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It Comes In Waves

PC (Microsoft Windows) • 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

  • Autonomy
    3

    "Players explore an open desert world with freedom to choose paths and manage resources, though the overall goal and survival mechanics guide actions."

  • Competence
    1

    "Gameplay is simple and accessible with basic shooting and resource management; some challenge from permadeath and water management but low mechanical complexity."

  • Competition
    -5

    "No evidence of competitive elements; focus is on personal survival and exploration without comparison to others."

  • Continuation
    1

    "Short playtime and permadeath encourage replaying to improve runs; some players replay for atmosphere and story but overall limited long-term engagement."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Entirely single-player experience with no cooperative or multiplayer features."

  • Creativity
    2

    "Players can explore and interpret the world creatively; however, gameplay mechanics and structure are minimal and predefined."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No social dominance or power over others; interactions are limited to NPC enemies without social hierarchy or trash talk."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Strong emotional and atmospheric experience allowing players to escape into a melancholic sci-fi desert world and reflect on grief."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily for the unique experience and atmosphere; no obligation or external pressure noted."

  • Experimenting
    1

    "Some exploration and resource management experimentation possible, but overall gameplay loop is simple and repetitive."

  • Exploration
    4

    "Open world with distinct landmarks and hidden lore encourages discovery and curiosity-driven activities."

  • Expression
    -3

    "Limited customization or personalization; players use preset character and environment aesthetics."

  • Fantasy
    3

    "Set in a sci-fi desert world with Star Wars-like elements and imaginative narrative, though grounded in survival mechanics."

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "No social or community features; solitary gameplay experience."

  • Growth
    3

    "Players develop skills in resource management and navigation; specimen growth mechanic adds a sense of progression."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health-related features."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires player attention and deliberate movement; no background or passive play elements."

  • Intimacy
    -5

    "No social or emotional relationship building with other players."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management roles present."

  • Progression
    3

    "Progression through collecting items to grow the specimen and unlocking the sanctuary; limited upgrades or inventory complexity."

  • Relaxation
    2

    "Atmospheric and slow-paced gameplay offers moments of calm, though permadeath and resource tension add some stress."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Enjoyable retro visuals, sound design, and music provide sensory stimulation and emotional engagement."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social recognition or status systems."

  • Story
    4

    "Narrative immersion through environmental storytelling, cryptic lore, and emotional themes of grief and redemption."

  • Strategy
    2

    "Basic resource and risk management require some planning, but combat and exploration are straightforward."

  • Thrill
    2

    "Permadeath and resource scarcity create tension and suspense, though combat is low risk."

  • Value
    3

    "Players generally feel the game offers good value for its low price and short length, providing a unique experience."

  • Violence
    1

    "Combat involves shooting enemies for survival, but violence is minimal and not the main focus."

  • Survival
    4

    "Core gameplay revolves around managing water resources to avoid death and complete objectives."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026