BELOW

This game has garnered a considerable number of negative reviews due to its perceived difficulty and tediousness, and, while I do consider some things tedious and of questionable design, they haven't detracted that much from my enjoyable time spent with this game.
The game is extremely obscure and atmospheric, bringing gorgeous visuals and soundscape/soundtrack. The gameplay is in its core rather simplistic, but there are a lot of things to keep track of while adventuring, which builds up the tension more and more the deeper you delve. You have to procure enough healing supplies, keep yourself warm, fed and not thirsty, find keys, all while fighting through progressively harder enemies. There are also light puzzles and secrets to unravel. The combat is again simple (but tight) and can be spiced up with different hidden weapons and craftable items. Unfortunately, the enemies are rather unimaginative but fulfill their purpose.
The main issue I have with the game is that the game can get punishing for all the wrong reasons. Starting from the top on death (or a bit deeper if you've unlocked a shortcut) is fine, but losing the core asset, the lamp, and having to pick it up from your corpse is annoying, especially if you died on deeper, much darker levels. Also, I felt it was impossible to know what things you find actually do, and I also had no idea how to craft certain things without experimentation, which soon became a chore due to the limited inventory space and the punishing nature of long (failed) attempts. Apart from these annoyances, I never had that many issues with this game, even when I got insta-killed by a trap for the first time.
The narrative is fittingly also obscure (obviously), and reaching the true ending may require consulting guides. In my opinion, obscurity does make the game's atmosphere more interesting. Honestly, some sections are simply oozing with atmosphere and were a (stress-inducing) treat to experience for the first time. However, once you experience all levels, the game suddenly becomes way easier, making it a bit more approachable to hunt for the true ending.
It's worth noting that the developers also added a bit more approachable difficulty setting that does not change the core gameplay difficulty that much, but makes the individual runs a bit more forgiving. It's always great to have some options.

A very difficult game with almost no fan base. Reminds me a bit of Rain World but in a worse condition. This game in my opinion is really well made. It makes you tense by not knowing what is coming next and the death is at every corner so you play slowly, thinking first then doing. Yet the game still will find a way to get you. Sometimes because of your curiosity, Sometimes by swarming you with enemies you are not yet ready for. The game does not really respect you after all you are just a normal explorer that came to island and there will be many more like you.
I really recommend this game to those who want to feel the world and its atmosphere. And ofcourse those who that accept the fact that it will be a very painful story to learn about. From beginning to end.
8/10

Below is the child of passion, creativeness and pure artistic vision. From the stunningly aesthetic visuals to one of the best sound designs i've ever seen, Below is from start to finish; a piece of art.
Above all, Below is an experience. and in order to enjoy it, you have to be open for it, and let the game give YOU, what it has to offer. It takes an unique spin on the rogueLITE genra, adding in light survival aspects into the mix and, in conjunction with the dark and misterious atmosphere, creates a very singularly immersive experience. But, althought most definitely a hidden gem, it's not for everyone.
The game is punishing by nature, but not unfair. everything can be dealt with, found and crafted with just a bit of creativity and/or curiosity. it's mechanics are very simplistic but able to fulfill it's purposes, having just few crafting recepies that can be easily made by mixing items together. combat and enemies are non-complex but still engaing, and, although some reviews paint it badly, the survival aspects are just right so not to be an annoyance while also to making you engage with your surroundings and manage your own resources.
This is one of those games where the less you know, the better your experience will be. this is not a game about an already stablished character, nor is a game about dying and going back to fight. it's a game about the journey of each wonderer that takes their last steps on an island that they will most likely not be able to leave. This game is about discovery, suspence and exploration.
Below quickly became one of my favorite indie game i've ever had the pleasure of playing. it made me anxious, nervous, shocked, and most importantly, deeply immersed in it's gorgeously crafted world. If you are able to get into it with the right mind while being open to what the game is trying to give you, it is worth every second of it. ✿

Great game, It goes hard with the punishment but it has an "explore mode" if that's your thing.

Really solid chill game with engaging mechanics, but the victory condition at the end of the game reveals that throughout the game you've been expected to be taking part in a hidden collectathon so tedious that I can't recommend trying to actually beat the game.
Play it to vibe out and explore a really well crafted dungeon crawl with fun combat and look up a guide before you start if you want to have the game tell you you won.

Interesting roguelike that doesn't hold your hand and shows rather than tells an interesting world.

Incredible.
Make sure to play on explore mode.