In Other Waters

In Other Waters guides players through the visualization of an alien oceanic ecosystem and invites them to share in the exhilaration of discovering new life, all while telling a complex, original story with memorable characters through the medium of a diving suit’s display monitor.

In Other Waters develops its central mysteries in expert fashion, drip-feeding its revelations in a way that feels natural, and dispatching you to inspect the corners of its map in a way that doesn't feel contrived. As you steadily learn more of what Vas' partner was up to on this strange planet, and you yourself begin to grasp humanity's plight, the mystery builds to a confident conclusion--one that satisfies yet remains aware that some questions are more enticing when left unanswered. In this sense, its story echoes the restraint that runs through the entire game to deliver a stylish, assured, and utterly absorbing adventure that demonstrates again and again it knows how to do a lot with seemingly very little.

Despite some of its interface quirks, In Other Waters is a masterfully designed game, woven tightly into its music soundtrack and emotional chronicling of the relationship between humans, AI, and the environment. My heart aches for how closely Ellery’s journey foreshadows what could someday be our own, and how the caretakers of our planet have failed to nurture it on even the most basic, fundamental level. In my humble opinion, In Other Waters isn't just a video game about collecting samples and exploring the unknown. In a world full of companies trying to push out the most realistic next-gen graphics, it's a work of art that transcends what it means to experience a deeply-moving narrative in a video game and reminds us that you don't have to rely on thousand-dollar video cards to be immersed in an incredible story. But, please don't just take my word for it.

If you’re not put off by its low-key, text-centered nature, you may well find it to be one of the more serene games to have recently pulled into port.

In Other Waters is a great little adventure. While part of the appeal lies with its design, its presentation — its imagining that possible disconnect an AI controller may have in both seeing and not seeing the world around them — it’s the sneaking-in of unease at such large, open bodies of water, where both visuals and tone strike an impressive middle-ground. Some may want to denote this as sluggish, as intentionally slow for some artistic pay-off. But there’s a wonderful amount of emotion to be felt here. Even if it’s merely through some readjusting one’s perception on navigating an alien world — a realization that things aren’t as hostile or as tense as you’d usually expect. Through that clever mix of minimalist color, shape and the vast negative space all around, In Other Waters conjures one of the year’s most surprising and serene recommendations for screen and portable console alike.

A gentle and engrossing underwater sci-fi game that will have you thinking about more than what lies beneath the waves.

In Other Waters might not sound very original –however the way it executes its concept is great. It’s a game to relax and unwind, let your imagination flow and get lost in its minimalistic world.

Quotation forthcoming.

It's relatively easygoing, then: contemplative and calming. [Issue#346, p.107]

In Other Waters shows an earnest appreciation for the science of biology, deftly fusing it with an important message and an almost therapeutic aesthetic. It's worth the time and money for anyone who wants something a little different out of their next narrative game.

Among the biggest flaws a narrative game could have is letting its narrative flow being disrupted by a boring game mechanic, and that is what happens with In Other Waters. Despite that, In Other Waters manage to float thanks to a well thought interface, good taste and its general evocativeness.

In Other Waters is an experimental crossbreed between a simple-hearted adventure game and an equally straightforward simulator of a futuristic ocean scientist. The adventure part is constrained by narrative conventions and oversimplified design, but the sim part is almost a meditative experience that might enthrall you for a few hours.

In Other Waters’ gameplay and story aren’t enough to fuel the exploration it demands, but its world building is commendable. Unfortunately, this makes it suited more towards amateur biologists and cartographers than those looking for a gripping adventure.

This is a unique and sometimes even a wondrous experience. In Other Waters is a perfect example of why independent game development is so important to the ecosystem. The ideas these developers have are fantastic and important to gaming and this is an experience I wasn’t going to get anywhere else. That being said, it is impossible to ignore some of In Other Waters’ most glaring flaws. As much as I’m willing to sacrifice depth in gameplay for a satisfying story, I should never feel frustrated as much as I did while playing this.

I do still recommend this game to anyone who has had their curiosity piqued by this title’s setting and enrapturing environment. From what I can see online, I’m in a minority of those who have encountered this game-ending bug. As such, I encourage your own exploration of In Other Waters into the depths that I just couldn’t reach.