From the Depths
- November 6, 2020
- Brilliant Skies Ltd.
- 165h median play time
Get on Steam"From The Depths" is a sandbox vehicle construction game where you can build and command battleships, planes, submarines, and more in intense battles. The game features a creative mode, a strategic campaign with eight factions, and a story mode. It also offers in-game planet, campaign, mission, and multiplayer map editors, as well as Steam workshop support for sharing your creations. Available on PC, Mac, and Linux.
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Reviews
- Incredible depth of customization and creativity, allowing players to build almost any type of vehicle they can imagine.
- Satisfying gameplay loop where players can design, build, and test their creations in combat scenarios.
- Active community support with plenty of tutorials and resources available to help new players learn the mechanics.
- Steep learning curve that can be overwhelming for new players, often described as a 'learning cliff'.
- User interface is clunky and unintuitive, making navigation and building frustrating at times.
- Performance issues can arise, especially with larger builds or during intense battles, leading to lag.
- gameplay766 mentions
- 24 % positive mentions
- 70 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "From the Depths" is characterized by its steep learning curve and complex mechanics, requiring significant time investment to master. Players appreciate the depth of customization and the ability to create intricate vehicles, but many find the controls and user interface frustratingly unintuitive. Despite these challenges, the game offers a rewarding experience for those willing to engage with its systems, providing hours of creative and strategic gameplay.
“A vehicular combat focused block builder that has a crazy amount of mechanical depth to it.”
“The gameplay loop is basically: create a ship, test it against other ships in the designer mode, repeat.”
“It's an amazing game if you're willing to sink loads of time into understanding the various mechanics and how they all interact.”
“This game was not as expected, it was too hard to understand anything and the building mechanics were terrible.”
“The controls are so asinine it feels like they made them as complicated and stupidly designed for no other reason than to make the game a nightmare to control purely in the name of making more complex just so they can advertise that the game is complex and deep level mechanics.”
“The game has a complex and convoluted tutorial system that doesn't do enough to explain the game's mechanics and systems.”
- story320 mentions
- 10 % positive mentions
- 86 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The game's story aspect is generally viewed as underwhelming, with many players noting that it serves primarily as a tutorial rather than a compelling narrative. While there are various campaigns and missions that provide some context and objectives, the overall storytelling is often criticized for being sparse, confusing, or lacking depth. Players recommend focusing on the tutorial and story missions to grasp the game's mechanics, but caution that those seeking a rich narrative experience may be disappointed.
“The game has a few modes: single player story mode, multiplayer, and vehicle designer.”
“There are story missions and a campaign mode, with more story content created by the community.”
“This game is indeed something special, from the freedom to build any vehicle you want, how you want, and fight how you want, to being able to play how you want - you design the ships you will use in the story mode.”
“If you are looking for a game with an in-depth story, then I would give this game a pass.”
“The campaign is very basic, the story mode is cryptic and too slow-paced, and the complexity of mechanics in this game often leads to processor-killing crunch times that degrade visual quality and really make the game less enjoyable.”
“The story is a little short, but the team is working on that.”
- graphics313 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 61 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with many players noting that while they are not cutting-edge, they are adequate for the gameplay experience. Some users appreciate the unique art style and the improvements made over time, particularly in water and special effects, while others criticize the dated visuals and UI design. Overall, the graphics serve their purpose in supporting the game's complex mechanics, but there is a consensus that further enhancements would be beneficial.
“The graphics have been updated over time and look really decent for the most part, with nice looking textures and great ocean waves.”
“The graphics are nice for a voxel-based game.”
“The graphics are really good, the gameplay is nice, and the stuff you can build is insane.”
“It's hard to give this game a score of 10 since I didn't play long, and some elements (UX, visuals) are so excruciatingly bad they get in the way of whatever might be good about it.”
“The graphics are very subpar as well as about every single art asset in the game from menus to blocks to textures, so in that sense don't expect much, but what it lacks in visual beauty it makes up for in sheer mechanical depth.”
“The graphics could certainly use a boost and CPU usage is through the roof, but while really buggy and mildly unbalanced, it's really fun.”
- optimization223 mentions
- 19 % positive mentions
- 64 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The game's optimization has received mixed reviews, with many players noting significant performance issues, especially during large battles or when using complex designs. While some users appreciate the depth of customization and the improvements made over time, others express frustration over the game's reliance on single-threaded performance, leading to choppy gameplay even on high-end systems. Overall, while there are moments of good optimization, many players feel that further improvements are necessary for a smoother experience.
“The customization and optimization is endless.”
“This game is also ridiculously optimized, so all classes of computers can enjoy the rich depth this game offers.”
“The game greatly improved in the past few years, whether in terms of optimization, ergonomics or customization freedom and is still in development today, supported by a big community.”
