In Other Waters Reviews
Looks can be deceiving, and while In Other Waters does look too simple for its own good, it's a title overflowing with depth. Between a well written script, intensely atmospheric sound design that begs for headphone use, and methodically slow pacing, it's hard not to think of Ellery Vas' expedition through the depths of Gliese 677Cc long after all is said and done. Moody and sombre, In Other Waters is a must read… and must play.
Minimalist adventuring that's original, clever, and soothing – and a perfect example that gameplay and atmosphere is always more important than high-tech graphics.
In Other Waters is a game that knows full well who it’s for. Its relaxing style, UI-based gameplay, and descriptive biological writing all come together to instil a sense of adventure.
In Other Waters is a poignant message of environmentalism mixed with a calming and distinctive aesthetic, but it's sometimes a chore to play.
I absolutely loved my time with In Other Waters. I’m itching to dive back in and fully complete Ellery’s taxonomy logs, and I can’t wait to grab the companion book for more worldbuilding and lore. Despite a few mechanical flaws, I highly recommend In Other Waters for anyone looking to immerse themselves in an alien world for a few hours.
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.
In Other Waters' best quality is just that: it makes you feel like you're in other waters. It's a well written exploration game that, while short, provides an interesting story. If this is the form the classic text adventure returns in, In Other Waters leads the charge with its immersive soundscape and imagination sparking descriptions.
In Other Waters mixes a unique perspective with relaxing gameplay and excellent music to create an experience worth trying out.
One casualty of doing video capture for every game I play is that titles that are much better suited to touchscreen play take a beating in terms of my opinion early on...
In Other Waters is a unique, dreamy experience that rewards your patience and time. It features one of the most elegant and thoughtful UIs in a game, and a clever, precise text to build a world worth exploring.
Admittedly this is a game that requires players, from the word go, to get onboard with the idea that pace isn't paramount and that its complicated controls also serve the greater aesthetic on show.
With full control of the expedition that engages the player from the moment the game starts, In Other Waters is highly interactive and unapologetically detailed, a little slower and a lot more reading than I would have preferred, but an overall impressive experience.
In Other Waters is a thrilling, non-violent gem focusing on discovery of life among the stars in a place humanity didn’t think to look. This game proves that sometimes simplicity is best, its minimalist approach to complicated technology an absolute triumph. The immersion is incredible, considering the genre, and the concept is dramatically fresh to the point where I literally feel in awe of how much has been accomplished by so little.
In Other Waters is beautiful, but somewhat clunky and boring.
Hypnotic art, otherworldly audio and captivating writing meet in an undersea exploration game that wants you to take your time.
One of the most striking video games of recent years, In Other Waters blends systemic exploration and pure narrative in a way few other games try.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
I had an amazing time with In Other Waters. It's a game I'd happily play over and over just for the overall combination of colors, sounds, and exploration. The story acts as a reminder of why we should treat our oceans, and each other, with more kindness. If you're even remotely interested in marine biology, you'll never put your Switch down.
The game offers a refreshing focus on its sense of place rather than ease of play.
The narrative is by far the most engaging and wonderful I’ve had the pleasure to experience this year so far.
A gentle and engrossing underwater sci-fi game that will have you thinking about more than what lies beneath the waves.