usage of abandoned PDAs and through scanning, which feels organic within the game and never feels forced. Through this, the player can piece together stories to understand the overarching plot. While the story is a big driving point in the game, it isn't shoved down your throat, so you can explore to your heart's content knowing that you won't be missing out on other parts of the game. There are still a number of intrusive and immersion-breaking bugs that plague the game and can be potentially frustrating. Notably, sometimes walls seem to be a "suggestion" to some of the larger inhabitants of the planet, and you may often see them phase right through walls. Occasionally you can also see smaller fish do this as well, but the worst is if something you made decides to clip out of bounds. Nothing feels worse than spending time painstakingly gathering materials to build something only to lose it to the ocean floor. With that said though, don't let that deter you from playing the game - the grief it may lead to is still worth the experience the game offers. If you've been looking for a sandbox fix in a while, a story driven game, or just need a new and somewhat relaxed experience, I would highly recommend this game.