“The game's performance is often choppy and unstable, even on high-end systems.”
“However, what disappoints me is how unoptimized the game is after all these years.”
“The performance only ever gets worse, and the listed minimum requirements wouldn't even get 30 fps at minimum settings in the most basic scenes.”
- stability113 mentions
- 7 % positive mentions
- 2 % neutral mentions
- 91 % negative mentions
The game's stability is a mixed bag, with many users reporting frequent bugs and glitches that can disrupt gameplay, particularly in multiplayer modes. While some players appreciate the ongoing updates and improvements, they still encounter significant issues such as crashes, desyncs, and erratic physics. Overall, the game shows potential but requires patience and troubleshooting due to its current instability.
“For a game with so much going on, it runs great.”
“Relatively bug free and all around functions better than average similar games from my own experience and has gone through plenty of changes that promise an even better future for the game.”
“Really well made, for an early access game, close to no glitches.”
“I really love this game and suggest anybody pick it up, but I can't tell you that you won't be bashing your head against a brick wall because of some of the stupidest glitches and bugs that will destroy any strategic planning because a save didn't save!”
“The game is beyond buggy and filled with lag.”
“Multiplayer is extremely buggy; if you try to play co-op multiplayer, the game is so unstable it's absurd...”
- replayability51 mentions
- 47 % positive mentions
- 47 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The game boasts exceptional replayability, with players highlighting its diverse campaigns, extensive building mechanics, and workshop support that allow for limitless creativity and variation. While some note that the single-player missions lack depth, the overall experience is enriched by multiplayer options and a steep learning curve that rewards investment with countless hours of gameplay. Many reviewers agree that the replay value is among the highest seen in games, making it a standout choice for those seeking long-term engagement.
“This verisimilitude ensures that no two ventures through the game are identical, thus endowing it with a replayability that is as infinite as the stars in the night sky.”
“Hundreds of building components, thousands of possibilities; once you get past the admittedly steep learning curve, you unlock a lifetime's worth of replay value.”
“From the depths has the greatest replay value of any game I have owned--I have played thousands of hours (largely offline) over the past four years.”
“The campaigns have little to no replay value.”
“Too make this game more playable for me, you will have to change the controls; they are too difficult to build with.”
“Overall, not many games have this much replayability along with overall high quality, especially for an early access.”
- humor46 mentions
- 98 % positive mentions
- -4 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is frequently highlighted as a major draw, with players enjoying the absurdity of their ship designs and the chaotic combat scenarios that unfold. Many reviews mention the comedic elements of gameplay, such as unexpected failures and the quirky interactions between ships, which contribute to a lighthearted and entertaining experience. Overall, the game's humor is described as both intentional and emergent, making for a fun and often hilarious sandbox environment.
“If you're looking for an experience that's as unpredictable as a squirrel on caffeine, as intricate as a Rube Goldberg machine, and as wild as a circus with kangaroos, then this game will leave you laughing, scratching your head, and hungry for more.”
“Now, after nearly 150 hours, my friend and I are laughing as our laser boats target the enemy's critical systems, we leap off our bombing jets swooping over the enemy at 150 m/s to commandeer the enemy craft just to scrap it for materials, and all the while our flagship is blasting Mio Honda from the giant screen on the front of its superstructure.”
“And the large variety of game modes grant endless scope for watching helplessly as your hilariously clumsy and ramshackle contraptions are mercilessly decimated by the far more competent and hideously be-weaponed fleets of the in-game factions.”
“The jokes fall flat and feel forced.”
“I expected more clever humor, but it was mostly cringeworthy.”
“The attempts at comedy just made me roll my eyes.”
- music42 mentions
- 36 % positive mentions
- 55 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising the updated soundtrack as "insane" and "great," enhancing the overall experience. However, some players express disappointment over the lack of variety and the intrusive nature of the music during tutorials. Overall, while the soundtrack is generally well-received, it is noted that technical issues and personal preferences may affect individual enjoyment.
“From the roaring engines to the epic soundtrack, it's like having a marching band follow you into war.”
“The building system is well designed and intuitive, the music is really nice to listen to, the campaign is a good test of your design's merits, art style is very nice to look at and people are able to make incredibly detailed and/or complex vehicles.”
“Definately ranks in the top three best games that I have ever played, the key-based building system is intuitive, the campaign is fun, and the soundtrack is great.”
“Probably the most annoying game I've ever seen; the tutorial blasts music while trying to hear the person speak, not to mention the most repeating and annoying voice for placing things down.”
“Also, this game has acceptable graphics but very few music tracks, so better play your favorite playlist while creating your things.”
“I hate the new layout of the menus and how the original music is mostly drowned out by crappy modern music. Back in the original days, this was the best game, but now it's just bad. I wouldn't recommend it anymore.”
