Discover the Chilling Secrets of The Oily Depths: A Must-Play for Subnautica Fans!

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Initially announced in 2013, the underwater adventure game Subnautica didn’t receive a lot of attention due to Unknown Worlds Entertainment, its developer based in San Francisco, being relatively unknown at the time. The team behind the game was still unsure about the specific direction for Subnautica, and they hadn’t clearly defined its genre yet. In an interview with PC Gamer, Hugh Jeremy, Unknown Worlds PR lead, mentioned that they were still figuring out what made Subnautica unique in terms of gameplay mechanics. Although they had some ideas, they were still working to finalize the core gameplay experience. Jeremy suggested that Subnautica might eventually fit into an established genre, but he wasn’t confident enough to make a definite statement about it at that time.

Back in 2015, I had the chance to chat with Hugh Jeremy about this intriguing game called Subnautica that was still in early access at the time. Fast forward to 2018, and the game finally saw its release, more than three years later. Despite the delay, many of the insights shared by Jeremy during our conversation were mirrored in the final build’s design philosophy.

While Subnautica is often categorized as a survival game, it encompasses much more than that. It offers action-adventure elements, boasts an open-world setting, and can be played like a sandbox game using its creative mode. Some even consider it a horror title due to the chilling atmosphere it creates for certain players.

Given its distinctiveness, finding games similar to Subnautica can be quite challenging for fans. This is why The Oily Depths, another unique underwater exploration game, should not be overlooked.

The Oily Depths Takes the Underwater Horror Vibes of Subnautica to the Next Level

Even Though It’s Not Meant to Be a Horror Game, Subnautica Has a Lot of Scary Moments

In the underwater world of Subnautica, I find myself navigating an alien ocean planet, where water reigns supreme. To thrive in this unforgiving aquatic environment, I must scavenge necessary resources and defend myself against fearsome marine life. Yet, the game’s day-night cycle adds a layer of challenge to my exploration – as night falls, visibility plummets, increasing the odds that I could be startled and attacked by the terrifying creatures lurking in Subnautica’s depths. Though it wasn’t intended to be a horror game, these eerie encounters can send shivers down the spine of even the most daring players like me.

Subnautica Fans Who are Looking for More Underwater Horror Games May Want to Check Out The Oily Depths

Though there aren’t many underwater horror games similar to Subnautica, the upcoming title The Oily Depths might be able to satisfy that same craving. In case you’re unfamiliar, The Oily Depths is a brief psychological horror game set entirely within a submarine. This project is being developed by an independent developer named Ryan R. Burns, who has experience working for AAA companies such as Blizzard and Ubisoft in the past.

The Briny Abyss

The Briny Abyss narrates a nameless protagonist’s journey to discover and extract oil from the ocean depths under strict supervision of an enigmatic figure. Players must adhere to instructions and meet given targets, as failure to do so could result in their oxygen supply being terminated by their corporate superiors. However, that isn’t the only challenge players face; they also encounter hazards such as fires and lethal sea creatures. To endure each day and uncover the truth about their present circumstances, players must complete tasks swiftly and solve the puzzle surrounding their work environment.

In “The Oily Depths,” the ambiance is bleak and reminiscent of PlayStation 2 games; the submersible where the action unfolds is scarcely illuminated or vibrant in color. Instead, it’s shrouded in a murky blend of earthy browns, verdant greens, and oceanic blues. This dim, eerie color scheme serves to heighten the game’s chilling atmosphere.

A Free Demo for The Oily Depths is Available Right Now

Despite having distinct differences from Subnautica, The Oily Depths retains chilling deep-sea horror elements and survival gameplay aspects. As of now, a specific release date hasn’t been announced, but it will be available on Windows PCs through Steam soon. If you can’t wait to play The Oily Depths, there is currently a demo available that spans the game’s first in-game day.

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2025-05-27 01:08