S.O.N.A.R. - Submarine Operators Not Actually Ready Review Summary

Fun and chaotic with hilarious co-op and a strong submarine sim, but solo and co-op balance suffers amid bugs and poor optimization.

Highly fun and enjoyable game: Players consistently describe the game as fun, amazing, and enjoyable across a wide range of feedback. This is the dominant sentiment throughout the clusters.

Chaotic and hilarious multiplayer moments: Players highlight emergent chaos, pranks, and unpredictable situations as a major source of humor. Things going wrong quickly becomes part of the fun.

Excellent co-op with friends: Cooperative play with friends is repeatedly praised as the core strength of the game. More players reportedly means more fun and engagement.

Strong submarine simulation experience: The submarine theme and simulation depth are praised as among the best in the genre. Managing the vessel together is described as exciting and interesting.

Substantial content and replayability: Players cite a large amount of content, varied missions, and good replayability. The finished release feels complete with substantial starting content.

Poor solo and co-op balance: Players report that the game is very difficult with only one or two players, with simultaneous tasks overwhelming small crews. Random punishments and extremely hard missions further raise the difficulty.

Bugs and lack of optimization: The game is described as buggy and lacking optimization, with players noting it feels unfinished since it just came out.

Simplified and unbalanced submarine systems: Torpedo systems are extremely simplified, the submarine feels weak in the open world after the campaign, and fuel balance is bad with canister-powered submarines running out instantly. Upgrades are also very expensive.

Food and fatigue drain too fast: Food, energy, and fatigue drain quickly, and managing them during combat is demanding. A 20-second sleep during tense moments feels burdensome without the coffee maker unlocked.

Matchmaking and room issues: Players are frequently kicked from rooms by foreign players, and joining is hampered by language differences. Despite nearly 2,000 players online, only three or four rooms are open.

Co-op multiplayer for up to six: Numerous clusters describe the game as a cooperative multiplayer experience for groups of friends, supporting up to six players in a shared crew. Teamwork and coordination are frequently emphasized as essential to success.

Submarine simulator setting: The game is consistently described as a submarine simulator where players operate and manage a 3D submarine. Multiple clusters mention submarine systems, driving, and underwater environments.

Chaotic and humorous interactions: Players can slap teammates, cause fires in the galley, shut off engines, launch friends, hide tools, and pull out oxygen, leading to cooperative chaos. Character emotions and clothing customization add humor.

Crew roles and task management: Players are assigned specific roles and responsibilities aboard the submarine, from managing the reactor to repairing the engine and hull. Coordination among different crew stations is a core gameplay element.

Emergency management and repairs: Players must handle leaks, fires, electricity loss, and oxygen levels using tools like welding masks, fire extinguishers, and water pumps. Sensors help detect these emergencies, adding pressure to crew coordination.

Strong performance on weak hardware: Multiple clusters report that the game runs smoothly on old laptops, does not require strong hardware, and is well optimized for weak PCs.

Low graphical detail avoids issues: One cluster notes the game has no technical issues because it is not graphically detailed, suggesting modest visuals contribute to stability.

Some optimization issues reported: A single cluster mentions that optimization issues are present, indicating performance problems for at least some players.

Strongly recommended for co-op: The game is repeatedly recommended for cooperative play, with many reviewers highlighting it as best enjoyed with a group of friends. Several call it a must-buy for co-op fans.

Bad for solo play: Multiple reviewers warn that the game is not suitable for solo play and requires at least two players. Some explicitly advise against buying it without friends to play with.

Great value for price: Reviewers frequently describe the game as worth its price, a cheap fun option, and a no-brainer purchase even at launch price. Good value is a recurring endorsement.

Highly recommended overall: Many reviewers give unconditional recommendations, rating it 10/10 and recommending it to everyone. Enthusiasm is broad and strong.

Fun friendship-destroying game: Reviewers joke that the game is ideal for destroying friendships underwater, recommending it to anyone whose friends deserve to end up at the bottom of the ocean. The humor is part of the appeal.

Session length: 3.0h.

S.O.N.A.R. is described as an enjoyable co-op experience with friends, driven by chaotic teamwork and submarine immersion. Reviewers recommend it for groups and suggest mission mode as a strong starting point.

Co-op Crew Socializer: Plays in small-to-large crews, coordinates with others, and leans into emergent multiplayer chaos. Motivation: Shared chaotic teamwork and replayable co-op sessions with friends. Stance: buy.

Submarine Simulation Immersion Seeker: Prefers methodical submarine operation, detailed layouts, and immersion while tolerating co-op play. Motivation: Authentic submarine atmosphere and systems over pure multiplayer chaos. Stance: buy.

Mode-Hopping Competitive Explorer: Moves between mission play, adversarial submarine fights, open-world adventure, and leaderboard chasing. Motivation: Variety across PvE missions, PvP battles, open-world survival, and speedrun goals. Stance: buy.

The provided Windows cohorts report positive technical playability: sampled reviews are recommended and describe smooth or well-optimized play, including on older laptops. Evidence is limited to one included snippet per cohort.

Windows 12-15GB VRAM: positive. The sampled review is recommended and cites full Steam Deck compatibility and controller play, indicating positive technical playability.

Windows <8GB VRAM: positive. The sampled review reports smooth performance even on an older laptop and recommends the game.

Windows 16GB+ VRAM: positive. The sampled review recommends the game and describes it as very well optimized out of the gate.

Active developer communication: Developers actively listen to suggestions, communicate via Discord, and interact with players. They are also seen fixing bugs and announcing new content.

Planned content expansions: The game is expected to expand over time with new missions, submarines, and additional content such as submarine layouts. Steam Workshop support is suggested to enhance longevity.

Similar to Barotrauma: Reviewers frequently compare the game to Barotrauma, noting it is a first-person 3D version that is less scary and lacks deep-sea horrors.

Chaotic multiplayer focus: The game focuses on chaotic multiplayer but could also work as a submarine simulator, offering mayhem and potential.

Free demo available: Players highlight that a free demo is available before purchasing the full game. This allows users to try the game and is seen as a positive point.