In Other Waters | Switch Review

Into the Depths

As a sci-fi enthusiast, I have always been drawn to media that makes me feel isolated. Playing these types of games offer a retreat into another world wherein the character is frantically searching for something, or trying to solve a puzzle or mystery. In Other Waters does something that is new and unique, yet offers a familiar feeling. Let’s dive into it!

Origins

In Other Waters is developed by Jump Over the Age, a one-man studio in London founded by writer, designer and artist Gareth Damian Martin. It is published by Fellow Traveller, who is known for their work with Neo Cab and The Church in the Darkness.

In Other Waters takes place in an alien ocean world. Xenobiologist Ellery Vas is tasked with recovering data that has recently been lost regarding alien life, and uncovering the mystery surrounding the disappearance of her colleague, Minae Nomura. Due to unfortunate circumstances, she finds herself in the middle of the ocean in a suit that is out of commission. You play the part of an artificial intelligence that must interface with her suit, and guide Ellery through all of the twisting puzzles along the ocean floor. Along the way you must also collect biological samples of creatures and other nautical lifeforms. The storytelling is top notch, and you really feel the struggle between the character and her environment.

Just Two Lost Souls Living In a Fish Bowl

The controls are fairly easy to learn, and the player will become very familiar with performing routine tasks through the in-game interface. As the AI tasked with controlling Ellery’s suit, you must rely on collecting samples to recharge her oxygen and power. The dialogue between you and Ellery offers little insight as to what direction you should be heading, in addition to your current objectives. There are no active quest markers or boxes, and sometimes it is unclear where you should be heading.

This aids in making you feel alone in your journey, but also inhibits the storytelling with unclear objectives. The biggest obstacle to overcome in In Other Waters is the gameplay. The game relies solely on the interface, and a small radar screen to show your location with small dots that represent lifeforms. There are no other visuals to give you an idea of where to head next. You can’t directly speak to Ellery; she must initiate all open dialogue with you. There isn’t really a whole lot to do, and you feel like you are just along for the ride.

Under Pressure

The graphics are non-existent outside the user interface. While this interface is well-designed and offers lots of information regarding the samples you are collecting, there isn’t anything else to look at. This is a bold approach in modern gaming, but one that feels quite dated. I was reminded of old text-based games that simply offered a direction while telling you a story. If you are looking for a game with stunning visuals, this isn’t a game I’d recommend.

The soundtrack is absolutely fantastic! The dramatic ambience makes you feel like you are far below the surface, and really drives an emotional response to the narrative. It is very modern in structure, yet subtle. I feel as though the gameplay is tertiary to the sound and story. Because of the lack of gameplay, the music will slowly lull you to sleep. I feel if there was more to actually do, players would really appreciate the range and feel of the soundtrack.

Should You Take The Plunge

In Other Waters takes a bold approach to gameplay, and I think it negatively impacts the otherwise fantastic story and soundtrack. You have to go into the game expecting an experience similar to an audiobook, with limited user interaction. I really appreciate the developer trying something new. I was in the correct mindset to play the game, and I enjoyed it. This is more of an interactive story than a video game.

To hear me talk more about In Other Waters, be sure to check out Episode 289 of The Gaming Outsider Podcast around the 1:48:10 time stamp.

This review is based on a Nintendo Switch copy of In Other Waters provided by Evolve PR for coverage purposes. It is also available on Microsoft Windows and Mac.