Sometimes, a video game comes along that you aren’t expecting, with a unique art style and interesting premise. That’s In Other Waters for me, an upcoming indie adventure where players control an Artificial Intelligence as it guides a lone scientist on a mysterious planet. The stranded xenobiologist needs help to navigate the alien ocean, and there are all kinds of discoveries awaiting.

George R.R. Martin once said, “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies . . . The man who never reads lives only one.” I think the best video games achieve the same spirit of adventure and discovery. Indie games frequently innovate and experiment with the medium, and it’s exciting when you see something you’re not used to.

And in these crazy times, In Other Waters is a welcome opportunity to explore the outside world as never seen before.

Here’s what you’ll encounter when playing:

In Other Waters tells the story of Ellery Vas, a xenobiologist who discovers extraterrestrial life while searching for her missing partner. 

When Ellery is called to planet Gliese 677Cc by Minae Nomura, only to arrive at an abandoned base, she finds herself adrift in an ocean of secrets, with little more than a malfunctioning diving suit and a strange AI to guide her. You are this AI.

In Other Waters is sci-fi without soldiers and violence focusing instead on wonder and exploration, fear and vulnerability, and the relationship between a long-dormant AI and its human pilot. The relationship between the AI and the operator unfolds over an impactful narrative uniquely interpreted by the player. The depths of Glies 677Cc contain many secrets. For life to continue, it must change. What will you discover as you track, sample and learn about life inside this alien ocean? 

In Other Waters will release for the PC and Nintendo Switch on April 3rd. You can check out the Steam page or the developer’s website for more information on the game.

What do you think of the upcoming indie?