It Comes In Waves

by Antonio Freyre, Merlino Games

The Developer Says...

A short, minimalist, experimental open-world adventure about guilt and grief. Explore, shoot, scavenge and bring a specimen to The Sanctuary. Beware PERMADEATH.

Players Like...

❤ Traversing the Unforgiving Desert

Players take on the role of a lone outcast tasked with delivering a specimen to a sanctuary on the harsh desert planet of Eremar Prime. The core gameplay revolves around traversing the open-world environment, gathering resources like water to survive, and finding growth canisters to nurture the specimen.

❤ Carefully Managing Water Supplies

Water is the primary resource that players must manage carefully, as it constantly depletes over time. Players must regularly search for and collect water from fallen enemies or environmental sources to maintain a sufficient supply. Failing to manage water consumption effectively will lead to the player's demise, creating a constant sense of tension and urgency.

❤ Engaging in Occasional Combat

While exploration and resource management are the main focus, the game features occasional combat encounters with "Drought Raiders" - hostile NPCs that attack the player on sight. These combat scenarios are relatively simple, with players using a basic blaster pistol to quickly dispatch their foes. Defeating enemies allows players to scavenge water and other resources from their bodies, incentivizing combat as a means of survival.

❤ Atmospheric and Minimalist Presentation

The game's strengths lie in its atmospheric presentation and minimalist design. The low-poly, retro-inspired visuals, combined with a haunting soundtrack and sparse narrative elements, create a strong sense of loneliness and desolation. This atmospheric quality is a significant draw for many players, who appreciate the game's ability to evoke powerful emotions through its minimalist approach.

❤ High-Stakes Permadeath System

The game features a permadeath system, meaning that if the player dies, they must start over from the beginning. This high-stakes mechanic adds to the tension and sense of risk, as players must be cautious and careful in their approach. While the game is relatively short (around 30-45 minutes to complete), the permadeath system and the desire to uncover more of the narrative and explore the world further encourage multiple playthroughs.

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