In Other Waters
An AI-assisted xenobiologist explores an alien ocean world.
In Other Waters is a 2020 adventure game developed by the one-person studio Jump Over the Age. Players assume the role of an artificial intelligence assisting a xenobiologist on an alien world, with gameplay focused on text and interface rather than direct interaction.
Quick Facts
- Title
- In Other Waters
- Developer
- Jump Over the Age
- Publisher
- Fellow Traveller
- Designer
- Gareth Damian Martin
- Composer
- Amos Roddy
- Engine
- Unity
- Platforms
- Microsoft Windows / macOS / Nintendo Switch
- Released
- 3 April 2020
- Genre
- Adventure game
- Modes
- Single-player
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
In Other Waters places players in control of an artificial intelligence that aids xenobiologist Ellery Vas, who works for an interplanetary mining corporation. The AI monitors her life support, collects and analyzes samples, and manages mission goals. Players cannot directly interact with the world but receive feedback from Ellery based on her observations. The game was developed by Gareth Damian Martin, who is self-taught in Unity and did most of the development themselves. The initial idea came from combining interests in diving, climate change, and video games. Damian Martin aimed to create a world using text and the user interface rather than direct experience.
Reader's Guide
The game received mixed reviews on PC and positive reviews on Nintendo Switch according to Metacritic, while OpenCritic reported strong approval with 78% of critics recommending it. Reviewers described it as meditative and calming, even when uncovering dark secrets about the planet. Alice Bell of Rock Paper Shotgun called it 'very meditative' and 'possibly exactly what you need right now,' noting it 'remains calming and lovely.' Edwin Evans-Thirlwell of Eurogamer recommended it for its 'hypnotic art, otherworldly audio and captivating writing.' Rachel Watts of PC Gamer called it 'a gentle and engrossing underwater sci-fi game that will have you thinking about more than what lies beneath the waves.' Matthew Kato of Game Informer said it 'succeeds more as an exercise in world building than as an exciting adventure game' due to a lack of puzzles and repetitive gameplay. The developer's next game is Citizen Sleeper.
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