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In Other Waters

Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac • 2020

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Quick resume

Play as an Artificial Intelligence guiding a stranded xenobiologist through a beautiful and mysterious alien ocean. A non-violent sci-fi story, enter a world of wonder, fear and vulnerability, unraveling the history and ecology of an impossible planet. What will you discover together?

Global score

87/100

Genres

Adventure, Indie, Simulator, Puzzle

Pros

  • Unique immersive narrative
  • Beautiful minimalist ui and sound design
  • Engaging exploration of alien ecosystems
  • Thoughtful ecological and emotional themes
  • Accessible gameplay mechanics

Cons

  • Slow and repetitive movement controls
  • Short game length
  • Limited map and navigation aids
  • Some players find text-heavy gameplay tedious
  • Lack of tutorial or in-game guidance

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players control an AI suit with freedom to explore and make decisions, though within a structured narrative and map-based movement system."

  • Competence
    3

    "Engages players in learning and mastering a unique interface and exploration mechanics, with some resource management challenges."

  • Competition
    -5

    "No competitive elements; focus is on personal exploration and story experience."

  • Continuation
    2

    "Players often engage in multiple sessions and some replay to complete taxonomy and explore further, though the game is relatively short."

  • Cooperation
    3

    "Narratively cooperative with the human scientist character; players assist and protect her, fostering a sense of partnership."

  • Creativity
    4

    "Players imagine alien ecosystems and creatures from textual descriptions and sketches, engaging creative visualization."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No domination or power over others; interactions are cooperative and equal."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Provides a calming, immersive escape into an alien ocean world with contemplative themes."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of curiosity and interest in exploration and story."

  • Experimenting
    3

    "Players experiment with samples and navigation mechanics to progress and discover new areas."

  • Exploration
    5

    "Core motivation is discovering new alien species and environments through detailed exploration."

  • Expression
    2

    "Limited character customization but players express themselves through exploration choices and interpretation of descriptions."

  • Fantasy
    4

    "Strong sci-fi setting with imaginative alien ecosystems and AI perspective."

  • Fellowship
    1

    "Some social connection through narrative partnership, but primarily a solo experience."

  • Growth
    3

    "Players develop understanding of alien biology and master interface mechanics."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity involved."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention on reading and navigation; not suitable for background play."

  • Intimacy
    2

    "Narrative builds emotional connection with the scientist character, though social interaction is limited."

  • Leadership
    2

    "Player guides and supports the scientist, acting in a leadership role within the narrative."

  • Progression
    3

    "Progression through collecting samples, unlocking taxonomy entries, and story advancement."

  • Relaxation
    4

    "Calm, meditative gameplay with soothing music and ambient sound design."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Engaging auditory and visual minimalism creates immersive sensory experience."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social status or recognition mechanics present."

  • Story
    5

    "Strong narrative focus with emotional depth and mystery driving player engagement."

  • Strategy
    1

    "Some light resource and navigation management, but overall simple mechanics."

  • Thrill
    1

    "Occasional tension from resource management and story moments, but generally low risk."

  • Value
    3

    "Players find value in unique narrative and immersive experience despite short length."

  • Violence
    -5

    "No violence or combat; focus on exploration and study."

  • Survival
    1

    "Light survival elements like oxygen and energy management, but no real threat of failure."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026