Highwater: An Adventure Through Earth’s Aquatic Apocalypse

In a gaming landscape brimming with post-apocalyptic scenarios, Demagog Studio’s latest offering, Highwater, carves out its unique space by submerging players in a world where Earth’s landscapes have been irreversibly flooded. As players navigate through the aqueous remains of our planet, they’re invited not just into a survival quest but into an exploration of what it means to seek hope amid desolation.

A Flooded World Like No Other

Highwater sets itself apart by presenting an Earth doomed by rising tides, offering an evocative visual and narrative experience. Players step into the shoes of Nikos and his companions as they traverse this submerged world, showcasing a blend of despair and beauty. The game’s art style complements its setting perfectly, with a fun and unique approach that makes exploring the waterlogged ruins of civilization a visually stunning experience.

One of the standout features that enrich the immersive experience is Highwater’s in-game radio station. The choice of music not only adds to the atmospheric setting but also injects a lively contrast to the dire circumstances the characters find themselves in. This clever juxtaposition emphasizes the game’s underlying theme of finding joy and beauty in the bleakest situations.

More Than Just Survival

While survival and escape are the core objectives, Highwater encourages players to delve deeper into its world through numerous side quests that, while optional, add layers to the story and the characters within it. These side quests range from fun distractions to meaningful encounters, offering insights into the lives of those affected by the global catastrophe. They serve as a reminder that in the midst of survival, life goes on, and there are still stories to be told and experiences to be had.

Combat in Highwater introduces players to turn-based strategy, where positioning and planning are key. However, the game could benefit from a clearer explanation of certain mechanics, such as the significance of tile colors during battles. Additionally, the AI’s ability to shoot through obstacles and characters removes some of the strategic depth one might expect from a turn-based system, occasionally leading to frustration over perceived unfairness.

A Journey Worth Embarking On?

Highwater presents an engaging and unique take on the post-apocalyptic genre, transitioning the focus from the desolation of the end times to the resilience and adaptability of humanity (and its individual members). The game’s vibrant art style and exceptional soundtrack offer a refreshing experience, even to seasoned gamers accustomed to the typically bleak representations of a world gone awry.

However, the game is not without its shortcomings. The combat system, while innovative, misses the mark in terms of player guidance and AI fairness, which could potentially deter players looking for a more polished tactical experience.

Highlights Beyond the Flood

Waves of Enjoyment:

• Engaging narrative: The story of Nikos and his friends is compelling, driving players to see their journey through to the end.
• Unique art style: Highwater’s visuals are a feast for the eyes, offering a distinct take on a flooded Earth.
• In-game radio station: The carefully selected soundtrack enhances the overall gameplay, adding depth to the world’s lore.
• Exploration rewards: With numerous side quests, the game invites players to immerse themselves fully in its world, promising additional content and character development.

Turbulent Waters:

• Combat confusion: Some aspects of the combat system, particularly the significance of tile colors, could use better explanation.
• AI issues: The ability of enemy AI to ignore obstacles during combat can lead to frustrating gameplay moments.