Gliese 677Cc is a planet teeming with life and when Ellery arrives after being called there by Minae Nomura, she finds herself alone and adrift in an alien ocean. With nothing but an AI to guide to safely on her journey of discovery. You are this AI.
For this In Other Waters review, we were provided with a free copy of the game.
Platforms: Steam, Nintendo Switch
Players: 1 Player
Genres: Adventure, Point & Click, Exploration
Developer: Jump over the Age
Price: £13.49 – Nintendo Store, Steam TBC
In Other Waters Review
In Other Waters is an adventure, point & click game where you’ll be exploring an alien sea in search for clues of what has happened to Minae. Whilst also discovering and logging data on new life forms. However, what you uncover goes far beyond anything you could have guessed.
You play as the AI inside of a malfunctioning diving suit and must help Ellery on her quest by guiding her and keeping her safe. Along your journey, you will be taking samples of plants and animals to help you understand the planet’s eco-system. Additionally, you’ll also be managing power and oxygen supplies as you comb the ocean bed. But most importantly you will be on the hunt for information about Minae’s disappearance. Why did she disappear? Why did she call you to this planet? What did she want you to find?
The deeper you go – literally, the more you will uncover.
The story is engaging and interesting to get lost in. Despite there being no audio dialogue and very little in the way of visuals for this alien planet. The test creates and delivers a vivid world that truly feels alien. Each description for new plants and animals builds upon the way it looks and behaves with excellent writing. Furthermore, once a life has been fully discovered – through multiple scans and taking samples, you can read up about them in the hab, a home base of sorts.
Look & Feel
The game is beautiful. The majority of the game only features a few colours at a time. That being said, they manage to deliver an extremely engaging and striking visual style whilst retaining a very minimalist feel to it all. There is a delicate balance of keeping the player feeling like they are an AI and there to assist Ellery on her journey. But also letting you feel in control of what is happening. Despite being an AI I felt like there was a strong bond being created between you and Ellery. The more she talks to you, the more you get to know her and I genuinely felt a good connection with her.
Personally, I think In Other Waters is a masterpiece in UI design. Everything is presented in such a perfect way. Considering it’s the main driver for gameplay it feels very important to get right. It’s easy to learn without being intrusive or condescending. Every button you press or turn of a dial feels like a logical thing to do. Furthermore, the simplicity of it’s bright and clean design is fun to use throughout the entire journey.
Audio subtlety
Just like the user interface, the audio and sound in the game is just as delicately placed. Creatures zip around you making bubbling sounds and high pitched squeals. Moreover, the pressing of buttons is accompanied by satisfying clicks and thunks. Then there is the soundtrack that is ever so gently delivered across the calms waves of the seas. Not only that, but the music also hits the right emotional cords when it needs to, it builds at the right times, and fades to mere low drones when all is calm.
Conclusion
I loved doing this In Other Waters review simply because it’s an excellent adventure full of mystery and intrigue. Additionally, it’s a visual treat with the writing of the game backing it all up to create an all-round fantastic game.
-Will
