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Subterrain

Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2016

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Quick resume

Uncompromising Sci-Fi survival on Mars! Manage the entire colony single-handed! Craft, Research, Explore and Fight against evolving mutants. Vast open world and randomly generated levels to explore! Can you survive long enough to escape the horror?

Global score

76/100

Genres

Indie, Role-playing (RPG), Simulator, Shooter, Strategy, Adventure

Pros

  • Deep survival mechanics
  • Immersive atmosphere
  • Complex crafting and research
  • Active developer support
  • Long gameplay sessions

Cons

  • Repetitive environments
  • Limited weapon variety
  • Some grind and slow progression
  • Lack of multiplayer or social features
  • Minor bugs and ui quirks

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players have freedom to choose exploration order, research priorities, and crafting strategies, though some linear progression exists."

  • Competence
    3

    "Requires skillful resource management, combat tactics, and strategic planning to survive and progress."

  • Competition
    -4

    "Single-player focused with no competitive or ranked modes; emphasis on personal survival and progression."

  • Continuation
    3

    "Players report long play sessions and repeated returns despite grind and difficulty."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Entirely single-player experience with no multiplayer or cooperative elements."

  • Creativity
    2

    "Crafting and research systems allow some customization and upgrading of equipment, but limited weapon variety and linear upgrades."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No social dominance or power over others; solo survival focus."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Strong immersion in tense survival horror setting provides escape from reality."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of interest and enjoyment, not obligation."

  • Experimenting
    2

    "Players experiment with crafting, research, and exploration, though progression is somewhat linear."

  • Exploration
    3

    "Exploration of multiple procedurally generated but visually similar areas with resource scavenging."

  • Expression
    -2

    "Limited character customization; some weapon modification but mostly standardized presentation."

  • Fantasy
    3

    "Sci-fi horror setting with mutants and fictional infection, providing imaginative fiction experience."

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "No community or social group play; solitary experience."

  • Growth
    4

    "Players learn game mechanics, manage resources, and improve equipment through research and crafting."

  • Health
    -3

    "Sedentary gameplay with some stress and tension; no physical activity involved."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires constant attention to multiple survival and combat systems; not suitable for idle play."

  • Intimacy
    -5

    "No social or emotional relationships; isolated gameplay."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership roles; player acts independently."

  • Progression
    3

    "Progression through research, crafting, and upgrading equipment and base facilities."

  • Relaxation
    -3

    "Gameplay is tense and stressful, with constant threats and resource management pressure."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Atmospheric lighting, sound design, and suspense provide sensory stimulation and emotional engagement."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social recognition or status systems; individual focus."

  • Story
    3

    "Narrative delivered through logs and environmental storytelling; some players find it engaging."

  • Strategy
    4

    "Requires planning resource use, exploration routes, combat tactics, and base management."

  • Thrill
    4

    "Tense atmosphere, threat of infection, and survival challenges create suspense and thrill."

  • Value
    4

    "Players report high value for price with many hours of gameplay and active developer support."

  • Violence
    4

    "Combat against mutants is central, with use of firearms and melee weapons."

  • Survival
    5

    "Core gameplay revolves around managing survival needs, infection, and resource scarcity."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026