The independent studio Howling Hamster Entertainment announced Sub-Species, a 2.5D multidirectional shooter set in the depths of Earth’s oceans after a devastating alien outbreak. The reveal was accompanied by a new trailer that gives audiences their first glimpse of the game’s mysterious underwater world, strongly inspired by retro arcade classics and deep sea science fiction.

Players take control of a heavily armed submarine capable of rotating 360° to confront threats coming from every direction. Each mission pushes the vessel deeper into increasingly contaminated regions filled with hostile creatures, collapsed structures and unknown technologies left behind.

Throughout exploration, players must navigate narrow caverns, disable unstable reactors and uncover the remains of past expeditions, all while facing constant waves of aggressive enemies. The combination of intense combat, navigation puzzles and resource management challenges demands constant adaptation under pressure.

According to creative director Manus Burke, the setting was designed to evoke contrasting emotions. "The deep ocean is the closest thing we have to an alien world on Earth," he said. "We wanted players to feel that tension, the beauty that pulls you in, and the fear that reminds you you're not supposed to be there."

Sub-Species draws influence from works such as Sub Terrania, Ecco the Dolphin, The Abyss and The Blue Planet, resulting in an experience that blends retro inspired precision with a modern, cinematic underwater atmosphere. Each level aims to convey the sense of a living, mechanical, alien and unpredictable environment, reinforcing the idea of a world in collapse.

Gameplay highlights include full directional combat with fluid controls, the strategic use of tools such as flares, mines and dodge bursts, as well as missions that evolve over time. The game also features handcrafted environments ranging from naval ruins to alien caverns and offers two play modes, including a story driven single player campaign and a competitive local versus mode.