《深水之下》（Life Below）是由挪威獨立團隊Megapop開發的海洋生存策略模擬遊戲，預計登陸PC（Steam）平台。作品以「瀕臨崩潰的海洋生態」為核心主題，將城市建設與生態復育概念巧妙融合，帶領玩家潛入波濤之下，親手重建逐漸消逝的海底世界。整體風格溫柔而沉靜，卻又隱含對現實環境危機的深刻反思，是一款以療癒外表包裹嚴肅議題的策略作品。

在劇情設定上，圍繞著一段帶有神話色彩的旅程展開。海洋正在死亡，珊瑚礁消失、生態系統崩壞，而玩家將扮演被大地之母「蓋亞（Gaia）」所指派的海洋守護者「薩拉莎（Thalassa）」。在神秘的「礁心（Reef Heart）」力量引導下，薩拉莎必須深入海床，逐步恢復失落的棲地，讓生命重新回到深海之中。遊戲的故事模式以溫柔而富有情感的方式呈現，透過精心製作的動畫與敘事推進，描寫一場關於修復、責任與希望的旅程。劇本由知名遊戲編劇Rhianna Pratchett撰寫，使整體敘事兼具詩意與情感厚度，而非單純作為玩法的附屬。

操作與玩法層面，是以海底為舞台的策略建設與管理遊戲，但設計思路明顯跳脫傳統城市模擬框架。不是建造鋼鐵與水泥，而是以海床本身作為基礎，規劃並培育多樣化的珊瑚礁系統。不同類型的珊瑚具備各自功能，有的能傳導能量、有的可生成資源，還有的能改善周圍環境條件，彼此之間形成複雜卻自然的生態網絡。透過這些配置，逐步打造出能夠自我循環、真正「活著」的海底棲地。

隨著環境逐漸穩定，利用誘餌吸引各式各樣的海洋生物前來定居，收錄超過四十種不同物種，從小型的珊瑚蟹、琵琶魚，到具代表性的雙髻鯊，每一種生物都有其獨特需求與能力。有些生物能協助清理污染，有些則能幫助克服特定海底危害，使生態管理不只是單向的照顧，而是建立互利共生的關係。既可以拉近視角，細細欣賞魚群穿梭珊瑚之間的動態，也能以宏觀角度監控整個海底聚落的運作狀況，整體操作節奏舒緩，卻蘊含深度策略思考。

挑戰方面，並不刻意營造高壓對抗，而是以環境問題作為主要考驗來源。不同海域有著各自的溫度、酸鹼值與空間限制，藻類失衡、外來種如獅子魚入侵只是初階難題，更嚴峻的還包括漏油事故、垃圾帶擴散等人為災害。必須靈活調整策略，善用特定生物的能力，才能在變動不居的環境中維持生態平衡，並逐步擴展可復育的範圍。

在市場評價與關注度方面，自公開以來便受到不少喜愛模擬經營與環保題材玩家的關注。其最大亮點在於主題與玩法的結合，將生態復育轉化為具體且有成就感的遊戲體驗，而非流於說教。官方也特別強調開發過程中諮詢海洋生物學家的意見，並導入真實的水下音效，使整體氛圍更具說服力與沉浸感。從目前釋出的實機演示來看，玩家普遍對其藝術風格、音效表現與概念深度抱持高度期待。不過，由於尚未正式發售，實際的系統深度、後期可玩性與節奏掌控，仍有待上市後進一步觀察。

整體而言，《深水之下》（Life Below）是氣質獨特的海洋策略模擬作品，將建設、管理與敘事緊密結合，並以生態保育作為核心精神。它不追求緊張刺激的對抗，而是邀請玩家放慢步調，在修復與觀察之中體會海洋的脆弱與美麗。對於喜歡療癒系模擬遊戲、關注環境議題，或渴望在遊戲中體驗「重建而非破壞」的玩家來說，這是一款相當值得期待的作品。

Life Below is an ocean survival strategy simulation game developed by the Norwegian indie studio Megapop, scheduled to launch on PC via Steam. Centered on the theme of a collapsing marine ecosystem, the game cleverly blends city-building mechanics with ecological restoration concepts, guiding players beneath the waves to personally rebuild a slowly vanishing underwater world. Its overall tone is gentle and tranquil, yet it carries a profound reflection on real-world environmental crises, making it a strategy title that wraps serious subject matter in a soothing, almost meditative presentation.

In terms of narrative, the game unfolds as a myth-infused journey. The ocean is dying—coral reefs are disappearing and ecosystems are falling apart. Players take on the role of Thalassa, an ocean guardian appointed by the Earth Mother, Gaia. Guided by the mysterious power of the Reef Heart, Thalassa must descend to the ocean floor to gradually restore lost habitats and bring life back to the deep. The campaign presents its story in a tender, emotionally resonant manner, using carefully crafted animations and narrative progression to depict a journey of restoration, responsibility, and hope. Written by renowned game writer Rhianna Pratchett, the story carries poetic nuance and emotional depth rather than serving as a mere backdrop to gameplay.

From a gameplay and control perspective, Life Below is a strategy construction and management game set entirely underwater, but its design philosophy clearly departs from traditional city simulators. Instead of steel and concrete, players work with the ocean floor itself, planning and cultivating diverse coral reef systems. Different types of coral serve distinct functions: some channel energy, others generate resources, while certain varieties improve surrounding environmental conditions. Together, they form a complex yet organic ecological network. Through thoughtful placement and management, players gradually create a self-sustaining, truly “living” underwater habitat.

As the environment stabilizes, players can use crafted lures to attract a wide range of marine life, featuring over forty different species. These range from small coral crabs and monkfish to iconic hammerhead sharks. Each species has unique needs and abilities: some help clean pollution, while others assist in overcoming specific underwater hazards. Ecosystem management thus becomes a mutually beneficial relationship rather than a one-sided act of caretaking. Players can zoom in to closely admire schools of fish weaving through coral, or pull back to oversee the operation of the entire underwater settlement. The pacing is calm and unhurried, yet it conceals layers of strategic depth.

Challenges in the game avoid high-pressure confrontation and instead focus on environmental issues as the primary source of difficulty. Different ocean zones feature varying temperatures, pH levels, and spatial limitations. Imbalanced algae growth and invasive species such as lionfish represent early challenges, while more severe threats include oil spills and expanding garbage patches caused by human activity. Players must adapt their strategies flexibly and make smart use of specific wildlife abilities to maintain ecological balance in constantly changing conditions, gradually expanding the areas that can be restored.

Regarding market reception and attention, Life Below has drawn notable interest since its reveal, particularly from fans of simulation management games and environmentally themed titles. Its greatest strength lies in how it translates ecological restoration into a tangible and rewarding gameplay experience rather than overt moralizing. The developers have emphasized that marine biologists were consulted during development, and authentic underwater audio has been incorporated to enhance immersion and credibility. Based on currently released gameplay footage, players have responded positively to its art direction, sound design, and thematic depth. However, as the game has not yet been officially released, the true depth of its systems, long-term replayability, and pacing will need to be evaluated after launch.

Overall, Life Below stands out as a distinctive ocean-themed strategy simulation that tightly weaves together construction, management, and narrative, with environmental conservation at its core. Rather than pursuing fast-paced or intense conflict, it invites players to slow down and, through restoration and observation, reflect on both the fragility and beauty of the ocean. For those who enjoy relaxing simulation games, care about environmental issues, or wish to experience gameplay centered on rebuilding rather than destruction, this is a title well worth anticipating.