On the search for more immersive sci-fi VR experiences we stumbled across Subnautica, a game initially released in early access back in 2014 with an official Steam release in 2018.
Subnautica is already a standout title in the survival genre, thanks to its unique setting—an alien ocean planet teeming with life—offering players a truly mesmerizing underwater world to explore. Its VR implementation adds a new layer of immersion, making you feel like you’re truly diving into the alien depths. However, while the experience is often breathtaking, the VR adaptation comes with both incredible highlights and notable shortcomings. We reviewed the game on a oculus rift S headset.
Immersion and Atmosphere
The strongest aspect of Subnautica in VR particular is arguably the sense of presence it creates. The game’s underwater environment is stunningly realized as it is, but in VR, it is not that hard to imagine that you actually swimming through a huge alien ocean. Watching schools of fish dart past, seeing sunlight filter through the water’s surface, or staring into the pitch-black abyss of deeper biomes hits different in virtual reality.
Being face-to-face with the game’s massive sea creatures is another game-changer in VR. Encounters with predators like a huge Leviathan are heart-stopping as their size feels even more imposing when they loom directly above (or behind you). We reviewed the game with a headset for maximum immersion. The audio design complements the game very well, with the sounds of the deep ocean surrounding you, amplifying both tension and wonder
VR-Specific Gameplay
Interacting with the world in VR feels more tactile and engaging than with a controller. Using motion controls to operate your tools, access your PDA, or steer the Seamoth adds a layer of realism. Navigating the Cyclops in VR, especially when peering through the windows at the world outside, is an experience unmatched by the standard version of the game.
However, some interactions can feel clunky. The interface wasn’t initially designed with VR in mind, and it shows. Inventory management and crafting can feel cumbersome, breaking immersion at times. The lack of fully optimized controls for VR can frustrate players, especially when quick actions are required in life-or-death situations.
Performance and Comfort
Subnautica's VR performance can be a mixed bag. While it’s visually stunning, the game demands a lot from your hardware. Frame drops or stuttering can break the immersion and even induce motion sickness in more sensitive players. Additionally, the free-floating movement system, while appropriate for an underwater setting, might cause discomfort for those prone to VR nausea.
The game lacks some of the comfort options seen in more polished VR titles, such as customizable movement settings or snap-turning. While experienced VR players might adjust, newcomers to VR might find the experience overwhelming at first. Perhaps the game will be better on future hardware and a faster VR set. We reviewed this game on an occulus rift S with a 80hz refreshrate, not hitting 80 fps constantly. Using something like the 144hz with future hardware cpaapble of reaching a constant 144fps
If you have the hardware to run it smoothly and the patience to overlook its quirks, Subnautica VR offers an unparalleled underwater adventure. For those less familiar with VR or sensitive to motion sickness, the standard version of the game might be a safer bet.
Score: 8/10
An ambitious dive into virtual reality, but it could benefit from a stronger focus on VR optimization
