Subnautica: Below Zero. Obscure games you might have missed in Q1&2 2021

What is Subnautica: Below Zero about?

In Subnautica, released in 2018, we explored underwater depths, occasionally venturing out onto tropical lands. A standalone add-on subtitled Below Zero takes us to a much colder climate, introducing another environmental hazard. The survival mechanics were expanded by the need to keep warm and build vehicles capable of navigating snow and ice. The classic resource exploration and crafting is varied by a narrative layer, and the whole thing looks and sounds just great.

What are they praising Subnautica: Below Zero for?

Subnautica: Below Zero is a solid expansion, which, building on the foundations of the original, provides another portion of fun in the same style. However, there was no shortage of just the right amount of freshness. Many elements have been improved, more attention has been paid to the story, creating a truly addictive game. For fans of the original, it's a must-have. For everyone else, it will be a good reason to finally dive into the underwater world of Subnautica.

1. Subnautica: Below Zero in our encyclopedia

Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & the Secret Fairy

What is Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & the Secret Fairy about?

It's a Japanese RPG, distinguished by... alchemy. We spend a lot of time collecting ingredients, studying recipes and weighing potions. Various mini-games add variety to the complex recipes. But alchemy is only the beginning of the attractions, because the game does not lack fights, world exploration, quests and team development. The action takes place after the events of the first installment. As the titular Ryza, we travel to the kingdom of Ashra-am Baird to uncover the mystery of the suburban ruins.

What do they praise Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & the Secret Fairy for?

There's no denying that Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & the Secret Fairy is a proposition mainly for jRPG fans. Reviewers point out the gorgeous, living world that encourages exploration, diverse locations and engaging, real-time clashes. Surprisingly, however, the alchemy itself and the preparation of potions is somewhat disappointing.

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Persona 5 Strikers

What is Persona 5 Strikers about?

It's a spin-off of the fifth part of the incredibly popular series Persona, being a kind of prequel and showing the events taking place half a year before the beginning of the story from the "fifth." Strange events in Japan force the main character, the Joker, to abandon his holiday plans and find out what's really going on. The members of an unusual team of phantom thieves also spring into action. Together with the characters, we visit Tokyo and Sapporo, among others.

What do they praise Persona 5 Strikers for?

The spin-off ditches the turn-based combat system in favor of dynamic real-time battles, which fans of the series always loved. The combination of reflexes, chaos and tactics proved to be an interesting diversification, and well executed, too. In terms of gameplay, Strikers is more reminiscent of a Dynasty Warriors-style slasher, which shouldn't come as a surprise since it's the same studio that developed this Persona spin-off. Combine this with a distinctive graphical style, a good soundtrack and an engaging storyline, and the result is one of the best jRPGs you can play today.

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The Darkside Detective: A Fumble in the Dark

What is The Darkside Detective: A Fumble in the Dark about?

It's the second part of The Darkside Detective game, in which we play the role of Francis McQueen. Instead of catching criminals, our hero deals with supernatural phenomena, making sure the ordinary residents of a provincial town somewhere in the USA can live there safely. This time, the detective must save his assistant and solve several criminal cases involving odd happenings. Instead of seriousness straight from the X-Files, we have a lot of humor and a very relaxed approach to the subject.

What are they praising The Darkside Detective: A Fumble in the Dark for?

A pixelart adventure game doesn't look very original anymore, but what makes The Darkside Detective: A Fumble in the Dark stand out is great humor that guarantees many a laugh. The authors mix absurdity with auto-irony – the well-written dialogues are arguably the mainstay. The only downside to the sequel is the somewhat disappointing length of the game.

1. More about The Darkside Detective: A Fumble in the Dark