NINETOES VS SUBNAUTICA 2

Ninetoes checked what was released on Xbox Game Pass last week and was ecstatic to see Subnautica 2 on the list. Then he noticed a tiny problem…

Hey there, gamers! It is your old pal, Ninetoes, coming to you from Ninetoes HQ with a look at Subnautica 2. I have my controller in hand, and my thinking cap on, so let’s get to it!

The first thing you need to know is that, as it stands, this is a “Game Preview”, meaning the game can change in the near future for better or worse. Personally, I have a problem with the term “Game Preview”. To me, it means they have released an unfinished product and are expecting people to pay for it and hope it improves.

The reason I am against the “Game Preview” aspect of this game is that there are several games out there with that tag, and the tag has not gone away.

In the spirit of transparency, I will say that I am a fan of the SUBNAUTICA universe. As I play the games, I can hear the Beatles song “Octopus’s Garden” or “Yellow Submarine” going on in the back of my head.

I have a few hours in Subnautica 2, and so far, despite the “Game Preview” tag, it is a decent game. You start by choosing one of four predesigned characters. There is no difference in what you can do between these characters; they are all the same, and for what it is worth, the game is done in a first-person view, so you do not even see yourself in the third person. The most you will see of yourself is your hands, and they are covered.

The graphics are stunning. I encourage you to just allow yourself to take it in. Especially when you can view a sunset and how it interacts with the water. The undersea environment is vast, and the creatures inhabiting this world are inventive and at times quirky. Oh, and some creatures want to straight-up kill you, but then again, you are the interloper in their world, so prepare yourself.

One refreshing aspect is that the control scheme is the same as in the previous games, so you pretty much know what to do the moment you get your feet wet.

There are two levels of challenge to this game: Casual and Survival. In the Casual mode, you do not have to worry about food and water, and you start with all of your base equipment. In Survival Mode, you have to keep an eye on your food and water intake and your overall health, and scavenge materials to build your equipment.

As an experienced player, the Casual mode is too dang easy. I started in Survival, played for an hour, then went to Casual and spent an hour, then went straight back to Survival. Both modes are relaxing to play, especially if you want to swim around and explore, and for me, it is all about the exploration.

If you HAVE to buy this game, wait until the finished product comes out. If you have access through Game Pass or the PlayStation equivalent, then by all means dive in!

This game is perfect for the player who likes to explore and build.

Darren “Ninetoes” Perdue is a book and media reviewer. When he is not reading, he is watching true crime shows, cooking for his family, or working on a plan for universal domination. If you see him on his porch, say hi. He does not bite…much.

PLEASE NOTE: The views and opinions of the staff of Memento Mori Ink do not necessarily represent those of Memento Mori Ink or Crystal Lake Publishing. Thank you for understanding.