Underwater survival adventure games like Subnautica are some of my favorites to write about. And it’s not the first game of its kind that I had the pleasure of writing about here at IndieGala. Oh no. Aquanox Deep Descent was a cool piece to write. You can look back at it here as well. But It made me think more about the unexplored world below the surface of the oceans.
Speaking of… You might want to check out our Sharks-inspired article as well. You can do that here as well. And of course the review for Abzu (available here). You have my colleague The Italian Guy to thank for that review, and I’ll leave it here as well. In case you need extra aquatic inspiration, and well… It’s so good. But Subnautica takes us to a very different place. Far, far away from Earth and I’m here all about it.
What’s Subnautica All About You Might Ask?
A massive, open-world game that is full of wonder and peril. Developed and published by Unknown Worlds Entertainment, Inc Subnautica is in fact an open-world survival action-adventure video game. And in it, you get to explore the ocean on an alien planet.
Or more precisely, the remote ocean planet 4546B. After the spaceship (the Aurora), crashes on the planet’s surface you’ll have to survive. By collecting resources or by facing all kinds of creatures. It doesn’t matter. Also, you can construct tools, bases, and submersibles. And interact with the planet’s wildlife as well. The majority of the game is set underwater in this game. With two explorable islands, and a simulated day-and-night cycle that affects visibility.
Subnautica and its sequel, Subnautica: Below Zero are available for purchase here at IndieGala. You can get them by clicking here and here. However, only Subnautica is currently on sale. Hurry up. There’s so little time until that sale ends. Get it while you still can. And if you’re interested to explore more aquatic games… Than ABZU could be more up your alley (available here). Or perhaps Aquanox Deep Descent is more to your liking. It is also available for purchase here.
And What Are Some Of The Steam User Comments Saying About Subnautica?
* It absolutely is the best survival game I’ve ever played. And played, and played and played. Says dschebek on Steam.
*While Shiny Magikarp adds: Play it. Love it. Play the sequel. Love it less (but still love it). Enjoy and tell me what you think. 9.5/10
*And of course Malygris says: My god, this is a good game. A spectacular example of what can be done when you take guns out of the equation.
Subnautica And 5 Very Cool Cinematic Underwater Adventures
Yes, I’ve selected 5 very interesting and fun underwater movies. All of them have the themes of underwater adventure and survival in them. But some of them have aspects of horror and science fiction as well. However, we can’t wait to find out your favorite underwater adventure movie. Let us know in the comment section below.
All right. Let’s begin, shall we?
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea is the oldest movie on this list that’s true. But don’t mistake the advanced age of the movie with any lack of quality. It’s incredible as it was back in 1954. The adaptation of the classic Jules Verne book has two legends in the lead roles. Kirk Douglas and Ned Land. And of course James Mason in the role of Captain Nemo. But that’s not it. To this day, this very same adaptation is considered one of the most accurate and truthful. Not to mention one of the most visually stunning. The fight with a giant squid still holds up today, and the performances are still top-notch. It’s a must-watch for every fan of the book.
Fun fact: No fishing boat would (or will) carry bananas, considered bad luck by deep water fishermen.
Into The Blue
Let’ have a more modern approach to the whole underwater adventure theme, shall we? Granted, it’s not the best movie on this list, but Into The Blue deserves to be here. With Jessica Alba and the late Paul Walker in the leads, Into The Blue is a guilty pleasure for many. When a group of divers finds illicit cargo from a sunken plane, they’ll ultimately find themselves in a lot of trouble. With a notorious drug lord of course. Josh Brolin is in this movie, and so is Scott Cann. But it does have adventures, survival and lots of danger in it, and therefore deserves to be on this list. Not to mention some beautiful locations that are just tropical paradise eye candy.
Fun fact: Second time Paul Walker and Scott Caan have worked together. Varsity Blues is the first.
Fool’s Gold
Fool’s Gold has action, comedy, romance and adventure. Oh and deep-sea treasure hunters. But in the middle of the story is a search for a lost treasure that will take Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson to the most unlikely places. And in search of a Spanish treasure that’s been hidden for centuries. Not to mention treasure that will make them rich beyond imagination. Donald Sutherland and Kevin Hart are in it as well, and it’s a similar sentiment as Into The Blue. This is not the best movie on this list. But the locations and the fantastic chemistry between Kate and Matthew is electrifying.
Fun fact: Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson worked together in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003).
Leviathan
Leviathan has a nice mix of science fiction and horror in it. And it’s one of my 80’s guilty pleasures. A movie that I first discovered last year, during one of my long and boring quarantines. But since I’m already a fan of Peter Weller I figured… Why not? And Leviathan didn’t disappoint. It’s scary and it has a fantastic premise. Not to mention a great cast. The crew of an underwater geological facility is being stalked and killed by a hideous mutant creature. And they need to survive by any means necessary. This is a movie that I will recommend, despite the negative reviews it has. I love it.
Fun fact: The movie is set in the year 2027.
The Poseidon Adventure
For the record, right here in this article, I’m referring to the 1972 movie The Poseidon Adventure. And not the 2012 remake. Oh, no. The 1972 movie is far superior and although not technically an adventure movie… It does have disaster/survival themes throughout the entire plot. Not to mention the movie is filled to the brim with A-list actors. From Gene Hackman to Ernest Borgnine and Shelley Winters respectively. Of course, there’s the hilarious Leslie Nielsen in the role of Captain Harrison. With great set design and magnificent visual effects, The Poseidon Adventure is a must-watch for every film buff.
Fun fact: George C. Scott was considered for the role of Rev. Frank Scott.
Are You A Fan Of Subnautica?
Let us know which game is your favorite. Subnautica or the sequel Subnautica: Below Zero. Let us know in the comment section below.
