Anoxemia Reviews

Playing is apparently not a feature included. The game will not stop thinking I pirated it no matter what I do--opening the game leads me to a menu screen that blasts a song about being a pirate. I have tried EVERYTHING. I uninstalled and reinstalled it. I've opened it with and without steam. I returned the game and bought it again! It will not let me play the game I bought. If someone wants to tell me how to fix this, that would be great, because it looks interesting! But the software has decided I'm not cool enough.

Anoxemia is one of those quietly ambitious indie titles that manages to craft a unique atmosphere despite its limitations. Developed by BSK Games, it's a side-scrolling, 2D underwater exploration game that trades in fast-paced action for slow-burn tension, murky visuals, and psychological unease. You play as Dr. Bailey, a scientist on a deep-sea mission to recover environmental samples, accompanied only by his drone, ATMA. The game opens with a crash — literally — and from there, things spiral into a disorienting, slow-motion descent into darkness. The narrative is delivered through fragmented internal monologue and glitchy system messages, which lends a layer of mystery and paranoia, although it never quite reaches a satisfying or coherent resolution. Visually, Anoxemia embraces a gloomy aesthetic. The underwater world is painted in murky greens and blacks, punctuated by the occasional glowing anomaly or piece of long-forgotten machinery. The visuals do an excellent job of reinforcing the isolation and claustrophobia, but after a while, the sameness of the environments starts to wear thin. There's a fine line between atmospheric minimalism and monotony, and Anoxemia sometimes drifts into the latter. Gameplay-wise, it’s a mixed bag. You control the drone ATMA directly, with Dr. Bailey simply following behind, which is a unique mechanic at first but can become frustrating, especially when navigating tight spaces or dodging hazards. Oxygen and power management introduce a survival element, though it often feels more like busywork than tense resource strategy. The controls can feel sluggish, and hit detection is occasionally unforgiving, especially with sea mines and aggressive sea life. Where Anoxemia succeeds most is in its tone. It’s not a horror game per se, but it keeps you uneasy. The disembodied voice logs, the shadowy underwater threats, and the sense that something is fundamentally wrong beneath the surface all create an oppressive vibe that’s compelling, if not always fun. Anoxemia is a flawed but intriguing experience. It’s ideal for players who appreciate atmosphere over action and don’t mind some trial-and-error frustration. With tighter controls and more environmental variety, it could have been a hidden gem. As it stands, it’s a memorable dip into psychological tension — just not one you’ll want to revisit too often. Rating: 5/10