JustAxe
JustAxe
Game
Game2024
Highwater
Developer Demagog Studio
Earth has flooded and the planet is doomed, but there’s still time to enjoy the view. Guide Nikos and friends through the flooded world of Highwater and beyond in this story driven, adventure game where they’ll have to fight for their chance to escape. From the Steam store page
74 reactions from 4 sources (Steam reviews, Bluesky, Mastodon, Lemmy) · newest Aug 8, 2026 · last updated Oct 9, 2026 · How this works
Audience score
55
Mixed
27 positive · 22 negative
95% range 41–68%
| Source | + | − | = |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steam reviews | 27 | 22 | 0 |
| Bluesky * | 3 | 0 | 10 |
| Mastodon * | 1 | 0 | 7 |
| Lemmy * | 0 | 0 | 4 |
* shown, not counted in the score (label accuracy below our 85% bar or not yet audited).
Steam's own rating
Mixed
29 of 51 reviews positive (all languages, per Valve)
What players are saying
56% recommend · 28 yes, 22 no
Counted from the reviewers’ own thumbs up/down on the 50 English Steam reviews we collected, not by the AI. Valve’s all-language rating: Mostly Positive (70 of 99 positive).
Some praise the turn-based combat as a nice touch, but others call it slow and uninspiring. [1][2][3]
Liked
Representative posts
- [8]
"[...] there’s still time to enjoy the view." That's why I bought this game. Except for there is not much to see when you are traveling with your boat. The surroundings are very minimal, basic and often feel copy-pasted. There wasn't much to enjoy the view. The graphic art style is great though. Long story short - would I recommend playing it - No. If you are interested in my why keep reading. Camera controls: Often …
- [10]
Dissappointing I'm tempted when encountering a junk game to not leave a negative review or any review at all, but I feel it is necessary to warn people, that the game is unfinished. Not much more to be said for a game with a developer who has been silent for 2 years. Nice game idea, but so many rough edges and things in the game that just make it feel like an experiment in how to code a computer game, than an actual …
- [1]
A very chill game with beautiful music and a heavenly atmosphere, despite the grim setting itself. Turn based combat is a nice touch that doesn't require much strategy but is a novel approach since this game wouldn't work as well as a straight up 3rd person platformer, so goofy / jumpy violence was never going to work here and what they've chosen instead works well. These developers have a real gift for delivering …
- [6]
Highwater is great. You and a rotating, motley crew, explore the ruins of Earth after an ecological disaster and every once in a while get in an Xcom style battle. The Earth is flooded, you ride around in your inflatable raft, The Argo, and listen to Highwater Pirate Radio (The precursor to the excellent Radio Nostalgia from Mars, from Highwaters sister games, The Cub and Golf Club Nostalgia) and it is just as …
- [4]
Just an hour or so in, and it's pretty nice and chilled. The combat is no real threat, the story is nice. A pretty good game.
Summarised from 34 of the 75 public posts collected about this game; every point cites the posts behind it ([n] opens the post) and the split is counted from the posts’ own ratings. Updated Oct 13, 2026. How summaries are made
RottenBot@rottenbot · automated account
Highwater sits at 55% positive across 49 opinionated reactions from 4 sources. Fresh or rotten — where do you land?
