In Other Waters similar games & best alternatives
In Other Waters
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
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Autonomy4
"Players control an AI suit with freedom to explore and make decisions, though within a structured narrative and map-based movement system."
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Competence3
"Engages players in learning and mastering a unique interface and exploration mechanics, with some resource management challenges."
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Competition-5
"No competitive elements; focus is on personal exploration and story experience."
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Continuation2
"Players often engage in multiple sessions and some replay to complete taxonomy and explore further, though the game is relatively short."
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Cooperation3
"Narratively cooperative with the human scientist character; players assist and protect her, fostering a sense of partnership."
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Creativity4
"Players imagine alien ecosystems and creatures from textual descriptions and sketches, engaging creative visualization."
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Domination-5
"No domination or power over others; interactions are cooperative and equal."
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Escapism4
"Provides a calming, immersive escape into an alien ocean world with contemplative themes."
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Expectation-4
"Players engage voluntarily out of curiosity and interest in exploration and story."
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Experimenting3
"Players experiment with samples and navigation mechanics to progress and discover new areas."
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Exploration5
"Core motivation is discovering new alien species and environments through detailed exploration."
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Expression2
"Limited character customization but players express themselves through exploration choices and interpretation of descriptions."
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Fantasy4
"Strong sci-fi setting with imaginative alien ecosystems and AI perspective."
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Fellowship1
"Some social connection through narrative partnership, but primarily a solo experience."
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Growth3
"Players develop understanding of alien biology and master interface mechanics."
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Health-5
"Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity involved."
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Idle-3
"Requires focused attention on reading and navigation; not suitable for background play."
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Intimacy2
"Narrative builds emotional connection with the scientist character, though social interaction is limited."
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Leadership2
"Player guides and supports the scientist, acting in a leadership role within the narrative."
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Progression3
"Progression through collecting samples, unlocking taxonomy entries, and story advancement."
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Relaxation4
"Calm, meditative gameplay with soothing music and ambient sound design."
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Sensation3
"Engaging auditory and visual minimalism creates immersive sensory experience."
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Status-5
"No social status or recognition mechanics present."
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Story5
"Strong narrative focus with emotional depth and mystery driving player engagement."
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Strategy1
"Some light resource and navigation management, but overall simple mechanics."
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Thrill1
"Occasional tension from resource management and story moments, but generally low risk."
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Value3
"Players find value in unique narrative and immersive experience despite short length."
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Violence-5
"No violence or combat; focus on exploration and study."
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Survival1
"Light survival elements like oxygen and energy management, but no real threat of failure."
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Last update: 06/03/2026