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Beneath The Surface

PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2018

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Quick resume

A relaxing hiatus from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Sit in a remote corner of the world, drop a line, and see what bites.

Global score

95/100

Genres

Sport, Strategy, Indie, Adventure

Pros

  • Free to play
  • Relaxing and calming gameplay
  • Short and accessible
  • Interesting and humorous fish/items
  • Intriguing narrative connections to the hex

Cons

  • Very short gameplay
  • Repetitive and shallow mechanics
  • Bugged fish counter
  • No save or quit option in-game
  • Some players report suspicious files or malware concerns

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    2

    "Players have some control over fishing actions and upgrades, but gameplay is largely repetitive and guided."

  • Competence
    1

    "Simple skill-based timing in fishing, but overall gameplay is shallow and repetitive."

  • Competition
    -5

    "No evidence of competitive elements; focus is on solo, casual play."

  • Continuation
    1

    "Short game (~30-60 minutes) with some players enjoying replay or exploration of secrets."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Entirely single-player with no cooperative features."

  • Creativity
    1

    "Limited creativity in gameplay; some novelty in discovering unusual fish and items."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No social dominance or power over others; solo experience."

  • Escapism
    3

    "Players use the game as a relaxing, stress-relieving experience and distraction."

  • Expectation
    -3

    "Players engage voluntarily for fun and relaxation, not out of obligation."

  • Experimenting
    2

    "Some exploration of game secrets and item discovery beyond basic fishing."

  • Exploration
    2

    "Players explore deeper fishing depths and uncover hidden lore and unusual catches."

  • Expression
    -3

    "Minimal customization or self-expression; mostly fixed visuals and gameplay."

  • Fantasy
    2

    "Contains whimsical and surreal fish and items, with some narrative mystery."

  • Fellowship
    -4

    "No multiplayer or community features; primarily solo play."

  • Growth
    2

    "Players improve fishing gear and progress through upgrades."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity."

  • Idle
    4

    "Idle/clicker style gameplay designed for casual, intermittent play."

  • Intimacy
    -5

    "No social or emotional relationship building."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management elements."

  • Progression
    3

    "Progression through upgrades and reaching deeper fishing levels."

  • Relaxation
    4

    "Game praised for being calming, soothing, and stress-relieving."

  • Sensation
    1

    "Pleasant visuals and sounds, though some find audio repetitive or harsh."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social recognition or status systems."

  • Story
    2

    "Subtle narrative and lore connections, especially linked to another game (The Hex)."

  • Strategy
    -2

    "Minimal strategic depth; mostly timing and simple upgrade choices."

  • Thrill
    -3

    "Low risk and suspense; mostly predictable and relaxing gameplay."

  • Value
    4

    "Free game with positive player sentiment about value for short playtime."

  • Violence
    -5

    "No violence; peaceful fishing and exploration."

  • Survival
    -5

    "No survival or threat mechanics; stable and safe environment."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026