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Waves of Steel

PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux • 2023

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Quick resume

If you like warships but wish they could kickflip, Waves of Steel is for you! Build your own custom warship and embark on a sprawling campaign filled with enemy ships, planes, submarines, and bizarre superweapons. Fast-paced arcade naval action is here!

Global score

91/100

Genres

Action, Indie, Simulator, Arcade

Pros

  • Deep and fun ship customization
  • Arcade-style fast-paced naval combat
  • Frequent developer updates and community engagement
  • Good replayability with mission and ship design experimentation
  • Accessible and enjoyable for fans of warship gunner

Cons

  • Limited multiplayer or cooperative features
  • Some ui and control jank reported
  • Story is light and not a major focus
  • Graphics are simple and not highly detailed
  • Early access content is limited with few missions and hull types

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    5

    "Players have full freedom to design and customize their ships extensively, choosing weapons, superstructures, abilities, and playstyles."

  • Competence
    3

    "Players engage in skillful ship design and tactical combat, experimenting with builds and strategies to overcome missions."

  • Competition
    -3

    "Focus is primarily on single-player campaign and personal ship-building creativity rather than ranked or PvP competition."

  • Continuation
    4

    "Players report habitual play, replaying missions with new ship designs and enjoying long sessions of experimentation."

  • Cooperation
    -4

    "Gameplay centers on individual ship control and solo missions with minimal multiplayer or cooperative elements."

  • Creativity
    5

    "Core appeal is deep ship customization, allowing players to create wildly unique and imaginative vessels."

  • Domination
    -4

    "Interactions are mostly solo and balanced; no evidence of power imposition or trash talk."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Players use the game as a fun, arcade-style distraction with over-the-top naval combat and imaginative scenarios."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of intrinsic interest and enjoyment of ship building and arcade combat."

  • Experimenting
    5

    "Strong emphasis on trying new ship designs, weapon combinations, and tactics to find effective or silly builds."

  • Exploration
    2

    "Some discovery of new tech and hidden treasures in missions, though environments are mission-based and limited."

  • Expression
    4

    "Players can customize ship appearance with decals, flags, paintjobs, and cosmetic modifications."

  • Fantasy
    4

    "Game embraces imaginative fiction with over-the-top weapons, flying ships, and unrealistic naval combat."

  • Fellowship
    -4

    "Minimal social or community interaction; focus is on solo play and personal ship design."

  • Growth
    3

    "Players learn ship design, weapon synergies, and mission tactics, improving skills over time."

  • Health
    -5

    "Typical sedentary PC gameplay with no physical activity or health-related features."

  • Idle
    -4

    "Requires active attention and engagement during missions and ship building; not a background or idle game."

  • Intimacy
    -4

    "No evidence of close social relationships or emotional sharing; interactions are surface-level or absent."

  • Leadership
    -4

    "Players control their own ship without managing or leading groups or teams."

  • Progression
    4

    "Players accumulate new weapons, parts, and upgrades through mission rewards to enhance ship designs."

  • Relaxation
    2

    "Arcade combat is fast-paced and exciting but can be enjoyed in a flow state; some tension in missions."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Visual and auditory effects of explosions, weapons fire, and ship movement provide sensory stimulation."

  • Status
    -4

    "No emphasis on social recognition or leaderboards; focus is on individual achievement and creativity."

  • Story
    2

    "Story is light and serviceable with character interactions but not a major focus of the experience."

  • Strategy
    3

    "Players engage in tactical ship design and combat planning, balancing weapons, abilities, and positioning."

  • Thrill
    3

    "Fast-paced combat and boss battles provide moments of suspense and excitement."

  • Value
    4

    "Players report good entertainment value for price with many hours of gameplay and replayability."

  • Violence
    5

    "Core gameplay involves combat, destruction, and over-the-top weaponry on naval vessels."

  • Survival
    2

    "Players must manage ship health and resources to survive missions, though gameplay is arcade-style."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026