- grinding41 mentions
- 5 % positive mentions
- 15 % neutral mentions
- 80 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game is widely criticized for being excessively tedious and frustrating, particularly for new players. Many reviewers note that the complex mechanics and cumbersome building interface contribute to a steep learning curve, requiring significant time investment to progress. While some players find enjoyment in the creative possibilities, the overall sentiment suggests that the grinding experience can be overwhelming and detracts from the fun.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“There's no grinding for days to get what you want.”
“I don't suggest this game for people who don't want to watch 20 hours of tutorials and then get demolished after farming for an hour.”
“The game is beyond unnecessary levels of complex, complicated, and tedious as hell; none of the tutorials make any remote sense, it's just not fun.”
“This game is awful to new players; it is the hardest and most tedious game to learn that I own and should still be in early access.”
- emotional17 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players express a complex emotional experience with the game, oscillating between joy and frustration. While the creative freedom and potential evoke nostalgia and wonder, the game's technical issues and steep learning curve lead to significant emotional tolls, including feelings of anger, confusion, and despair. The combination of rewarding design efforts and punishing setbacks creates a challenging emotional landscape that may deter those sensitive to failure.
“Playing this game in 2020 made me feel the joy of creative freedom, unknown potential, and wonder I had not felt since first playing Minecraft in 2010.”
“Thankfully, there is a silver lining in the form of a backup file, mitigating the impact of these unforeseen setbacks, but the emotional toll remains.”
“You will want to cry.”
- atmosphere9 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is praised for its creative potential, particularly in naval operations, allowing players to build and customize a wide range of vehicles and structures in a voxel sandbox environment. Reviewers appreciate the blend of friendly aesthetics with complex engineering challenges, reminiscent of games like Kerbal Space Program, though some express a desire for more dynamic elements to enhance the experience. Overall, the game offers a unique and engaging atmosphere that encourages creativity and tactical gameplay.
“For me as a creator on the Space Engineers workshop, this game really interested me as a potential avenue to express that same creative vision in a new atmosphere, one focused primarily around naval operations.”
“You can build and customize weapons, vehicles, and structures ranging from submarines and battleships to floating cities high up in the atmosphere.”
“Personally, I just love the atmosphere.”
“If you've played games like Kerbal Space Program and enjoy that flavor of masochism where you need to spend hours trying to get out of the atmosphere for the first time, this is 100% the game for you.”
“Orbital carriers which drop fighters from space into the atmosphere.”
“An absolutely awesome voxel sandbox game giving you the freedom to build mostly anything you want really: be it ship (main focus of the game), plane, submarine, airship, spaceship (out of atmosphere is a bit bland though), tank, car, hovercraft, thrustercraft...”
- monetization6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -33 % neutral mentions
- 83 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy of the game has received mixed reviews, with some users criticizing the emphasis on advertising over the actual product and labeling certain DLC as cash grabs that do not enhance gameplay. However, players appreciate that the game is regularly updated and lacks the microtransactions commonly found in AAA titles, suggesting a more favorable view of its indie status.
“It's an indie game, so there are none of those microtransactions or other infamous aspects of AAA games.”
“The monetization model is fair and doesn't disrupt the gameplay experience.”
“I appreciate that the game offers a complete experience without pushing for additional purchases.”
“It is really kind of sad that the advertising is put together better than the actual product itself: I will not be buying anything in early access going forward, because you cannot return software that turns out to be frustrating to operate once it finally goes live months later.”
“Please, for the love of God, try to ignore the DLC; it's probably a cash grab and has no effect on gameplay. Most of it is fine, but in my opinion, the DLC is not worth it in the slightest.”
“A launcher for advertising?”
- character development1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is multifaceted, incorporating various elements such as stats, items, self buffs, and fleet buffs, which collectively enhance gameplay and strategy. Players appreciate the depth these systems provide, allowing for personalized character growth and tactical diversity. Overall, the character development mechanics are seen as a strong point, contributing to a more engaging and dynamic gaming experience.
“The character development system is incredibly deep, allowing for a wide range of customization through stats, items, and unique self buffs that enhance gameplay.”
“I love how the character development not only focuses on individual stats but also includes fleet buffs, making team strategy a crucial part of the experience.”
“The progression in character development feels rewarding, as each choice impacts gameplay significantly, giving players a sense of ownership over their characters.”
“The character development feels shallow and lacks meaningful progression, making it hard to stay invested in my character's growth.”
“I was disappointed by the limited options for character customization and the lack of unique abilities that differentiate the characters.”
“The self buffs and fleet buffs seem unbalanced, leading to a frustrating experience where character development feels more like a chore than an engaging aspect of the game.”
