Subnautica was one of the more original games of the 2010s, and it captured my imagination in ways that few games ever have. The sequel, Below Zero, shares many of the same ideas, and at a glance looks like it would be more of the same, but to my great disappointment there were a few design decisions that make it a far less interesting and immersive experience than the first game. In this video I try to explain why that is.

Subnautica and Below Zero by Unknown Worlds Entertainment. Subnautica OST by Simon Chylinski, Below Zero OST by Ben Prunty.

Footage from Below Zero, Half-Life 2, Resident Evil 2, and the Subnautica title screen was recorded (and played) by me.

All other footage of the original Subnautica was taken (with permission) from Loopy Longplays' excellent no-commentary walkthrough on YouTube:
   • Subnautica - Longplay 100% Full Game ...  

Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
5:37 - The Subnautica Iceberg Explained
17:02 - Immersion Therapy
30:05 - Fluid Mechanics
40:53 - Below Zero