Highwater Reviews
Although Highwater's combat is frustrating at times, and its story is a tad derivative, it's still an incredibly enjoyable and hyper relevant game because of its core messages and lore.
Highwater is a fun little strategy game about the end of the world, and the struggle of a small group of people trying to survive. The strategy gameplay has some rather creative ideas, albeit ones arguably not exploited to their fullest. Some of the game's elements, primarily the long, largely uneventful boat trips between combat encounters, may be polarising to those seeking a more densely-packed and fast-paced experience. However, if you can get on its level, sit back and enjoy the music and engaging narrative, you'll likely have a good time with Highwater.
Highwater gives off an eerie post-civilisation feel, so kudos to the developer for getting that point across to the player since it is set in a post-apocalyptic world. As for the gameplay, I have very mixed feelings about Highwater. Firstly, I think that the different elements of the gameplay don’t gel well together. The boat journeys were the most enjoyable part for me, especially at sunset when the sun was creeping down the sky; the artwork illustrated that well, whereas the rest of the gameplay left me feeling kind of indifferent.
Even those who are not fans of turn-based combat should check out Highwater. The combat uses the environment in a way that feels unique and like a puzzle to be solved rather than a strategy to be bogged down in. Exploring the environments is rewarding and fun, with a great radio to listen to as you travel and a very interesting world around you to explore.
Highwater is a fantastic game with a story worth playing. It is highly immersive, allowing you to get lost in the gameplay for hours. It is a great casual turn-based strategy for those just looking to relax and watch a great story unfold rather than stress over how to out-strategize the enemy.
Highwater takes advantage of the climate debate to create a captivating story, even with some pitfalls. The story of Nikos and his friends is exciting and attracts mainly the musical part and the reflections regarding the protagonists' choices, which bring a melancholic air to the game. Combat is another high point, as there is a good variety of weapons and scenario elements that, when combined, allow you to develop many combat strategies. Its biggest problem, however, is the pace. Both the combat and the dialogues are drawn out, take a long time to finish and leave the adventure boring. Skipping lines or speeding up combat is not a good idea, as it gives the feeling of being disposable factors, but, in practice, they are very important. Still, I believe that Highwater is worth experiencing for its debate and great emotional appeal.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
While the music and character representation were refreshing, it wasn’t enough to make the dull gameplay enjoyable.
Highwater is an excellent adventure game that puts a magnifying glass up to the growing issue of climate change and the ambivalence that humans can have towards the state of the environment. While the story is bogged down by inconsistent writing, I found plenty to enjoy in its combat system and its ancillary storytelling.
It's not quite like any other narrative adventure game I've ever played. Combat and menu design can be a little clunky, but ultimately every encounter serves as a deliberate and well crafted puzzle. This is a very fresh take on a post apocalyptic story that oozes with satire, dark humor, and some oddly cozy end of the world vibes.
There are moments of beauty in Highwater, most of it instigated by environmental design – I loved coming across surprises and marvelling at how even after catastrophe, human beings continue to do their thing. But unfortunately, as much as I love the game’s aesthetics and very competent turn-based combat, it doesn’t have all that much to say about its complex themes, and finishing it felt like a relief.
Highwater is definitely one for fans of Demagog Studio's other work, presenting yet another distinct gameplay experience set in the shared world. It's also a great little game in its own right with fun turn-based strategy encounters and charming characters.
Highwater remains a commendable addition to Demagog Studios’ repertoire, offering a captivating narrative set within a visually stunning world. While not without its shortcomings, the game successfully captures the essence of its predecessors while carving out its own identity within the post-apocalyptic genre.
A very worthy addition to the Demagog repertoire, Highwater builds on the gorgeous and provocative world of the studio's other games with a story-driven escape from a flooded planet. It is a sharp critique of late stage capitalism, but it populates the devastated world with a touching story, wholesome characters, and surprisingly engaging combat.
I would recommend that you buy Highwater for the soundtrack alone if anything else. The moments I got to sail around and just listen and take in what was happening around me were fabulous. If you can get past the very sobering fact that we are currently dealing with a climate crisis in real-time, I would give this one a try.
I really wanted to like Hightower and I kind of do, thanks to all of the passion and cute touches that are peeking through the cracks. Whether it's the inclusion of old movie trivia that can skip a battle, some Charlie Chaplin footage, a scene where you're trapped behind a wall and more, it's clear there was a real vision here, and while it may not be fully realised, I admire the effort. The end product falls short on a number of levels, but I have a soft spot for it regardless and will be keeping an eye on the developer's future games.
Highwater è un videogioco efficace ed essenziale, ben scritto e forte di una trama sicura di sé e di un contesto capace di colpire nel segno. È un prequel che riesce a incastrarsi in modo unico alle esperienze del passato, con il team che ha abbracciato un sistema di combattimento a turni ottimamente implementato ma non così profondo. È un'avventura dinamica che fonda il suo fulcro totale sulla narrativa.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Highwater is an indie adventure that stands out thanks to its flooded post-apocalypse setting, simplistic designs, tactical battles, and soundtrack. Most importantly, it’s a fun ride, so grab your gear, avoid the bears, and sail away!
Highwater falls short of its lofty ambitions. The story elements and exploration lack depth, failing to evoke any emotional resonance. For those seeking a captivating journey through a sunken city, the game disappoints with its linear progression and limited opportunities for exploration. However, for enthusiasts of turn-based combat intertwined with a modest narrative, Highwater may offer some appeal.
From my overall experience playing Highwater, it’s a game with good visuals, music, and world-building, but suffers from jarring transitions and rough story pacing as the game progresses. The most fun to be had in Highwater would have to be the challenge and creativity of its combat mechanics— interacting with the environment can lead to satisfying and sometimes hilarious ways to defeat enemies.