| Developer | Megapop |
| Publisher | Kasedo Games |
| Genre | Simulation |
| Release Date | To Be Announced |
| Platform | PC |
| Where to Wishlist | Steam |
Life Below, the upcoming title from indie studio Mega Pop (Norway), invites players into a vibrant, living reef where guardianship, resource management, and environmental storytelling meet. I recently had the chance to dive into the game’s demo, and while it’s a beautiful experience that shows enormous promise, it’s also one that left me a little puzzled at times. Before I go further, I’d like to thank the developers and publishers for providing me and TheDailyGamepad.net with a free copy of the game to play, stream, and review.
From the very beginning, Life Below makes a strong impression with its lush visuals and atmospheric soundtrack. The art direction is stunning—soft blues, glowing corals, and tiny details that make the reef feel alive. It’s the kind of world you want to sit back and soak in, and the music perfectly complements the serenity. This foundation makes the demo instantly engaging, even before the gameplay systems fully click.
Players step into the role of Thalassa, a former water sprite turned guardian, tasked with maintaining and protecting the reef. You command sprites to gather resources, grow corals, and keep the ecosystem thriving. Early on, the game introduces helpful accessibility options like pausing during critical events, which I found useful while adjusting to the flow of play.
That said, the mechanics aren’t always intuitive. The demo doesn’t clearly explain how certain resources (like coral matter) are gathered, which can lead to moments of confusion. More guidance—or at least clearer in-game feedback—would go a long way in helping players get their bearings. Still, the core idea of directing sprites, balancing resources, and expanding the reef feels fresh and full of potential.
Thematically, Life Below shines. Its environmental focus—complete with subtle reminders about pollution, recycling, and marine life safety—gives the game real heart. Combined with the whimsical narrative of sprites, guardians, and mysterious reef structures, it creates a unique atmosphere that sets it apart from other management games.
As a demo, Life Below is still very much a work in progress, and that’s okay. What’s here demonstrates a gorgeous world, a strong concept, and a foundation that, with polish and clarity, could grow into something truly special when it launches next year. If you’re interested, the demo is available now on Steam and is worth checking out if you enjoy resource management games with a serene, oceanic twist.
Once again, many thanks to Mega Pop for providing a free copy of the game to TheDailyGamepad.net. Life Below has caught my attention, and I’m excited to see how it develops as it moves closer to release.
