Highwater: Navigating the Depths of Disappointment and Delight
Gather around, dear digital adventurers, for a tale of post-apocalyptic travels, turn-based tangles, and tunes that tug at the heartstrings. "Highwater" promised an story through sunken civilizations with a boat, a dream, and a pirate radio to guide the way.
A Sinking Feeling Amidst Radiant Waves
At first glance, "Highwater" appears to be a siren song, calling with its isometric beauty and the soothing voice of Highwater Pirate Radio, which has replaced Radio Nostalgia as our favorite station. The landscapes, a mix of desolation and serene beauty, alluded to stories hidden just beneath the surface. But as our motorized dinghy cut through the waters, a sense of longing set in—a yearning for the shores we couldn't explore.
On Rails Through a Drowned World
Our journey felt set in stone the moment we started, a straight line from A to B, with the vast waters surrounding us teasing depth but providing little more than a scenic backdrop. Our only guides through this world were crude radar and an incomprehensible map, where exploration seemed both promising and painfully restricted. The remnants of civilization peeked from beneath the waves, begging for stories to be told, but they were often just scenery on our linear path.
Combat: A Beacon of Hope in the Murky Depths
It's in the turn-based skirmishes that "Highwater" finds its anchor. For someone who typically steers clear of the genre, I found unexpected joy in strategizing each move, utilizing the environment to turn the tides in battles that often felt like puzzles waiting to be solved. Whether it was toppling a tree onto an unsuspecting foe or commandeering a robot to join our cause, each encounter was a testament to the game's creative potential.
A Crew of Shadows
As we docked at various ports, meeting characters along the way, their stories felt as submerged as the world they inhabited. Conversations were fleeting, offering glimpses into lives we never truly got to understand or connect with. The narrative, much like the waters we navigated, lacked the depth to truly immerse or move us, leaving our crew as mere shadows against the backdrop of a forgotten world.
The Pirate Radio: A Solace Amongst the Silence
Yet, amidst the disappointments, Highwater Pirate Radio was a constant companion, its tunes and commentary a reminder of what could have been. The soundtrack, an eclectic mix that ranged from haunting to uplifting, was perhaps the most developed character in our journey, offering insight and ambiance that the rest of the game struggled to match.
Final Verdict: Lost at Sea or Worth the Voyage?
"Highwater" is a game that captivates while also alienating players. Its turn-based combat is a shining example of innovation, but the restricted exploration and underdeveloped narrative leave a lot to be desired. For those looking for a tactical challenge, the battles set against the backdrop of an intriguing, if linear, world are enjoyable.
However, for those looking for a story as rich as the waters that define the game's landscape, "Highwater" may feel like a journey that promises much but delivers little. The potential for a truly immersive experience exists, hidden beneath the surface, waiting for a future when it can fully emerge.
As I weigh anchor on this review, I find myself adrift between appreciation for the game's combat and disappointment in its unexplored potential. My final score, a reflection of this ambivalence, is a 6.5/10. "Highwater" is not without its merits, but like a ship lost at sea, it struggles to find its way home to the shores of greatness.
We at NLM received a key for this game for free, this however didn’t impact our review in any way.