Aquanox: Deep Descent
Aquanox Deep Descent is a first person underwater vehicle shooter, in which players control a variety of customizable ships to engage in fierce battles in the dystopian deep sea world of Aqua. In the near future the Earth's surface has become uninhabitable. What remains of humankind lives in former mining and research stations, deep below the surface of the sea. Born and raised in the only world we know, the loose network of underwater settlements, torn by the war for resources and dominance between various factions. Take control of a team of highly trained fighter pilots and experience an epic story in the dark world of Aquanox. Send your enemies down to Davy Jones' Locker with well-aimed torpedoes, shrapnel blasts, mines and more in a journey that takes you across the world's oceans and into the deepest trenches of our Earth.
Game Discussion
Steam User 5
This is one of the best VR game I have played in a while, it even looks like it was made for VR. There is even a 'Oculus' folder in the game (that you have to delete to get it working with UEVR).
Once booted in VR it just works. Now, I played this for many hours on Epic and thought that it was a decent game (I never played the original, so cannot compare). In VR, it is so much more immersive and engaging. Cheaper than most AA VR games, and it has the virtue of being a full game. As it did not make it as a VR game, it has the advantage of not having Zombies - another plus!
Get UEVR and get this game, and you will have a great time.
Steam User 3
The game has good and bad moments, the plot is sometimes slow and sometimes rushes. At a small cost, you could have done more missions, especially the characters, conversations with them, and extended the campaign, which is a pity. Overall, a very basic game was created, a prototype was quickly completed (just to close) and abandoned.
Steam User 4
To me, this game feels like a mix of Descent and Freelancer with an underwater theme, but more linear. The maps have "portals" to go from sector to sector, but the sectors are smaller than the sectors in Freelancer. The gameplay sometimes feels like one of the Descent games when you're inside some caves or buildings with narrow hallways. I liked the story. It's not as good as the Freelancer story, but it's okay for me. I've played the other Aquanox games and you can "connect the story" at times, but this game feels more like a retelling of the original story than a prequel or sequel. The only thing it lacks for me is replay value. You can host your own Multiplayer Team Deathmatch game with bots, but since you can't customize vehicles in this mode, you'll get bored quickly. I think most people will play the "main game mode" and follow the story, since that's the only way to customize your vehicles.
The combat gameplay is okay for me. I really liked some of the weapons and utilities, like the missile barrage and the EMP. The combat feels a lot like Descent because of the 6DOF (Six Degrees of Freedom) movement. The graphics are also very good, only the flashlight looks a little weird to me (but maybe it's my monitor's brightness setting).
The main thing I miss from the other older Aquanox games is the Instant Action mode. Sometimes I just want to jump straight into the action in a scenario. I think fans of the older games may or may not like this game, as it sometimes feels a little different from the older games (not in a bad way to me, just different). There are side quests and other small activities available, but they feel more linear than the other games. You can loot the scenario and sell the loot, but it's a very simple and limited mechanic, and it doesn't have nearly the depth of buying and selling goods that is available in Freelancer.
Overall, I enjoyed the game and plan on playing it through the story when I have time. I like some side quests, so this might take a while.
Steam User 2
Aquanox: The Deep Descent – A Solid Concept, But Misses the Mark on Exploration
Aquanox: The Deep Descent has a fantastic concept. A submarine adventure set in a post-apocalyptic ocean world sounds amazing on paper. And, for the most part, it delivers some solid gameplay with fun combat and a unique underwater atmosphere. But unfortunately, the game feels a bit empty and repetitive in the end.
Gameplay & Combat:
The combat is engaging enough, but the enemies lack variety. Most of the time, you’re fighting the same few models, which can get old fast. The fauna and flora also feel pretty limited, with little diversity to keep things fresh as you explore the depths. Sure, there’s some cool scenery, but it’s hard not to feel like it’s just “the same zone” in a different color palette after a while.
