![]() It is gradually revealed that an alien race far beyond our level of intellect once inhabited this planet to research a disease that was killing them off. As the player explores deeper into this alien ocean, they get a slow but interesting trickle of information. The player will also notice that some of the fauna seem to be infected with some kind of disease. They prompt questions like “What is the purpose of this building? Who built it? Am I really the only intelligent creature on this planet?” all questions that have answers as the player progresses. They leave giant alien structures dotted around the map for the player to discover, causing them to only become more curious. The developers cleverly use this natural curiosity to begin to unfold an admittedly simple yet highly effective narrative. But the player keeps going as they get more confident, and their curiosity eventually overpowers their fear. That accompanied by the giant and deadly sea creatures known as leviathans roaming certain biomes creates a massive amount of dread for the player. As the player ventures deeper into this vast world, the environments become more alien and unfamiliar. There are dozens of areas of the game that suddenly drop off and go substantially deeper than before, leading to moments that truly made my stomach sink. ![]() This is when the atmosphere of the game really begins to take shape. ![]() However, as the player progresses further into the game, the crafting recipes for the more complex items begin to ask for things that are harder and harder to find, forcing the player to explore outside of their comfort zone. An aptly named biome as it is the place with the least number of hostile creatures, and the sea floor is the closest to the surface. When the player is first introduced to the world of 4546B, they are in an area known as the safe shallows. You see, Subnautica is easily the most terrifying game I have ever played, and that is all due to one factor that Subnautica completely mastered. But that is a gross understatement of what the game truly has to offer the player. From a glance, Subnautica is simply just a survival sandbox game, some even elect to call it Minecraft underwater. The player must survive in this alien world teeming with life, some of which is not too friendly. The planet is essentially all ocean, with very little land above water. The game begins when the main character’s ship, the Aurora, crashes onto an unknown world categorized as 4546B. The game takes place in the distant future, where humans have gained the ability for interstellar travel and the colonization of other planets. The first game I would like to discuss is a game called Subnautica. So, I will discuss a few of my personal favorite games, and what makes them truly exceptional in hopes of rectifying this issue. There are amazing artists who have poured their hearts and souls into their work, and they have not gotten near the recognition they truly deserve. But that does not mean that the medium is incapable of producing some truly remarkable experiences. I agree that not every game is trying to be the Citizen Kane of its medium, and often it is just trying to supply fun and entertaining gameplay with minimal or no story, such as Call of Duty or Minecraft. They are often not seen as groundbreaking innovations and heartrendingly beautiful pieces of narrative brilliance, but more simply fun and entertaining ways to pass the time. But one medium of storytelling I feel that is often overlooked in the public eye is that of video games. Being able to paint an exquisite picture in the reader’s head with just words, and the lack of limitations on both the length and focus of the story. I am also infatuated with the possibilities of literature. I have always been enamored by the incredible potential with film, with both the limitless possibilities with visual language, incredible feats achieved with only dialogue, and the stunning performances that have been displayed by truly gifted actors. I’m a person who adores all forms of artistic expression and has a deep personal love for every form of storytelling, as I aspire to one day tell the stories I’ve crafted over the years in whatever medium I decide to pursue. Written by Journalism Staff Reporter Eli Mattingly
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