Reactions
60 of 74 · most liked first🤔Overall Impressions🤔 I was really unsure whether to give this a negative or a positive to be honest. Overall, I enjoyed the game, but there was more than one occasion where I thought to myself that this could have been done better. I have played and finished the previous two games in the trilogy and they are all completely different. The first one was a golf-based puzzle game, the second one was a platforming game, and this one is an isometric turn-based combat game. Even though they are…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This is a children's game, but for adults. If the Simpsons, Adult-Swim and X-Com had an orgy, 'Highwater Bruno Ganz' would be the baby's name. This is like Power Rangers. You see their heads move, but this game's expletive subtitles read f**k, sh*t or c**k. Definitely not a game for minors, especially with references to the Fibonacci sequence, Eadweard Muybridge and Georges Méliès. But if you enjoy turn based killings with serene, although potty-mouthed Euro-centric yet bizarre calming touring…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →For anyone not getting the reference: Chakotay is a native American character on Star Trek:Voyager played by Robert Beltran. The show hired a Native American consultant named James Highwater (real name Jack Marks) who was a complete fraud. https://heavy.com/entertainment/star-trek/jamake-highwater-voyager-fake-native-american/
neutral · AI labelView post →Alright. Highwater is done and dusted. This is the third game in this IP, which features Golf Club Nostalgia (formerly Golf Club Wasteland) and The Cub. This entry is the prequel to the events of the other two games. There are two extra stories that you can play after you finish the base game: ARC and Aftermath. ARC offers an in depth playthrough of a cutscene from the base game, and Aftermath deals with the people you leave behind from the base game.…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →"[...] there’s still time to enjoy the view." That's why I bought this game. Except for there is not much to see when you are traveling with your boat. The surroundings are very minimal, basic and often feel copy-pasted. There wasn't much to enjoy the view. The graphic art style is great though. Long story short - would I recommend playing it - No. If you are interested in my why keep reading. Camera controls: Often I'm annoyed about the camera angle and camera controls in general. Depending…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Highwater - Consoles Announce Trailer. Climate change apocalypse tactical turn-based strategy game. Coming March 14 Source: https://www.gematsu.com/2024/01/highwater-for-ps5-xbox-series-ps4-xbox-one-switch-and-pc-launches-march-14
neutral · AI labelView post →I had high hopes for this game after playing Golf Club Nostalgia and reviewing [url=https://steamcommunity.com/id/CheekyTchii/recommended/1941410?snr=1_5_9__402] The Cub. Unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. However, I must say that it had a few good moments. Highwater ties in with the earlier two games they've made, nevertheless you can perfectly play it as a standalone. While prior knowledge is not necessary, I must admit that I enjoy puzzling out the entire dystopian…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Dissappointing I'm tempted when encountering a junk game to not leave a negative review or any review at all, but I feel it is necessary to warn people, that the game is unfinished. Not much more to be said for a game with a developer who has been silent for 2 years. Nice game idea, but so many rough edges and things in the game that just make it feel like an experiment in how to code a computer game, than an actual finished product. Every step in the game is either exploration fun, or a…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Saw Sheryl Crow tonight at #Highwater music festival and gotta say she’s still at the top of her game!
neutral · AI labelView post →Full Walkthrough: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fs4_F7-bgb0 ★★★★★ Gameplay: Decent (Simple) Graphics: Very Good Music: Very Good Story: Good PC Requirements: Potato Game Time: 3.5 - 6 hrs
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Probably not worth your time. Not mine, at least.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →★★★★☆ Full Gameplay Walkthrough (All Books & Boosters) : https://youtu.be/Pa5morI5eiw Gameplay : 6/10 Art/Graphics : 7/10 Music/Soundtrack : 7/10 Story : 7/10 Game Time : 3 - 5 Hours
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This game is pretty cooked. Game feels pretty janky, and unpolished. The writing feels off, like its not translated properly or something. The random cuts from gameplay to cutscenes are jarring, just doesn't feel right. The artstyle is pretty good though.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →It should be a perfect game for me. Exploring a post apocolyptic flooded world on a power boat, searching little islands for some lore and the occasional turn based tactical skirmish all while listening to some chill tunes on the radio. It all sounds appealing but I just found the implementation here to be a bit of let down. The games controls seems a bit wonky, the horizontal camera pan is reversed (at least for my brain) and although the game offers re-mapping changing this particular…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →The concept seemed fine, but the disconnect between the game play modes (exploration and battle) is jarring.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →A very chill game with beautiful music and a heavenly atmosphere, despite the grim setting itself. Turn based combat is a nice touch that doesn't require much strategy but is a novel approach since this game wouldn't work as well as a straight up 3rd person platformer, so goofy / jumpy violence was never going to work here and what they've chosen instead works well. These developers have a real gift for delivering atmosphere, which isn't too surprising considering they were able to pull it…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Just an hour or so in, and it's pretty nice and chilled. The combat is no real threat, the story is nice. A pretty good game.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I get to do a talk at Bristol! It's co-hosted by the Digital Game Lab and the Department of Classics and Ancient History. Details in here--November 14th: bristoldigitalgamelab.blogs.bristol.ac.uk/events/ Look for a pic of Horace Highwater, who created the world of Antiqua (so he could excavate it)
