Stranded Deep - Alone in the Pacific Ocean

Life on a Deserted Island

Adventure Meets Open-World Survival

Imagine being on the way home from a vacation or business trip when suddenly the plane you're aboard has to make an emergency crash landing somewhere over the Pacific Ocean. As the lone survivor, you wash up on the shore of a random, unknown island. Stranded Deep is the 2015 hit from Beam Team Games that lets you take control in this situation.

Stranded and Fighting to Live

This early access title from Steam has had plenty of time to evolve since it released in 2015. The open-world adventure explores the harsh reality of life without any luxuries. Stave off starvation, dehydration, and the elements while crafting and building a new island life.

Stranded Deep combines RPG elements with the open-world survival genre that's become wildly popular. Gather materials by precariously searching both the island and the ocean around you. Underwater exploration is essential and even necessary, as you'll have to find a way to navigate to other islands eventually. Resources are limited everywhere you go, which makes this survival concept a solid 4/5.

Five Years Old and Falling Short

With such a strong concept, it would be great if Stranded Deep could look fantastic as well. Unfortunately, it hasn't made it to 2020 graphically. The ocean water is flat, and the waves or ripples don't feel life-like. Clipping issues are regular and interfere with game-play. Expect to lose items while underwater as they slip off of ships and through the sandy ocean floor.

The audio is average, as well. The ambient sounds of island life are relatively hard to mess up. Waves lap quietly up on the shores, and your campfire will crackle in the background. All in all, the graphics and audio are nothing special. They haven't aged particularly well.

A Gathering and Crafting Based World

There are some options before you even begin your game that can be adjusted. Switch up difficulty, perma-death, and dangerous animals based on your preferences, a big perk for anyone just starting.

There's no story in Stranded Deep yet. The developers may create one in the future, but for now, the game remains one of exploration. Wash up on an island with absolutely nothing. Gather resources, starting simple with things like weeds and driftwood.

Slowly, you'll build a camp with a single set of recipes located on your menu. The better tools and weapons you create, the further you can explore. Additionally, you'll need food and water. You monitor your hunger, thirst, and other statuses on your digital watch. Sickness, dehydration, and being eaten by sharks are all genuine dangers in Stranded Deep!

Every creature you come upon could be full of delicious meat but might also be your death.

Overall, the game-play is a classic survival. Its execution won't win any awards, but it's a 4/5 way to spend some afternoons.

A Solid, But Story-less Experience

If you're looking for a game with a story, steer clear of Stranded Deep. This game is all about an experience with minimal direction. Craft, gather, and explore. Solve the puzzle of survival stranded alone in the ocean, and find a way to thrive despite the odds against you in Stranded Deep.

TL/DR

Stranded Deep is a survival adventure game that focuses on life after a plane crash leaves you stranded somewhere in the Pacific Ocean.