It Comes In Waves similar games & best alternatives
It Comes In Waves
2023
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Quick resume
A short, minimalist, experimental open-world adventure about guilt and grief. Explore, shoot, scavenge and bring a specimen to The Sanctuary. Beware PERMADEATH.
Global score
95/100
Genres
Action, Adventure, Shooter, Indie
Pros
- Unique atmospheric and emotional experience
- Engaging open world exploration
- Retro low-poly art style
- Meaningful narrative themes
- Affordable price
Cons
- Very short gameplay length
- Minimal combat and mechanics depth
- Some control and collision issues
- Lack of save system and permadeath can frustrate
- Limited replayability
Motivations
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Autonomy3
"Players explore an open desert world with freedom to choose paths and manage resources, though the overall goal and survival mechanics guide actions."
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Competence1
"Gameplay is simple and accessible with basic shooting and resource management; some challenge from permadeath and water management but low mechanical complexity."
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Competition-5
"No evidence of competitive elements; focus is on personal survival and exploration without comparison to others."
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Continuation1
"Short playtime and permadeath encourage replaying to improve runs; some players replay for atmosphere and story but overall limited long-term engagement."
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Cooperation-5
"Entirely single-player experience with no cooperative or multiplayer features."
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Creativity2
"Players can explore and interpret the world creatively; however, gameplay mechanics and structure are minimal and predefined."
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Domination-5
"No social dominance or power over others; interactions are limited to NPC enemies without social hierarchy or trash talk."
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Escapism4
"Strong emotional and atmospheric experience allowing players to escape into a melancholic sci-fi desert world and reflect on grief."
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Expectation-4
"Players engage voluntarily for the unique experience and atmosphere; no obligation or external pressure noted."
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Experimenting1
"Some exploration and resource management experimentation possible, but overall gameplay loop is simple and repetitive."
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Exploration4
"Open world with distinct landmarks and hidden lore encourages discovery and curiosity-driven activities."
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Expression-3
"Limited customization or personalization; players use preset character and environment aesthetics."
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Fantasy3
"Set in a sci-fi desert world with Star Wars-like elements and imaginative narrative, though grounded in survival mechanics."
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Fellowship-5
"No social or community features; solitary gameplay experience."
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Growth3
"Players develop skills in resource management and navigation; specimen growth mechanic adds a sense of progression."
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Health-5
"Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health-related features."
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Idle-3
"Requires player attention and deliberate movement; no background or passive play elements."
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Intimacy-5
"No social or emotional relationship building with other players."
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Leadership-5
"No leadership or group management roles present."
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Progression3
"Progression through collecting items to grow the specimen and unlocking the sanctuary; limited upgrades or inventory complexity."
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Relaxation2
"Atmospheric and slow-paced gameplay offers moments of calm, though permadeath and resource tension add some stress."
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Sensation3
"Enjoyable retro visuals, sound design, and music provide sensory stimulation and emotional engagement."
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Status-5
"No social recognition or status systems."
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Story4
"Narrative immersion through environmental storytelling, cryptic lore, and emotional themes of grief and redemption."
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Strategy2
"Basic resource and risk management require some planning, but combat and exploration are straightforward."
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Thrill2
"Permadeath and resource scarcity create tension and suspense, though combat is low risk."
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Value3
"Players generally feel the game offers good value for its low price and short length, providing a unique experience."
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Violence1
"Combat involves shooting enemies for survival, but violence is minimal and not the main focus."
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Survival4
"Core gameplay revolves around managing water resources to avoid death and complete objectives."
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Last update: 06/03/2026