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Cold Waters

PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac • 2017

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Quick resume

Spiritual Successor to the Microprose Classic “Red Storm Rising”.

Global score

87/100

Genres

Indie, Simulator, Strategy, Real Time Strategy (RTS)

Pros

  • Realistic and immersive submarine warfare
  • Challenging and rewarding gameplay
  • Active and supportive modding community
  • Good value especially on sale
  • Steep learning curve with growth opportunities

Cons

  • No multiplayer or cooperative play
  • Limited base game content without mods
  • Some ai detection inconsistencies
  • Graphics and models somewhat dated
  • Campaign missions can feel repetitive

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players have significant control over submarine maneuvers, tactics, and strategic decisions in campaigns and missions."

  • Competence
    5

    "High skill ceiling with complex sonar use, torpedo evasion, and tactical planning; steep learning curve noted by many players."

  • Competition
    -4

    "Focus is on solo play against AI with no multiplayer; players compete against game challenges rather than other players."

  • Continuation
    4

    "Many players report long play sessions, repeated attempts to master missions, and hundreds of hours played."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Gameplay is primarily single-player with no cooperative multiplayer; players operate independently."

  • Creativity
    2

    "Modding community adds new subs, campaigns, and missions, allowing some creative expansion beyond base game."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No evidence of player dominance over others; interactions are against AI with balanced engagements."

  • Escapism
    3

    "Players use the game for immersion in submarine warfare and distraction, enjoying tense and atmospheric gameplay."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of interest and intrinsic motivation, not obligation or external pressure."

  • Experimenting
    3

    "Players experiment with different subs, tactics, and mods; learning and adapting strategies is key."

  • Exploration
    1

    "Some exploration of different campaigns and missions, but mostly within known naval combat scenarios."

  • Expression
    -3

    "Limited customization; players mainly use predefined subs and missions, though mods add some variety."

  • Fantasy
    -4

    "Strong focus on realistic Cold War era submarine warfare and historical accuracy rather than imaginative fiction."

  • Fellowship
    -4

    "Minimal social interaction; community exists mainly around modding and discussion rather than in-game social play."

  • Growth
    5

    "Steep learning curve with skill acquisition in sonar, tactics, and multi-tasking; players develop expertise over time."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay typical of PC strategy/simulation games; no physical activity involved."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires sustained attention during missions; slow pacing but active engagement needed."

  • Intimacy
    -5

    "No close social or emotional relationships formed in-game; interactions are minimal and surface-level."

  • Leadership
    3

    "Players act as submarine captain making command decisions, managing resources and crew actions."

  • Progression
    3

    "Campaigns and missions involve completing objectives and unlocking new subs and scenarios, with mod content expanding options."

  • Relaxation
    2

    "Some players find the slow, methodical gameplay relaxing, though tense moments occur during combat."

  • Sensation
    2

    "Sound design and atmosphere provide immersive sensory experience, though graphics are modest."

  • Status
    -4

    "No social status or recognition systems; achievements are personal and not publicly displayed."

  • Story
    1

    "Campaigns have some narrative context and mission consequences, but story is minimal and functional."

  • Strategy
    5

    "Heavy emphasis on tactical and strategic thinking, planning, and problem solving in combat and campaign."

  • Thrill
    4

    "Tense moments of evading torpedoes and engaging enemies create suspense and excitement."

  • Value
    3

    "Players generally feel the game offers good value, especially with mods and on sale; some consider full price steep."

  • Violence
    4

    "Combat involves sinking enemy ships and submarines with torpedoes and missiles; destruction is central gameplay."

  • Survival
    5

    "Core gameplay revolves around avoiding detection, evading torpedoes, and surviving engagements."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026