While the inspirations of Iron Lung are visible, this game is not defined by them and is its own thing as well! So very well done on this aspect! As I fully understand the fine line one must thread from being an inspiration to a rip-off.
The Sub was very smooth and responsive, I actually liked controlling the sub with the scroll wheel, I can't remember a game in which the scroll wheel was used as the main input command so very well done!
My only and honestly biggest gripe was that the control layout of the sub made it into a blind driving test instead of a horror underwater exploration game.
My suggestion is actually do a [Press E to control sub] where it enters in a view that shows the lever, steering, compass and co-ordinate meter, whilst STILL keeping the viewport to the outside of the sub as the MAIN FOCUS. Maintain the Scroll wheel for steering wheel but change the lever to another set up (either left click up, right click down, or W up and S down, whatever you decide would be best) That way the main game horror of seeing what is out there is the main aspect for full immersion.
Other than that very well done!!
Tldr; Amazing game, remove the need for the player to look at the controls for them to work, so that they focus on what is outside the sub.
Viewing post in Miles Below Sea Level jam comments
Hey, thank you for the long and thoughtful review! Since I have gotten mixed feedback about how the submarine is operated, I will add a toggle option for being able to use the controls without looking at them, which will probably be on by default.
Again, I really appreciate the detailed review you've given me, so thank you!