Sunless Sea: Zubmariner Edition

The main pros of the game

• Atmosphere and Writing: The game is praised for its immersive atmosphere, haunting soundtrack, and beautifully crafted prose. The storytelling is often described as captivating, poetic, and rich in detail, drawing players into its dark, Victorian Gothic world.
• Exploration and Lore: Players appreciate the vastness of the Unterzee and the intriguing lore associated with various ports and islands. The game encourages exploration and discovery, with many unique stories and characters to encounter.
• Unique Gameplay Mechanics: The blend of survival, resource management, and narrative-driven gameplay is seen as a refreshing take on the genre. The roguelike elements add a layer of tension and strategy, as players must manage their resources carefully.
• Replayability: The branching storylines and multiple endings enhance replayability, as players can make different choices in subsequent runs.

The main cons of the game

• Slow Pacing: Many users criticize the game's slow pace, particularly the ship's movement and the overall progression. This can lead to tedious gameplay, especially in the early stages.
• Technical Issues: Users report frequent crashes, particularly after updates, which significantly detracts from the gaming experience. The interaction with Steam's cloud save feature has also been problematic for some players.
• Difficulty and Learning Curve: The game is noted for its steep learning curve, with many players feeling overwhelmed by the mechanics, resource management, and the roguelike elements that reset progress upon death.
• Combat Mechanics: Combat is often described as lackluster and not the primary focus of the game, leading some players to feel that it detracts from the overall experience.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

• Improved User Interface: Several reviews mention that the UI could be more intuitive, as navigating menus and managing resources can be cumbersome. Players suggest that better organization of quests and items would enhance the experience.
• Faster Progression Options: Some users express a desire for options that allow for quicker gameplay, such as faster ship movement or less grinding for resources, particularly in the early game.
• More Engaging Combat: Players have noted that combat mechanics could be more dynamic or engaging, as the current system feels simplistic and often frustrating.
• More Clear Guidance: New players often feel lost without adequate tutorials or guidance, leading to confusion about how to progress effectively in the game.

Summary

• Overall, while Sunless Sea is celebrated for its rich storytelling and atmospheric experience, it faces criticism for its pacing, technical issues, and some gameplay mechanics that could benefit from refinement.

Summary generated on: October 29, 2025