The latest entry in the 20-year-old Aquanox saga, Aquanox Deep Descent, is out today on Steam for $29.99. Until October 24, the title gets a special release week discount of 10%, dropping it to $26.99. THQ Nordic is also selling the physical Limited Edition through Amazon for $39.99, bundling the game with a collectible soft-touch box, original soundtrack, and double-sided poster.
Aquanox Deep Descent is an underwater vehicle shooter set in the near future. In this world, 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. As a team of highly trained submarine “fighter pilots”, you’re thrust into a war for resources and dominance between various factions in the loose network of underwater settlements.
Aquanox Deep Descent doesn’t just feature intense underwater, high-tech sub combat. There are also RPG elements, allowing you to explore, mine, salvage, trade, and loot for materials in the deep abyss. You can even create and personalize your sub-aquatic ship with an extensive range of ship pieces and various visual options. Start your adventure solo or invite up to three friends for some jolly cooperation. If PvP dogfights are more your thing, Aquanox Deep Descent includes classic multiplayer modes such as deathmatch and team deathmatch as well.
I think a vehicular combat game set underwater is an interesting gimmick. Looking at the gameplay though, it lacks a bit of “oomph” in the presentation. The explosions and boom look like they’re happening in the air. That’s similar to something you see in Ace Combat, War Thunder, and other flight games, instead of, you know, what you expect in a game about submarine combat. Proper underwater explosion effects like a shock wave that affects ship controls would’ve added more novelty and definitely make this game stand out more in the market. That’s just my two cents though. What do you think of Aquanox Deep Descent? Tell me in the comments below.