In Other Waters
Apr 03, 2020 6 years ago
In a future where humanity's ceaseless consumption has expanded out to encompass the stars, and Earth's last biological life clings to a poisoned planet, In Other Waters tells the story of Ellery Vas, a biologist who stumbles upon extraterrestrial life. When a routine exoplanet study goes wrong, and her partner Minae Nomura disappears into an alien ocean, Ellery is left with little more than an antiquated diving suit and a strange AI to guide her. Together they will trace Nomura, and in turn, discover impossible life, journey this alien ocean and dredge up secrets that were meant to be lost forever, beneath these turquoise waves.
What it’s like
In Other Waters offers a meditative, non-violent sci-fi experience where you guide a biologist through a vibrant alien ocean. The core appeal lies in its exceptional writing and character dynamics; the relationship between Ellery and her AI companion is the emotional anchor, delivering poignant dialogue that explores themes of isolation, curiosity, and ecological reverence. Visually, the game uses a stylized, retro-futuristic aesthetic to create a sense of wonder and vulnerability rather than horror. Exploration is driven by puzzle-solving and environmental interaction, gradually unlocking the planet’s history through discovery rather than combat. The pacing is deliberate and immersive, inviting players to linger in the atmosphere. While the mechanical depth is minimal, focusing instead on narrative progression and mood, the craft is undeniable. It feels like an interactive novel where the environment itself is a character, rewarding patience and emotional investment over reflexes or strategic complexity.
Strong in Atmosphere / MoodAudio / MusicCharactersExploration / WorldWriting / DialoguePacingPolish / PerformanceSocial / RelationshipsStory / NarrativeVisuals / Art
Keep in mind Players seeking complex combat, high-stakes tension, or deep mechanical systems will find it too passive. The minimalist graphics and gentle pacing may feel slow to those preferring fast-paced action or dense simulation gameplay.
AI-generated from catalog data, informed by reviews from pcgamer.com, opencritic.com, metacritic.com, choicestgames.com, eurogamer.net.
Screenshots
Releases
| Platform | Region | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mac | Worldwide | Full release | Apr 03, 20206 years ago |
| Nintendo Switch | Worldwide | Full release | Apr 03, 20206 years ago |
| PC (Microsoft Windows) | Worldwide | Full release | Apr 03, 20206 years ago |
