Sunless Sea: Zubmariner Edition (Nintendo Switch) Review

The Unterzee contains a wealth of exploration options, both figuratively and literally, after leaving the safe haven of the sunken Victorian London, and providing some great scene setting in the narrative. From ports ruled by pirates to demon riddled plateaus, Sunless Seas really takes the time to make the trip worthwhile. A good thing in fact, due to the amount of time spent reading up on the lore of each setting. Gameplay is strictly limited to text-based choices once moving into port - something that really needs to be considered before taking the plunge.

Granted, each port is incredibly charming in its own right, and does light that spark of exploration, but if anything more than a page of text describing your captain and crews situation is expected, the anchor of disappointment is quickly lowered. All interactions are text-based, with no other option once moored than reading what has befallen the inhabitants and reacting accordingly. All are well written and charming, but it's important to consider if anything more like a mini-game or tactile interaction is expected.

In fact, the only interaction that isn't text-based, is the traversal of Unterzee itself. Combat is simple, and with some basic upgrades most threats can be handled without too much trouble. The fun comes from deciding whether the fight is necessary, or a better approach is switching off that ship light, and initiating silent running, to slip by any pillaging pirates or creatures from the depths. Resource management is the name of the game, and often picking a fight is essential in ensuring your crew are fed well, and making sure the ship isn't running on empty fuel.

The risk and reward system is the draw to this, but it can sometimes feel that one stretch into the black that doesn't pay off can really shiver your timbers in the worst way. Very little is carried over in the early stages when a captain and crew perish, and it can often feel quite daunting to head back out onto the open sea if not familiar with this type of genre, and feeling like so much was accomplished before succumbing to the depths. Previously completed missions are easy to find again and click quickly through if completed on another run but with the subtle changes in the world of Sunless Sea, ports and land masses can move entirely. Again for players wanting to jump into rogue-likes for the first time this can feel incredibly frustrating. For fans however, it's all part of the fun… probably.

If the watery depths can be navigated correctly and the learning curve mastered, however, pulling into port full to the brim with booty and knowledge of far off lands does indeed feel very satisfying. The main issue is pushing past those initial failures to get there. Trial and error is the name of the game here, and without any preparation for what to expect, it quickly becomes far too easy to drown in relentless text, and confusing tutorials. Again, if this type of gameplay is something you feel comfortable, it shouldn't take too long to pick up the basics and feel at home in your virtual cabin.

[i]Sunless Sea: Zubmariner Edition[i] also comes with the option to pull into port and trade over for under, and explore the darker depths of the Unterzee. This reviewer found this to be one of the most exciting parts of the title, and the one most visited. Exploring the deep is a tense delight, littered with giant creatures sheltered in the darkness. Even more tense than the main gameplay, with the opportunity to reap more useful rewards. With a world already steeped in a brilliantly crafted, depressing air, deep sea travel builds on this expertly. Each trip is a tense, sadness-inducing experience that is such a highlight, that it could be a stand-alone title if fleshed out.