For years, games have compared themselves to Descent, the classic 360 degree six-axis perspective PC game from Parallax Software and Interplay. Every game that uses a free floating 3D camera and isn’t a space simulator pretty much compares itself to Descent. There was even a re-imagined Descent game called Descent Underground released a couple of years ago. Unfortunately, it wasn’t particularly fun, and most of the other clones of Descent suffer the same fate. No game has ever managed to recapture the magic that the original Descent managed to evoke. That is, until now.
Sublevel Zero Redux will predictably be compared to Descent and rightly so. It’s so similar that it’s almost uncanny, but still manages to have its own artistic style and feels unique and fresh. But the similarities are only skin deep. Sublevel Zero is its own beast, more complex and interesting and taking the genre in a new and fresh perspective. Start the game, and you get a quick tutorial level showing you basic six-axis movement, how to move your ship up and down, rotate perspectives, switch weapons and so on. Then you’re thrown into the action, fighting robots and salvaging weapons and parts. There’s a storyline, but it’s nothing notable and honestly, after the first few playthroughs, I forgot what I was supposed to be doing and just had fun.
The beauty of Sublevel Zero Redux is in its simplicity. On the Switch, L and R drop your ship up and down vertically, B and Y flip it 90 degrees in either direction, and the right stick rotates you on the vertical and horizontal axes while the left one strafes and moves forward and backward. It sounds complex but it’s utterly intuitive. Firing is accomplished with ZL and ZR for missiles and cannons respectively, and your d-pad or left buttons control your medkits, weapon changes, and so forth. Everything is placed exactly where it should be on the Switch, to the point that I barely needed the tutorial to play, an absolute dream in terms of control placement. In addition, every control is clean and responsive, a must with a game like this one. You simply fly about, adjust your angles, and roam the procedurally generated levels, foraging for weapons, nanites (money), and engine parts. It’s a streamlined game that encourages exploration and rewards tenacity.
But there’s more to Sublevel Zero Redux than just flying around. You also have to manage your weapons and items, crafting newer and more powerful weapons out of the old, installing ones that are better for the circumstances, and tweaking your loadouts. What makes this game better than Descent is the depth. Sure, it’s not a complex game, but it adds that extra layer of detail and customization that raises the fun factor significantly. On top of that, it’s a rogue-lite too! For those of you that aren’t familiar, every time you or die and manage to get far enough, additional attributes, blueprints, and other items accompany you into the next playthrough. In other words, the more you die (as long as you complete at least one level), the better your ships get, eventually unlocking much more powerful ships, weapons, and power-ups.
Mash up a rogue-lite, with a light crafting system, customizable weapons, and one of the cleanest control interfaces I’ve seen in years, and you get a game worth sitting up and taking notice of. Sublevel Zero Redux might not have the flashiest title or much in the way of marketing, but it’s got heart and it has it in spades. Also keep in mind that while these in-game screenshots might not be the most gorgeous, Sublevel Zero Redux is significantly better looking in motion and it’s difficult to capture the effect of the full six-axis gameplay in still screenshots. This is a noticeable labor of love from Sigtrap Games. The Switch version also has exclusive gyro controls, allowing for you to select Aim or Aim & Look modes. This is a title that honestly feels tailor made for the Switch too, as I played it just as much in undocked mode as I did docked to my TV. It’s gorgeous in both modes and feels like it was intended for the handheld mode just as much as for the TV screen. Often, low pixel games are nothing special in my opinion, but this one has changed my mind on that.
Sublevel Zero is simply a damned fun game! Between the variety of procedurally generated maps, the wide assortment of armaments and armor, and the fantastic handling, it’s hard not to love this game. The music reminded me of Descent as well, and was nothing particularly special, but that’s probably the worst thing I can say about the whole thing. It’s as much of an experience as it is a game, and those of you that have never played a proper six-axis game before are in for a treat. It’s a unique experience, one not to be missed, and Sublevel Zero Redux is one of the best ways to enjoy it. Keep in mind that with three difficulty modes, there’s a version for everyone, and Classic mode is pretty unforgiving if you’re not paying attention. You’ll die. But hey, you’re supposed to, so it’s all good and even unlocking the 4th and 5th levels will take you some time!
Sublevel Zero Redux is one game that I wouldn’t hesitate to pull the trigger on. You’ll get your money’s worth and you’ll have a great time to boot! Some people might have trouble with the perspective, but unless you’re utter rubbish with three dimensional perspectives, you’ll manage it sooner or later. Probably sooner, considering the responsiveness of the controls! Go pick Sublevel Zero Redux up now. You definitely won’t regret it!
This review is based on a digital copy of Sublevel Zero Redux provided by the publisher. It was played on a Nintendo Switch in both docked and undocked modes and looked great on both. Sublevel Zero Redux is also available on PS4, Xbox One, and PC (Steam, GOG, and Oculus). Full 3D support is available for both the Oculus Rift and the HTC Vive and while I haven’t tried it in 3D, I’d expect it to be utterly mind-boggling!