Welcome to EXPlay, (Explain & Play) the review series where we care not for scores but tell it how it is when it comes to every game we get our hands on, whilst also taking the time to include some lengthy gameplay, to give you the reader, the chance to shape your own impressions and views whilst watching and reading. In this installment, we’re covering Highwater by developer Demagog Studio.
Highwater: (The Explanation)
Highwater presents a whimsical adventure in a flooded post-apocalyptic world, blending storytelling aspects reminding me of The Flame in the Flood with turn-based combat and puzzle-solving mechanics. Set amidst the Great Climate Catastrophe, the game follows Nikos and his friends as they navigate through the flooded region of Hightower, striving to escape to safety amid the chaos of the War Zone and the fortified city of Alphaville.
The game’s mechanics include isometric turn-based combat with a twist: players must utilize the environment to outsmart their foes, adding depth and strategy to each encounter. In the early game sections of combat I found myself using riot shields for protection, picking up objects on the ground to throw, and knocking posts out of the ground to thwart unsuspecting adversaries.Â
Within the first hour, the combat was not that difficult and there is much to be seen as to the depth of the games turn-based fights and how they will play out. If my time with Highwater during my EXPlay is any indication of the game’s mix of movement, item, and party member combat is reliable, you are in for a unique adventure.
Additionally, players can freely explore the 3D world by boat, discovering islands and encountering various challenges and allies along the way. Early on in Highwater, I encountered several small islands. Many of them had items to find like books and newspaper clippings. There were some speciality items I would encounter as well, that I imagine using in the future in a fight or giving to a character I meet in the world. There were times that I felt the island to island sailing felt very linear in that you were following a set path that didn’t feel as open-world as the developers maybe think it is.
Visually, Highwater offers stylized graphics that paint a hauntingly beautiful picture of the post-apocalyptic world. You will encounter towering buildings that are wrecked and sunken into the water. There were multiple billboards and signs I came across that seemed to tell bits of the story with subtle hints of the derelict world and the warring factions you come across.
Highwater has an original soundtrack that creeps along as lonely & somber as your team plods along from island to island. Alongside the music in the background are the breaking news and updates you get through the broadcast of the Highwater Pirate Radio. Within Pirate Radio you get a bit of vocal commentary on your journey and learn about the story of the Highwater world.
Highwater offers a refreshing take on the post-apocalyptic genre, blending humor, melancholy, and friendship into a captivating adventure. The game’s mechanics, particularly its turn-based combat system with environmental interactions, add depth and strategy, keeping players engaged throughout the journey. Navigating the flooded world by boat and discovering new islands adds a sense of exploration and discovery, while the rich storytelling drives the narrative forward, immersing players in the plight of Nikos and his friends. While navigating the waters, I found the boat controls to be a bit finicky. You only really have a throttle that can be set to reverse or forward movement. Shifting between those using the triggers seems to be touchy and not as responsive as I hoped, perhaps though it is a bit more realistic in how it works.Â
Overall, Highwater is a decent game and I lean towards a must-play for fans of adventure games and those looking for a unique take on the post-apocalyptic genre. From what I played, the turn-based combat that uses the environment and objects within is intriguing. Highwater has engaging mechanics, captivating story, and atmospheric world, it offers a memorable gaming experience that will keep players hooked from start to finish. Grab your oars and set sail into the flooded world of Highwater for an unforgettable journey of survival and friendship amidst the chaos of the apocalypse.
Highwater: (The Gameplay)
Game Specifications:
Developer: Demagog Studio
Publisher: Rogue Games
Platform: Nintendo Switch (eShop)
Category: Action, Adventure, Strategy
No. of Players: 1 player
Release Date: March 14, 2024 (EU & NA)
Price: $19.99
File Size: 1.9 GB
Nintendo.com Listing