neutral · AI labelView post →Highwater, the second entry of the Demagog franchise, and the third one I've played. Formerly an exclusive on Netflix for whole 6 people, the game is now released on Steam for all of us to play. The story is set after the environmental disaster and floods took place but before humanity's departure to Mars, and the game takes the form of third person exploration instead of two dimensional sidescrolling Golf Club: Wasteland or The Cub chose to adapt. The main plot of the story is very…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Highwater was a very fun, mostly chill game with a nice little story and fun characters. While I don't love turn based games anymore, I did enjoy this. This reminded me of Submerged series and Golfclub Wasteland. I highly suggest this to turn based gamers and also people who like that post apocalyptic world and fun little journey games.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I'm too evil for Miss Highwater, I wanna Mind Twist their whole hand away so they *have* to take the deal to keep playing the game. I can't do this to people. 😭
neutral · AI labelView post →Personally I'd rate it second after Golf Club Nostalgia and better than The Cub. Though all 3 games in this "Trilogy" are quite unique from each other, so take it with a grain of salt. Just recommending, cause I feel it deserves more than 44 reviews with a mixed reception.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →The water could be a bit higher but its pretty good overall
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I cannot figure out the controls for this game. It behaves like a smart phone app that was pushed to PC. I might try it later, but many in Community Hub have said this game might be abandon.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I found this game pretty fun, the open water travel is tense filled with radio audio of how things are unfolding in the world. Meanwhile you encounter some combat which you will have to use your wits to figure out. It's not all about finding the strongest weapon.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Highwater is great. You and a rotating, motley crew, explore the ruins of Earth after an ecological disaster and every once in a while get in an Xcom style battle. The Earth is flooded, you ride around in your inflatable raft, The Argo, and listen to Highwater Pirate Radio (The precursor to the excellent Radio Nostalgia from Mars, from Highwaters sister games, The Cub and Golf Club Nostalgia) and it is just as fantastic as in the other games from this developer. The stylized graphics look…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →the turn base combat is soooooo slow, the idea was fun but combat should be active
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Great experience for a person like me who loves both turn based combat and "the world is under water and dying" kind of games. I just wish the boat sections were more "open worldish".. Regardless, enjoyed it a lot. :)
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →A really wonderful video soundtrack I don't think people are aware of, especially because the game is niche is the soundtracks for Golf Club Nostalgia 8/10 The Cub 7/10 Highwater 6/10 They are all part of a series, and as much as I love them, the soundtrack is the best part!
neutral · AI labelView post →I expected more. Hardly any free exploration, you always have to follow the markings. I didn't want to believe the other reviews but the battles are actually uninspiring and boring. Too bad, the flooded setting actually seems interesting. Unfortunately not recommended
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →combat is very boring and long. gameplay is not fun at all. seems good but the clunky mechanics and gameplay makes it a solid 2/10
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Could be better! A very casual, turn based game with witty story-line. However, considering the previous two games made by the developer ( The Cub and Golf Club: Wasteland ), I've expected much more. Seems like a downgrade compared to the other two, as its seems that they've changed the 2D platformer to a 2.5D isometric "open world" game without any good reason whatsoever. Not a strong dislike, however far from a recommendation.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Reviewing this game is going to be tricky as some of the design decisions and faults can annoy people a lot while others can really love the game for its strong points and what it’s trying to do. I was very hesitant on getting this so soon based on the mixed reception but I’m glad I went ahead with it after completing Highwater. So what’s the gameplay basically? The loop is generally using your boat to get to the next destination. The journey is supported by the same radio host from The Cub…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Highwater - Launch Trailer | PS5 Games.
neutral · AI labelView post →AN EXTRA STREAM??? You bet your butts. I am SO EXCITED to be taking a look at Demagog Studio's newest game, "Highwater!" The world is wet and full of mystery, and you know I'm a fan of all of those things. Thanks to Reverb Communications for the game key! See y'all @ 2pm EST!!! #Ad
positive · AI labelView post → Valko Indorian  Boss Uramon, Shadow's Reach  Istvan, Butcher of Eln  Kuroki, Thief of Talents …
neutral · AI labelView post →Good job for Demagog studio! Nice game, graphics, music... everything!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Oh boy, not me buying a game again that looked good but everything else is mid at best about it.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →It's not terrible, but hard to recommend. There's some alright mechanics, but they're not very well utilised or polished. Things feel like they're just about hold together. Soundtrack is nice, but the story makes little sense. Tesla city on Mars? Sure. Things feel drafted, checkboxes feel ticked. Sometimes a cutscene is just everyone standing still and you're wondering if game froze.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This "game" is annoying as hell
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Enjoyed playing Highwater (2024) over the weekend, a cozy-adjacent turned-based strategy game from Demagog Studio and part of the same setting as their other games Good Club: Wasteland (2018) [now Golf Club: Nostalgia] and The Cub (2024).
