First off, as this game was originally a dlc-turned-spinoff of Subnautica, I encourage you to read my review of that first, as many of the things I praised about the game I mentioned apply here as well. That being said, let’s dive in! (Warning, a few accidental puns ahead!)

For many of you looking to pick up Below Zero, you may have heard of the community's general opinion of how it stacks up against the first game. I however, feel comparison is not the way to go but rather looking at BZ as an extension of the Subnautica universe, and enjoying another dive into 4546B’s oceans. Below Zero has an extremely in depth world and story to explore, and those should not be overshadowed by Subnautica’s existence. That being said, there are many things Below Zero does right. It boasts quite a bit more new features, settings, and content, and they combine to make an engaging and enjoyable experience for fans of Subnautica.

First of all, Below Zero’s biome and creature designs are truly phenomenal and make the overall feel of each new area you explore equal parts beautiful and uncertain. From chilling arctic forests, to glittering hollow icebergs, to eerie crystal caverns, one thing BZ has inherited is Subnautica’s impeccable atmosphere. The map is quite a bit smaller in size than Subnautica, but the content is denser. The cave systems are intricate and claustrophobic, making last minute dashes for O2 adrenaline pumping endeavors. The creatures feel even more suited to their environment than Subnautica’s, leading to enhanced immersion and cooler creature interactions. Below Zero’s on land exploration is quite fun as well, and the cold mechanic simulates the restriction of oxygen underwater, reinforcing the feeling of never truly being safe and requiring you to think about your exploration and strategies surrounding heat management. Seeing glowing eyes just barely visible, stalking me in the snowstorm gives me the chills every time. You are less mobile, making you feel more vulnerable, that you’ll become prey if you’re not careful, which is an awesome feeling that makes up the heart of the Subnautica games.

Creature concepts are also more involved and can even be cooler than some of SN1’s ecosystem. Few things compare to being chased by a brute shark as you hear the gnashing of its jaws slowly getting louder, to the rumble and shake of the snow as a leviathan burrows beneath it, to the aggressive shriek of a creature you cannot see, but can most certainly see you.

There are some really cool additions to bases as well, some enjoyed so much by the community that they were backported into SN1. The large room provides some much needed space, allowing for even more creative builds. The glass domes are breathtakingly beautiful in the right spot, and give some amazing glimpses of the dazzling surface, the colorful flora, and the angry, swimmy things that want to eat you alive. But the true difference between having an extensive underwater seabase and being a glorified submerged can of food is style! The jukebox, art pieces and posters (Yes, there is another kitty one), and multiple decorated beds and furniture allow you to spiff up your seabase to make it your very own.

Overall, Subnautica: Below Zero’s aesthetic, story, and ambiance will appeal to both newer players and diehard Subnautica fans. Subnautica: Below Zero is an underappreciated game and a fantastic experience in its own right.