A Waterworld Inspired Adventure That’s Worth Diving Into
(169.7 Hours Played)
As someone who’s always had a soft spot for Waterworld (yes, that Kevin Costner classic about a post apocalyptic world flooded beyond recognition) Sunkenland had me intrigued the moment I heard about it. Currently still in early access, this game has some rough edges but offers a unique and surprisingly immersive survival experience set in a waterlogged world.
In Sunkenland, you find yourself in a vast, flooded landscape with only the remnants of civilization to guide you. The game’s visuals immediately remind you of Waterworld, with crumbling cities and floating islands all covered in water. But where Waterworld failed at the box office, Sunkenland shines in its gameplay and mechanics.
The core of the game is survival. You gather resources, build your base, and fend off the hostile enemies and possibly other players lurking in the depths. The crafting system is okay, with a variety of tools, weapons, boats, and structures to create.
But it’s not all smooth sailing. Being in early access, Sunkenland can feel a little rough at times. There are some bugs here and there, like when bullets stop working for both you and your enemies. The AI could also use a bit of polish, their either dead aim snipers or completely clueless idiots who just stand around. However, if you’re a fan of survival games and Waterworld (or just enjoy post apocalyptic settings), it’s easy to overlook these issues.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of Sunkenland is the sense of discovery. There are quite a few island and wrecks for you to explore, from abandoned fishing villages to hidden underwater caves. The game’s world is decent sized with a few hidden locations. Though it would benefit from additional locations in future updates. I would also like to see more aquatic enemy types in the future than just sharks and hammerheads.
Ultimately, if you’re looking for a game that scratches that Waterworld itch and offers a deep survival experience, SunkenLand is definitely worth checking out. It may not be perfect yet, but it’s a game with a lot of potential. I’m excited to see how it evolves in the coming updates. Especially after hearing from the developers that there’s talk about adding enemy boats and boat mounted weapons at some point soon.
If you’re like me and you’ve always wished for a game that lets you live out your Waterworld fantasy (minus the smoking, of course), Sunkenland is the next best thing. Just be ready for a long and salty journey.
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