Besiege: The Splintered Sea Review Summary

Last updated: 2026-05-23
  • Water mechanics and environment highly praised.
  • Impressive graphics and sounds.
  • New blocks enhance gameplay.
  • Level design criticisms.
  • Bugs and performance issues.
  • Short campaign length.
Besiege: The Splintered Sea header

Emotions

Archetypes

What players like:

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Gameplay feedback:

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Recommendations:

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Review evidence

Why players say this

What players like

Water mechanics and environment: The introduction of water physics and the new water environment has been well-received. Players enjoy the realistic water mechanics and the addition of sea creatures, which add a new dimension to the game.

Positive reception of DLC: The DLC is considered a great addition to the base game, offering good value for its price. Players find it worth the investment and super awesome.

New blocks enhance gameplay: Players appreciate the addition of new blocks, finding them useful and interesting. These blocks are versatile and can be used in various environments, not just water.

Impressive graphics and sounds: The game's graphics are praised for being beautiful and stunning. The sound design is also highlighted as awesome, contributing to the overall coolness of the game.

Building underwater and surface machines: Players appreciate the ability to build underwater and surface machines, including submarines and surface ships. This adds a new layer of creativity and fun to the game.

Common complaints

Level design criticisms: Many players found the levels to be unimpressive, lackluster, and not challenging enough. There were complaints about the levels being very easy and not offering much variety.

Bugs and performance issues: There were numerous reports of bugs, performance issues, and crashes. Players experienced high CPU/GPU load, low FPS, and various glitches.

Short campaign length: Players frequently mentioned that the campaign is very short and can be completed quickly. There were expectations for more levels and a longer playtime.

Lack of innovation: Players felt that the DLC lacked innovation in level design, mechanics, and content. There were complaints about the lack of new objective types and interesting puzzles.

Water physics issues: The water physics were criticized for being poorly implemented and feeling clunky. Players also noted that water mechanics are too simple and do not differ enough from air physics.

Gameplay and performance

Advanced water physics system: The game features a highly praised water physics system, including buoyancy and ocean physics, allowing players to build complex structures and machines in water environments.

Enhanced building mechanics: The game introduces new building mechanics and physics, offering players innovative ways to construct and interact with machines.

Versatile flying machines: Levels can be completed using various flying machines such as helicopters and flying ships, providing diverse gameplay options.

Exciting multiplayer mode: Multiplayer mode includes sea battles and other cooperative experiences, allowing players to engage in battles and build together.

Engaging pirate ship battles: Players enjoy fighting and building pirate ships, using various weapons like torpedoes, adding excitement to naval combat.

Poor optimization and low FPS: Many players report that the game runs at very low frame rates, often between 3 or 4 fps, and suffers from significant frame rate drops. This indicates poor optimization and high system demands.

High system requirements: The game is noted to be very demanding on PC hardware, with high CPU and GPU loads. It is often considered unplayable on anything other than high-end gaming PCs.

Well-optimized water and sea: Specific elements of the game, such as water and sea, are noted to be well-optimized. This indicates that certain aspects of the game perform well.

Game gets stuck when entering: There are reports of the game getting stuck when entering, which can be a significant issue affecting gameplay.

Small game size: The game is noted to have a small game size, which might be a positive aspect for some players.

Recommendations

Highly recommended by players: Many players strongly recommend the game, often giving it high praise and scores.

Recommended for fans of the base game: Players who enjoyed the original game are likely to appreciate this one as well. It is particularly recommended for those who are already fans.

Good value for money: The game is seen as a good purchase, especially when on sale, offering great value for the price.

Recommended despite low completion rate: Even though many players do not finish the game, it is still recommended.

Suitable for all ages: The game is considered appropriate and enjoyable for players of all age groups.

Buying context

Community fair range: $25.00 - $35.00.

Story completion: 1.0h.

The game is initially fun with water mechanics and boat building, but truly clicks when players start building and playing with friends online.

Reported time to anchor: 1h.

Friction: Limited tutorial levels; Lack of NPC ships in the level editor.

Unlock drivers: Building a fleet of boats; Playing with friends online.

Player profiles

Sandbox Creator: Enjoys creating custom levels and experimenting with the game's mechanics in a sandbox environment. Motivation: Creating and experimenting in the sandbox mode. Stance: buy.

Challenge Seeker: Enjoys tackling difficult levels and mastering new mechanics. Motivation: Overcoming challenges and completing the campaign. Stance: buy.

Critical Veteran: Critically evaluates game mechanics and technical aspects. Motivation: Seeking a polished and complete gaming experience. Stance: no buy.