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Review of Subnautica on Xbox Series X/S

by Jay Aborro Jay Aborro photo May 2021
Cover image of Subnautica on Xbox Series X/S
Gamefings Score: 9
Released: 14 May 2021
Genre: Action-adventure, Survival
Developer: Unknown Worlds Entertainment
Publisher: Unknown Worlds Entertainment

Introduction

Ahoy there, fellow gamers! Are you ready to plunge headfirst into a vibrant underwater world that offers both beauty and peril, where the only thing you need to fear more than the fish is your dwindling oxygen? Strap on your flippers and hold your breath because today we are diving into the depths of Subnautica, a game that takes the age-old mutter of, 'There must be more to life than this,' and sends it straight to the bottom of a massive ocean! Released on Xbox Series X/S, Subnautica has been making waves (pun completely intended).

Gameplay

In Subnautica, you step into the soggy sneakers of Ryley Robinson, a hapless soul whose spaceship, the Aurora, has made an unfortunate crash landing on planet 4546B. Don't worry; it's not a residence for intergalactic cockroaches, but rather a mysterious oceanic planet filled with strange flora and fauna that syncs perfectly with a soundtrack that will make you feel like you're being serenaded by mermaids. Your main objectives: survive, explore, and gather resources to construct bases and escape the planet - it's basically a giant underwater IKEA experience where the only item you can't return is your real-world sanity. With the freedom to explore a vast, open-world ocean teeming with both whimsical creatures and nightmarish leviathans, players can collect everything from useful minerals to the occasional piece of a mysterious wreckage hidden in the depths. But beware of the local wildlife; these creatures are not exactly friendly. From the slice-and-dice Crabsquids to the absolutely horrifying Reaper Leviathans, you might end up utilizing your 'quick escape' moves as frequently as you check your nasal temperature. Subnautica offers various difficulty modes, including Survival (which requires players to manage their health, hunger, thirst, and oxygen) and Hardcore (where the stakes are as high as your anxiety when you see a shark). For the creatively inclined, there's also a Creative mode where every resource is yours to command - perfect for those who just want to turn fish into fabulous underwater fortresses without the panic of starving to death or having your body eaten by a large aquatic brute!

Graphics

Graphically, Subnautica is like the aquatic dream your mother never wants you to have - stunning, colorful, and full of bizarre creatures. On the Xbox Series X/S, the visuals are crisp with well-detailed environments, lighting, and effects that will have you feeling like you're in a natural wonder rather than a survival game. Whether you're gazing at the mesmerizing bioluminescent reefs or dodging teethy predators under the glimmering sun, it's beauty at every turn.

Conclusion

Subnautica is an exhilarating blend of survival, exploration, and story-driven adventure that keeps you hooked and breathless, much like running up a hill after your best friend stole the last slice of pizza (the horror!). It is a title that will immerse you in its detailed world, evoke feelings of both wonder and fear, and challenge your decision-making skills in an unforgiving environment. With rich storytelling and addictive gameplay, Subnautica is not just a game - it's an aquatic odyssey that makes you ponder what could be lurking just beyond your rusty old submarine's glass. Dive in, stay afloat, and maybe keep an eye out for those pesky, teethy locals lurking in the shadows. Happy adventuring!

See Latest Prices for Subnautica on Xbox Series X/S on Amazon

See Prices for Subnautica on Xbox Series X/S on Ebay

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