To me, this game feels like a mix of Descent and Freelancer with an underwater theme, but more linear. The maps have "portals" to go from sector to sector, but the sectors are smaller than the sectors in Freelancer. The gameplay sometimes feels like one of the Descent games when you're inside some caves or buildings with narrow hallways. I liked the story. It's not as good as the Freelancer story, but it's okay for me. I've played the other Aquanox games and you can "connect the story" at times, but this game feels more like a retelling of the original story than a prequel or sequel. The only thing it lacks for me is replay value. You can host your own Multiplayer Team Deathmatch game with bots, but since you can't customize vehicles in this mode, you'll get bored quickly. I think most people will play the "main game mode" and follow the story, since that's the only way to customize your vehicles.

The combat gameplay is okay for me. I really liked some of the weapons and utilities, like the missile barrage and the EMP. The combat feels a lot like Descent because of the 6DOF (Six Degrees of Freedom) movement. The graphics are also very good, only the flashlight looks a little weird to me (but maybe it's my monitor's brightness setting).

The main thing I miss from the other older Aquanox games is the Instant Action mode. Sometimes I just want to jump straight into the action in a scenario. I think fans of the older games may or may not like this game, as it sometimes feels a little different from the older games (not in a bad way to me, just different). There are side quests and other small activities available, but they feel more linear than the other games. You can loot the scenario and sell the loot, but it's a very simple and limited mechanic, and it doesn't have nearly the depth of buying and selling goods that is available in Freelancer.

Overall, I enjoyed the game and plan on playing it through the story when I have time. I like some side quests, so this might take a while.