Story:
The plot follows the stereotypical eco-apocalypse storyline, and while it has its moments, it doesn’t land as well as I hoped. It’s a bit bonkers, but the narrative kinda falls flat, especially towards the end. People complain about the ending, but honestly, the game really picks up steam around 75% completion—something that kept me going even when it felt like a grind.
Exploration & Environment:
Some zones are murky and dark, which makes sense given the setting, but these areas don't really stand out. They lack that “wow” factor. There are a few standout locations, but they feel underwhelming because there aren’t any cool hidden monsters or deep-sea creatures to discover, which would’ve made the exploration so much more exciting. If you’re after exploration, there’s definitely room for improvement here—more secret areas, hidden bosses, and even unexpected encounters would’ve made the world feel a lot more alive.
Exploration Vibes vs Reality:
In the beginning, the game gave me these incredible underwater horror vibes. I was genuinely scared of what lurked in the deep. But halfway through, it became clear that there was nothing to fear. There are no creatures that attack if you wander too far off the map, no jumpscares—just me, the ocean, and a bunch of other survivors in weathered submarines. I would’ve loved if the game kept up that tension and mystery. Maybe a sequel could introduce more factions, hidden lore, and some surprise events that keep you on edge.
Factions & NPCs:
As it stands, the game doesn’t really give you a reason to care about the NPCs and factions. I found myself not invested in the characters until literally two missions before the end. There’s potential for so much more, especially with faction dynamics. Imagine if the game added reputation systems, questlines, and branching narratives for each faction. Right now, you’re forced to recruit all factions by the end, which feels a bit unearned. A more organic approach to relationships and choices would’ve made the story more engaging.
The Mass Effect/Subnautica Comparison:
It feels a bit like Mass Effect meets Subnautica meets Outer Worlds, but with all the aspects that made those games iconic stripped away. The dialogue isn’t as interesting, the character development doesn’t have the same weight, and the exploration doesn’t quite hit the mark. There’s potential here, but it just doesn’t quite reach the level of those legendary titles.
Cult Classic Vibes:
Strangely, though, I get this "cult classic" vibe from the game. It reminds me of Waterworld (1995)—the same kind of oddball appeal where the world-building is unique, and you can’t help but love it for its weirdness. You’re traveling across the planet, hopping through what seem to be hyperspace gates—but underwater. The setting and lore are undeniably intriguing, and while the gameplay doesn’t quite hold up to the promise of the world, I still find myself drawn to its unique charm.
Recommendation:
I’d still recommend doing a full playthrough of the game. It’s an interesting experience, and the world and lore are surprisingly compelling, but once you’ve finished, there’s not much to go back to. Strangely, after completing it, I find myself wanting more of this type of genre—just not specifically Aquanox itself… unless they come out with a sequel that introduces more vessels, deeper customization, more diverse NPCs, and of course, a greater focus on exploration and hidden secrets. The world is intriguing, but it’s missing the things that would make it truly unforgettable.
Final Rating:
In the end, I’d give Aquanox: The Deep Descent a solid 6.5/10. The setting and lore can easily lead to romanticizing the game, bumping it up to an 8/10 in my mind, but when I step back and think about the actual content and experience, I realize it doesn’t quite live up to that idealized version. It’s a fun ride, but one that I’m unlikely to return to unless a sequel offers a lot more depth.
Steam User 2
Good: graphic, nice plot.
Mixed feelings: environment, both wondrous but cramped.
Bad: no choices of sort - you play once and that's all; too simple customization of ship; no real interaction.
Steam User 1
An amazing game with an amazing story, regardless of what the majority of people say. It is a must finish game!
Also decent difficult game by default, there is now easy way out in encounters, you need to maneuver through and be skilled or else you will not go far in this game.
This game can only gate a positive review!
Steam User 0
It's a fun low budget game which feels like a space sim under water. Absolutely nothing new here so don't pay too much for it an don't expect anything extraordinary.