The world of video games is always looking for fresh combinations. A new title called Sub-Species attempts to mix the excitement of old-school arcade shooting with the tension of underwater horror. Developed by a team with the memorable name Howling Hamster Entertainment, this 2.5D action adventure game takes players beneath the waves. The big question is whether this Irish developer can create a memorable experience that stands out in a crowded market.

After spending time with the demo released today, it seems the developer might be onto something special. The game places you in a sci-fi shooter where you must descend deeper and deeper into the ocean. You are hunting for the lair of a monstrous alien race. For anyone who suffers from thassalaphobia, the fear of the ocean, this game might cause some anxious moments. The dark, crushing depths are not a friendly place.

The creators describe their game as a blend of Subnautica and Space Invaders. This comparison is fairly accurate, though the gameplay feels closer to modern shooters like Resogun than the ancient arcade classics of the past. The style is fast-paced and requires quick reflexes, but the setting adds a layer of mystery and dread that simple shooters often lack.

In the setting of Sub-Species, a terrible alien outbreak has spread through Earth’s oceans. Humanity has managed to contain the threat for the time being, but it is a fragile victory. While the aliens are trapped in the deep, the world above is beginning to crumble under the pressure of this new crisis.

You, the player, have a specific mission. You are tasked with salvaging lost technology hidden under the sea. However, the ocean is no longer the safe place it once was. The containment zones that humanity built to keep the alien menace down in the depths are exactly where this valuable tech is located. The local wildlife has changed, and the new creatures are not happy about having human neighbors stealing their goods.

To survive, you rely on the defense of your armed submarine. This vessel is your only protection against the horrors of the deep. You can swivel the sub a full 360 degrees to fend off foes coming from all directions. This freedom of movement is essential for survival in the tight, underwater corridors.

Sub-Species: Retro Action and Modern Storytelling

As you traverse the 2.5D ocean depths, your submarine uncovers the unspoken truth of what is happening down there. The environment tells a story all on its own. Abandoned structures, alien-infested containment zones, background wreckage, and labyrinthine cave systems all contribute to the narrative. These visual details add context beyond the initial mission briefing.

Even from the opening tutorial, there is a hint of something wrong on the surface. This context explains why you are brave enough—or perhaps foolish enough—to head into the alien-infested depths. The demo does not give away the entire story, but there are enough grim-looking breadcrumbs to follow. The atmosphere suggests a world in serious trouble.

However, a good story is not enough if the gameplay is lacking. None of the background lore will matter if scouring the deep and blasting alien monsters does not feel good. So far, Sub-Species does enough to satisfy the thirst for arcade shoot ’em up action. The combat is engaging and keeps you on your toes.

There is a slight learning curve with the controls. The free-flowing underwater movement for the submarine can occasionally feel like steering a loaded, wonky shopping cart around a corner. It takes a little getting used to, but the demo does a good job of settling you into its systems. Once you master the movement, the game becomes much more enjoyable.

The sub’s regular movement is good for combat and exploration. However, when you need to pick up equipment, ammo, or upgrades, there is a separate hover mode. Switching between the two modes takes practice. Utilizing the mini-map to size up opportunities, openings, and enemies becomes an essential part of your movement strategy. Reactions do play a part, but anticipation and forward planning ease the burden in the heat of the moment.

Upgrades are a vital part of the experience. They give you better weaponry to tackle the increasingly monstrous alien threat. In classic shmup fashion, the upgrades include bombs, double fire, and other arsenal-boosting beauties. You will also need to find new equipment to access certain areas deeper in the ocean, encouraging exploration.

The early game pacing in this respect is slow, making it manageable as you learn the ropes. It remains to be seen what the later exploration pacing will be like in the full game. By the time the demo ended, I did begin to feel it needed to speed things up a touch. Not by much, but I expect a challenge that matches mastery in the final release.

We are still wading in the shallows of what Sub-Species will be at this point. However, the dark unknown of the future’s depths is a little clearer now after this half-hour, two-level demo. It shows promise as a game that could find depth in its alien-infested seas.

The Sub-Species demo code was provided by the publisher for this preview.

The Sub-Species demo is available on Steam now. The full game will arrive at a later date.