Demagog Studios has once again thrust players into their dystopian universe with “Highwater,” a game that initially debuted as a Netflix-exclusive title in 2023 but recently made its way onto PC, Switch, PS5, and Xbox. Set in the same post-apocalyptic world as the studio’s previous hits, “Golf Club: Wasteland” and “The Cub,” “Highwater” serves almost as a prequel, offering players a glimpse into life before the Great Catastrophe that forced humanity to flee to Mars.
In Highwater, players predominantly assume the role of Nico, a character driven by the urgent desire to board the spaceship bound for a colony on Mars reserved for the elite. The impending launch of this vessel sets the stage for a gripping narrative that unfolds as Nico recruits a motley crew of friends to aid in their daring escape.
One of the standout aspects of Highwater is its distinct visual style, which sets it apart from other post-apocalyptic titles. Despite employing low-polygon graphics, the game’s environments are rendered with breath-taking detail and each character exhibiting a unique charm amidst the desolation. The vibrant colour palette juxtaposed with the looming sense of doom effectively immerses players in this grim, yet captivating world.
Navigating the treacherous waters, accompanied by the eclectic tunes of Highwater Pirate Radio, provides moments of tranquillity amidst the chaos. News reports and interviews from the familiar radio host feed you further narrative and helps build the world further. That being said, the exploration aspect occasionally falls into monotony, with repetitive island visits yielding little beyond filler content.
The heart of Highwater lies in its turn-based combat system which admittedly took me a while to get used to. Players are pitted against a variety of enemies ranging from Alpha-villain soldiers to insurgents, bandits, and even dangerous wildlife. Despite its simplicity, the combat mechanics offer a surprising depth of strategy. Players must navigate their teams across grid-based battlefields, akin to orchestrating a game of chess, carefully considering each characters unique moves and attacks. For instance, Nikos utilizes his fishing rod to attack from a distance, not only dealing damage but also strategically repositioning enemies within striking distance. Meanwhile, stronger characters possess the ability to manipulate the environment by hurling heavy objects at enemies, adding an additional layer of tactical depth to encounters. The inclusion of cooldowns for certain abilities further enhances the strategic element, requiring players to carefully plan their actions to maximize their effectiveness. With no predetermined order for team members to act, players have the freedom to prioritize their movements based on the situation at hand, allowing for dynamic and engaging gameplay experiences.
Highwater does suffer from some pacing issues, filler content and lengthy musical sequences which as lovely as they were, for me, disrupted the flow of gameplay.
Despite these flaws, Highwater remains a commendable addition to Demagog Studios’ repertoire, offering a captivating narrative set within a visually stunning world. While not without its shortcomings, the game successfully captures the essence of its predecessors while carving out its own identity within the post-apocalyptic genre. For fans of exploration-driven narratives and tactical combat, Highwater offers a compelling journey through a world teetering on the brink of collapse.
-Jessica