In the flooded remnants of a post-apocalyptic Earth, where the horizon stretches endlessly over vast expanses of water, Demagog Studio’s Highwater unfolds its melancholic tale of survival and friendship. Released initially as a Netflix-exclusive mobile game, it now makes its splash onto PC, Switch, PS5, and Xbox, promising an adventure with heart and character set against a Waterworld-type backdrop.
Set amidst the backdrop of a world ravaged by the “Great Climate Catastrophe”, Highwater introduces players to Nikos, a resilient protagonist navigating the flooded region of Hightower in pursuit of a chance at a new life on Mars. The narrative, while initially engaging and promising with its satirical undertones and bleak humor, eventually falters in its execution, struggling to maintain its thematic depth once you venture beyond the first few chapters.
However, where Highwater truly shines is in its engaging turn-based combat system, offering a refreshing twist on traditional gameplay mechanics in the genre. Battles are not merely about brute force but require strategic thinking and environmental interaction, where players must creatively utilize the surroundings to outmaneuver and outsmart their foes. Despite some UI issues and unclear tutorials that give the game a bit or steep initial learning curve, combat encounters are both challenging and rewarding, evoking a sense of satisfaction in overcoming each obstacle.
Visually, Highwater captivates with its distinctive low-poly art style, portraying a world teeming with life amidst the remnants of decay. From the reflective waters to the vibrant foliage reclaiming urban landscapes, every detail paints a picture of a world in flux, reminiscent of other titles with a dystopian setting but also with Demagog’s own vivid flair – if you enjoyed their work on Golf Club: Nostalgia you’ll like this.
Accompanying players on their journey is the original soundtrack of “Highwater Pirate Radio”, providing a haunting backdrop to the desolate landscape and building on the strong reputation the studio has in this area. However, while the music enhances the atmosphere, its integration occasionally disrupts the pacing of the game, extending travel sequences to a point where they feel like they were made longer accommodate full song playthroughs.
In summary, Highwater presents a captivating yet flawed journey through a flooded world on the brink of collapse. While the engaging combat mechanics offer moments of exhilarating gameplay, issues with narrative pacing and tonal consistency can detract from the experience.
Highwater is good, but will leave players with a mixed experience that falls a little short of its full potential. Yet, for those willing to brave the waters, Highwater offers glimpses of beauty amidst the chaos of a world on the edge – and if you enjoy Demagog’s other works you won’t want to miss this one either.
Score: 7.7/10
Press Play Media 