The terminal interface is thematic but finicky. Typing “SONAR” repeatedly gets old, and the hitbox for clicking switches is sometimes too small. Also, a few bugs persist (e.g., sonar getting stuck mid-sweep, requiring a restart). Verdict Horrornauta is a confident, stylish indie horror game that understands dread comes from what you can’t see. Its minimalist submarine simulator is brilliantly tense for the first playthrough, and the sound/visual design is top-notch. However, shallow mechanics and pacing lulls keep it from greatness.
Some stretches are genuinely tense; others involve waiting in real-time for sonar cooldowns or repairs with nothing happening. While this is intentional (to mimic real isolation), it can drag for players seeking constant action. A “fast-forward” option for safe moments would help. horrornauta
Once you understand how to manage resources and avoid the entity, subsequent runs feel similar despite the random AI. There’s no meta-progression or alternate endings (just one main ending plus a hidden joke ending). You’ll likely play twice, then move on. The terminal interface is thematic but finicky
Instead of direct control, you manage ship systems via a terminal: sonar, engine, oxygen, hull integrity, and a harpoon. Every action requires flipping through switches and typing commands (or clicking retro buttons). This deliberate pace amplifies tension — when something knocks on the hull, fumbling for the right switch feels terrifyingly real. Verdict Horrornauta is a confident, stylish indie horror
Final call: A solid, memorable dive — just don’t expect deep waters.
Here’s a solid, balanced review of (the indie horror game by Claudio Norori and Sebastián López , often compared to Iron Lung and Duskers ). Review: Horrornauta – Tense, Claustrophobic, but Not Without Faults Rating: 7.5/10 Recommended for: Fans of minimalist, interface-driven horror, resource management, and Lovecraftian dread. The Good 1. Exceptional Atmosphere Horrornauta nails its oppressive, suffocating tone. You’re alone in a leaking, barely-functional submarine in an alien ocean. The low-fi CRT monitor aesthetic, grainy sonar sweeps, and ambient creaks of metal under pressure create a constant sense of vulnerability. It’s a masterclass in less is more .
The entity (or entities) isn’t a simple scripted monster. Its behavior changes across playthroughs. Sometimes it’s passive, other times aggressive. This keeps replays fresh and encourages paranoia. The game also includes a few genuinely shocking, scripted moments that break the routine.