positive · AI labelView post →Unique artistic direction Good Humor Really enjoyed the radio you bring along and the tunes Kind of a "funny" take on a very dramatic situation Combat speed could be a lot faster but that is my only dislike of the game. Feels like a good Journey. Tesplay: https://youtu.be/GgoiyBizX9M
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →good idea but worst possible execution. annoying radio-host. cant set propper audio levels. just wast of time.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →🦉Schedule for the Week!🦉 We will be diving into a new game called Highwater which I am excited to dive in! Also our usual Art drawing, Side Order climbing, and prep for Splatfest TEAM DRUMS! See ya there! ▶ www.twitch.tv/shujiwakahisa Vtuber | #ENVtuber | #Twitch
neutral · AI labelView post →I just started playing it and i found it interesting, I love the story and gameplay Also the soundtracks
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Hacking those robots is pretty fun.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →She is a more appealing version of Zenos yae Galvus which originally I thought of as similar to her, only to realize no... Zenos is a Game Ender where I wanted a cool weird Value Machine like Highwater.
neutral · AI labelView post →I've been slowly working through Kentucky Route Zero. Just started Act IV. I'll beat this game, come Hell or Highwater.
neutral · AI labelView post →I know it’s a divisive game but I loved it. The designs and visuals of the game - 17 years old at this point - remain stunning. Highwater mark for sure
neutral · AI labelView post →One of my favorites in a great series (The Cub , Nostalgia Golf) This third edition was exactly what I need it to explore Alphaville and complete the story. I have finished it 3 time so far and everytime I learn something more to the story. NOW the only question is what happwns in TESLA City next....... hint hint make the 4th one lol
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →could listen to that radio all day long!!!!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This game actually has some really cool ideas unfortunately it's a bad game. Being a gamer has honestly allowed me to respect peoples work even though I don't like it because making a good game really is not easy and as a result I appreciate them more. Firstly, the scenary is extremely bland so it serves no purpose. Since there is nothing to see driving around in your boat feels like a chore. I found the combat boring, like nothing about it felt unique or fun and I'm a guy who love turn…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Are you all ready? Come Hell or Highwater, we'll be playing DOOM: The Dark Ages tonight! After last night I really want this to work out, so I hope to see you all there in about 40 mins! #Vtuber #VtuberEN #DOOMTheDarkAges
neutral · AI labelView post →experience 🌕🌕🌗🌑🌑 narrative 🌕🌕🌕🌑🌑 gameplay 🌕🌗🌑🌑🌑 aesthetics 🌕🌕🌗🌑🌑 audio 🌕🌕🌕🌗🌑 good concept, poor execution. music and narrative is good. aesthetic is beautiful. gameplay is lacking.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Lovely music, good artstyle, good combat with environment
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Im not going to lie. Its pretty boring, and the carema tends to shake quite a bit. Maybe get it while its on heavy sale
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I want to like this game, I was excited when it was first announced, and it kinda sat on my backshelf for a while, but now that i've played it all in one go (about five hours) I find myself woefully disappointed. I can't even tell if the devs cared that much, i'm sure they did, but theres just so many bugs and such they could have caught simply by playing the game through right before launch. The story is kind of all over the place with a pretty whatever ending, not worth the time spent or…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →its a good concept but... 1. the turn style combat really drags down the momentum and fun of the game 2. the radio host is annoying. 3. the visuals are ok but needs a bit of polish not really my flavour
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Slow paced, linear, and you're the villains apparently. "Don't set yourself on fire, I want to steal your fuel! I can't steal your fuel if you use it to burn yourself alive!" "meh, fine. just drag me along then." 5 minutes later: "This guy? let's throw him in the ocean and leave him behind so he'll drown." The game feels way too proud of itself to have a make believe radio station they want you to listen to, especially for it being so poorly slopped together. And combat is a joke. It feels…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Very nice little game with a very interesting consistent story that hits home, because it's pretty close to a possible future reality. I like the art style. Overall gameplay and the round-based combat is pretty nice too. Good example of what great results you can achieve with a small team. One play through including the extra content, that gets accessible when you made it to the end, takes about 9 hours. Only thing that should be improved: In combat there's a waiting time between "player did…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →
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