Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Undertow delivers a thrilling underwater combat experience that balances fast-paced action with strategic depth. Players take control of one of three distinct factions—the human Iron Marines, the deep-sea Nemodians led by Captain Nemo, or the ancient Atlantian empire—each boasting unique ships, weapons, and upgrade paths. The core loop involves navigating your vessel through submerged battlegrounds, dodging enemy fire and environmental hazards while unleashing powerful torpedoes, lasers, and specialty attacks.

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The single-player campaign spans 15 missions, complete with dynamic cut-scenes that introduce new objectives and plot twists. Missions range from escorting fragile supply pods across perilous trenches to full-scale assaults on Elect strongholds. Objectives often encourage team-based tactics in co-op mode, rewarding coordinated maneuvers and point-sharing for unlocking advanced upgrades. Whether you’re holding the line against swarms of alien drones or orchestrating a pincer movement with a friend, the gameplay remains engaging and varied.

Beyond the campaign, Undertow offers a robust versus mode supporting up to sixteen players online or via LAN. Here, you can test your skills in free-for-all deathmatches, capture-the-artifact battles, or objective-driven team skirmishes. Matches feel balanced thanks to race-specific strengths—human vessels trade raw firepower for slower speed, Nemodian ships excel at stealth tactics, and Atlantians boast formidable shields. This asymmetrical design keeps every multiplayer match fresh and encourages players to master multiple playstyles.

Graphics

Visually, Undertow immerses you in a beautifully crafted underwater world. The game’s art direction emphasizes the contrast between eerie alien technology and the ocean’s natural beauty. Sunbeams pierce the water’s surface, illuminating coral reefs teeming with life, while distant alien turrets glow ominously in the murky depths. Particle effects—bubbles, debris, and weapon trails—add a satisfying realism to each encounter.

Each faction’s vessels are distinct and detailed, featuring sleek Atlantean curves, rugged Iron Marine plating, and organic Nemodian hulls that pulse with bioluminescence. Animations are smooth and responsive, from the fluid roll of a ship evading enemy fire to the dramatic melting of polar-cap ice during story sequences. Environmental hazards like volcanic vents, whirlpools, and thermal vents not only serve gameplay purposes but also look impressive, with dynamic lighting and distortion effects enhancing immersion.

Performance remains solid even in the most chaotic multiplayer clashes. Frame rates hold steady, and load times between matches or missions are minimal. The game’s audio design complements the visuals perfectly—echoing sonar pings, the distant hum of Elect machinery, and the muffled roar of undersea explosions all contribute to a convincing aquatic battlefield.

Story

At its heart, Undertow tells an intriguing tale of survival and resistance. After the Elect aliens melt Earth’s polar caps and flood the surface, three factions rise from the depths to reclaim the planet. This premise not only sets the stage for grand-scale warfare but also highlights contrasting cultures and motivations. The Iron Marines fight to preserve the remnants of humanity, the Nemodians seek to defend their century-old truce with humans, and the Atlantians yearn to restore a lost empire.

Story sequences are delivered through well-paced cut-scenes interspersed between missions. Dialogue is clear and concise, though voice acting sometimes leans into stereotypical character tropes—grizzled Marine captains bark orders while Atlantean nobles wax poetic about their heritage. Nonetheless, these moments provide context for the escalating conflict and foster an emotional connection to your chosen faction’s struggle.

Plot twists, such as hidden Elect superweapons and shifting alliances between the three underwater races, keep players invested throughout the 15-mission arc. Side objectives—rescuing civilian vessels, securing ancient off-world relics, or sabotaging enemy research labs—add narrative variety and reinforce each faction’s unique goals. By the finale, the stakes feel appropriately epic: the future of all life on Earth hinges on your mastery of underwater combat.

Overall Experience

Undertow stands out as a polished and accessible underwater shooter that will appeal to both solo adventurers and competitive multiplayer fans. The learning curve is gentle: basic controls and weapons are introduced early, while advanced upgrades and faction-specific abilities unlock as you rack up points and complete objectives. This progression system encourages replaying missions to fine-tune loadouts and discover hidden upgrades.

Co-op play elevates the campaign, turning tight corridors and open water arenas into collaborative playgrounds. Friendly fire is disabled in most modes, allowing new players to jump in without fear of derailing a veteran’s run. Meanwhile, the 16-player versus matches offer enough variety to satisfy those seeking a serious competitive challenge. Leaderboards, unlockable paint jobs, and special power-ups give long-term players clear goals to chase.

With its captivating visuals, strategic ship customization, and a compelling multi-faction storyline, Undertow is a standout title for anyone who enjoys action — especially when it’s set in the mesmerizing depths of a flooded Earth. Whether you’re charting the campaign with a friend or battling rivals in online arenas, the game offers a deep, replayable experience that will keep you diving back in for more.

Retro Replay Score

7.9/10