If we’re talking about a short horror game where you control a tiny submarine, it would be a crime not to mention the most prominent title: Iron Lung. This minimalistic yet eerie game by David Szymanski quickly became an indie horror gem and spurred the creation of similar submarine-themed games. Although Hell Dive is clearly inspired by the aforementioned title, it manages to stand out as its own thing, focusing more on atmospheric exploration, supernatural encounters, and resource management.
In Hell Dive, we take on the role of Daniel, a maritime operative piloting his submarine alone. His mission is to revive COLONY 1265, an abandoned deep-sea mining and research complex. With the help of his AI companion, VIRGIL, he must navigate seven interconnected facilities on the ocean floor and reactivate their systems. However, with every step, a more eerie truth is unveiled in the darkness. Someone, or something, is watching you as you descend deeper into the unknown.
What I particularly liked about this game is how the expectations change during the playthrough. In the beginning, we become familiar with the mechanics of navigating the submarine through narrow underwater tunnels to find forgotten stations, similar to Iron Lung. However, it quickly becomes clear that piloting the submarine is only a minor part of the gameplay. The main focus is actually on entering the facilities, exploring them, and repairing the systems.
In addition, we have to monitor the state of the flashlight battery, fuel, and other supplies, which suggests the game is more focused on resource management. But even that impression quickly fades; after the first station, I realized that running out of key resources is very unlikely. If you are brave and careful enough, you will collect more than you need from every level.
The rules of exploration are simple and predictable: each station becomes a labyrinth you must navigate in search of inactive engines. The objective is always the same, but the environment changes every time; we explore a slaughterhouse, a mine, a hospital, a kindergarten, and even a hotel from The Shining. Although the horror elements are relatively standard, not to say cliché, the scare moments are cleverly placed and well-timed. The moments when you don’t even realize something is hunting you until it’s too late are particularly effective. I have to admit, the first chase seriously startled me.
Hell Dive, despite its simple and somewhat unpolished graphics, manages to create an eerie atmosphere comparable to the unsettling vibe of The Backrooms. The similarities don’t just relate to the spooky spaces but also to the various creatures that haunt them, offering unique challenges on each level. While I wouldn’t necessarily call it psychological horror, the game more closely resembles a “walking simulator,” akin to classic horror games. This impression is further reinforced by the simple rules and mechanics, as well as the short duration of the game, which can be completed in about an hour.
One thing that bothered me from the very start was… the lighting. I know it’s something trivial that can be easily changed, but the default settings make visibility almost impossible. Another aspect that, in my opinion, should be improved is the story; the background of the main character and his mission could be better fleshed out, especially since the ending happens too quickly and without a proper conclusion.
Hell Dive is a solid game for anyone looking for a short but intense experience. It combines original ideas with references to already familiar stories, creating an interesting blend of genres and themes. Although it’s slightly clumsily executed, the game offers an enjoyable adventure that can be completed in a single playthrough. Whether you’re a fan of deep-sea horror or not, you certainly won’t be bored as you dive into Hell Dive.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Varied environments. | Repetitive gameplay. |
| Effective scare moments. | Rushed and underdeveloped story. |
| Simple and easy-to-understand mechanics. | Average graphics. |
| Short but rich experience. | Rushed and unsatisfying ending. |
Review copy provided by the publisher
