Developer: Failbetter Games

Sunless Sea (2015)

by Ji-yeong
written by Ji-yeong 6 minutes read

Summary

Sunless Sea: A Lovecraftian Odyssey Beneath the Waves

In the year 2015, Failbetter Games released Sunless Sea, a haunting and atmospheric role-playing game that takes players on a perilous journey through a vast, subterranean ocean. Set in the same Victorian-inspired universe as the critically acclaimed Fallen London, Sunless Sea immerses players in a world of darkness, mystery, and madness.

A Sea of Darkness

Sunless Sea is set in an underwater world known as the Unterzee, a vast and uncharted expanse that lies beneath the surface of the Earth. The Unterzee is a dark and dangerous place, inhabited by strange and terrifying creatures, from giant squid and anglerfish to Lovecraftian horrors that defy description.

Players take on the role of the captain of a steamship, tasked with exploring the Unterzee and uncovering its secrets. As they sail through the murky depths, they will encounter a variety of challenges, from storms and pirates to mechanical failures and madness-inducing encounters.

Ship Management and Survival

One of the key aspects of Sunless Sea is ship management. Players must carefully manage their ship’s fuel, food, and supplies, as well as repair damage and keep the crew happy. Failure to do so can lead to disastrous consequences, such as running out of fuel in the middle of the ocean or succumbing to scurvy.

In addition to managing their ship, players must also keep an eye on their crew’s morale. The crew can become unhappy if they are overworked, underfed, or exposed to too much madness. Unhappy crew members may mutiny or even sabotage the ship, so it is important to keep them satisfied.

Lovecraftian Horrors

Sunless Sea is heavily influenced by the works of H.P. Lovecraft, and the game’s atmosphere is one of constant dread and paranoia. Players will constantly be on edge, never knowing what horrors may be lurking in the depths.

The Unterzee is home to a variety of Lovecraftian creatures, from giant squid and anglerfish to more abstract and terrifying beings. These creatures can be deadly, so players must be prepared to fight them off or flee for their lives.

Exploration and Discovery

Sunless Sea is a game of exploration and discovery. Players will sail across the vast Unterzee, visiting strange and wonderful ports-of-call. Each port has its own unique atmosphere and inhabitants, and players will be able to trade, recruit crew members, and learn new lore.

As players explore the Unterzee, they will also uncover its many secrets. They will learn about the history of the fallen city of London, the nature of the Lovecraftian horrors, and the ultimate fate of the Unterzee itself.

A Haunting and Atmospheric Masterpiece

Sunless Sea is a haunting and atmospheric masterpiece that will stay with players long after they finish playing. The game’s unique setting, challenging gameplay, and Lovecraftian horrors create an unforgettable experience that is both terrifying and exhilarating.

If you are a fan of role-playing games, exploration games, or Lovecraftian horror, then Sunless Sea is a must-play. It is a game that will challenge you, scare you, and stay with you long after you finish playing.

Tips for Playing Sunless Sea

  • Manage your supplies carefully. Fuel, food, and supplies are essential for survival in the Unterzee. Make sure to stock up on supplies before setting out on a long journey, and be careful not to waste them.
  • Keep your crew happy. Unhappy crew members can mutiny or even sabotage your ship. Make sure to keep them well-fed, rested, and entertained.
  • Be prepared for combat. The Unterzee is a dangerous place, and you will need to be prepared to fight off pirates, monsters, and other threats. Make sure your ship is well-armed and your crew is trained for combat.
  • Explore the Unterzee thoroughly. There are many hidden secrets to discover in the Unterzee. Be sure to explore every nook and cranny, and talk to everyone you meet.
  • Don’t be afraid to fail. Sunless Sea is a challenging game, and you will likely die many times before you finally succeed. Don’t be discouraged by failure, and learn from your mistakes.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

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Fallen London (2009)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Fallen London: A Gothic Masterpiece of Choice and Consequence

Introduction

Fallen London is a browser-based choose-your-own-adventure game that has captivated players since its release in 2009. Set in an alternative Victorian London with gothic overtones, the game invites players to explore a dark and mysterious world filled with intriguing characters, challenging choices, and dire consequences.

A Unique and Immersive Setting

Fallen London is not your typical Victorian setting. It is a world where the sun has been replaced by a baleful green star, where the streets are shrouded in fog, and where the supernatural lurks just beneath the surface. Players take on the role of a down-on-their-luck individual who has recently arrived in this strange and dangerous city. From the moment they step off the train, they are plunged into a world of intrigue, mystery, and moral ambiguity.

A Choose-Your-Own-Adventure with Depth

As a choose-your-own-adventure game, Fallen London gives players the freedom to shape their own story. Every choice, no matter how small, has the potential to lead down a different path, with far-reaching consequences. Players must carefully consider their options, weighing the potential risks and rewards before making a decision.

The game’s writing is superb, with a rich cast of characters and a complex, branching narrative. Players will encounter a wide range of individuals, from street urchins to aristocrats, from mad scientists to ancient gods. Each character has their own unique motivations and secrets, and players must learn to navigate these relationships carefully in order to survive and achieve their goals.

Exploration and Discovery

Fallen London is a vast and sprawling city, with countless secrets to discover. Players can explore different neighborhoods, each with its own unique atmosphere and cast of characters. They can visit the bustling markets of the Docks, the shadowy alleys of Veilgarden, or the enigmatic labyrinth of the Unterzee.

Along the way, players will encounter a variety of challenges and opportunities. They may be asked to solve puzzles, make moral choices, or engage in thrilling duels. Every action has the potential to shape their character’s development and open up new possibilities.

A Game of Consequence

One of the most striking things about Fallen London is its emphasis on consequence. Every choice players make has the potential to ripple through the game world, affecting their relationships, their reputation, and even their sanity. There are no easy answers in Fallen London, and players must be prepared to face the consequences of their actions.

This focus on consequence creates a sense of tension and suspense that is unlike anything else in the choose-your-own-adventure genre. Players must carefully consider their options and be willing to accept the consequences of their choices.

A Masterpiece of Gothic Storytelling

Fallen London is a masterpiece of gothic storytelling. It is a game that is both dark and beautiful, mysterious and alluring. It is a game that will stay with players long after they have finished playing.

If you are a fan of choose-your-own-adventure games, gothic literature, or simply great storytelling, then Fallen London is a must-play. It is a game that will challenge you, intrigue you, and ultimately leave you wanting more.

Conclusion

Fallen London is a unique and unforgettable experience. It is a game that is both immersive and challenging, with a rich and complex narrative that will keep players hooked for hours on end. If you are looking for a game that will truly transport you to another world, then Fallen London is the game for you.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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