Video Game Review - Barotrauma

What lurks in the deep?

Being in early access for the past four years has been kind to submarine survival game, Barotrauma. Not only have the development teams over at FakeFish and Undertow Games managed to refine their title, they’ve also gained a loyal and dedicated fan base along the way. This fan base has also worked in favour of making Barotrauma the title that it is today. Across a multitude of error reporting, suggestions, and other feedback, the developers have listened to their players needs and adjusted things accordingly. So, to say that Barotruma owes a lot to its fans rings quite true.  

With Barotrauma now leaving its early access harbour, it’s time for me to venture into those alien seas. But, do I sink or swim? 

Considering that the game bills itself as a raw survival experience, there is quite a narrative arc churning away in the background. Set in the future, Barotrauma tells the story of humanity’s colonisation efforts within our local solar system. Centred around humanities efforts on Europa, we’re tasked with finding out what happened to the previous colonists who simply disappeared within the Moons dark and mysterious depths. Now, under the ice you’ll have to rely on your own whits and crew mates to not only bring success to the Europa mission - but also make it back alive! 

In terms of atmosphere, Barotrauma does an incredible job at constantly making you feel uncomfortable. It’s somewhat claustrophobic nature not only highlights the alien world that your exploring, but also managed to ramp the pressure, and foreboding feeling. This feeling of hopelessness is further expanded with your submarine being a dimly lit coffin rather than a high-tec submersible. As such you’ll be navigating it’s cramped interior by flashlight, which then casts brooding shadows onto every wall and console. Who said exploration would be fun? 

With this horror atmosphere in mind, Barotrauma is a blast. While the game can be played as a solo player, it’s been built with multiplayer in mind - which also makes the game infinitely more enjoyable. When you begin your voyage each player is assigned a specific role that they’ll have to adhere to if you plan to succeed. Taking the role of Captain, Medical Officer, Assistant, Security Officer, Engineer, and Mechanic, you’ll each be given a unique specialisation and a role to play. For example the Captain is the player who gets to issue orders and navigate the submarine, while the Security Officer handles weapons. For those looking for a somewhat more easier ride, I’d recommend starting with the Assistant. While this class doesn’t have a single specialty, it does allow you to assist everyone else. Personally I found this a great way to learn the ropes, even if it did mean at times I had to wing it. 

As mentioned above, the game can be played in single player with the AI automating some of the subs systems. Even though it’s still a great game, it’s easy to see that the whole experience is tailored around the chaotic water-cooler moments afforded in multiplayer sessions. 

At no point are you ever safe, and even during the games “dull” moments things can get hectic very quickly. Aside from uncovering the narrative mystery, the Europa Oceans are packed with nightmare creatures that’ll make H.P. Lovecraft blush. And of course they’re hungry for your crews blood. These horrors are all brought to life with the games retro-futuristic art style.  It’s a dimly lit world and wether your within the confines of your submarine, or skulking around the destroyed research stations you never feel truly alone. The games ascetic really reminded me of the sci-fi horror film Event Horizon in invoking claustrophobic and paranoia all within its brutalist industrial design. 

As you’ve probably guessed by now, Barotrauma has quite a steep difficulty curve. You will die - and will probably die a lot, yet it never becomes a chore to try again. While this can put off those players looking for a more casual experience, if you stick with it you’re rewarded with a game that goes to great “depths” in capturing you with its atmosphere and narrative. 

Overall, I had more fun than I initially expected with Barotrauma. It’s a well balanced nautical nightmare that’s perfect to play with a group of friends. While I can’t guarantee that you’ll still be friends after your voyage to the ocean depths, you’ll be glad of the challenge given. With this strong commitment to cooperation, mixed in with thalassophobia inducing horror, and some truly unique design elements, all comes together to make Barotrauma a very tough game to put down. 

Rating: 9/10

A code was kindly provided for this review.

Barotrauma is available now and can be purchased on Steam for PC. 

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Rob Lake - For more comic book and video game chat why not follow us on Twitter/Facebook @GeekCultureRev, and TikTok/YouTube @Geekculturereviews.