Games Like South Scrimshaw, Part One

Play as an Artificial Intelligence guiding a stranded xenobiologist through a beautiful and mysterious alien ocean. A non-violent sci-fi story, enter a world of wonder, fear and vulnerability, unraveling the history and ecology of an impossible planet. What will you discover together?

Why similar: Underwater 50.7% ★, Atmospheric 11.9%, Aliens 11.7%, Sci-fi 10.6%, Experimental 5.3%

Why You'll Like It: This game perfectly mirrors the observational, scientific, and underwater exploration themes found in South Scrimshaw.

Beyond Blue is a single-player narrative adventure that takes you deep into our planet’s beating blue heart. Explore the awesome wonder and unbounded mystery that exists within the world’s ocean.

Why similar: Underwater 73.4% ★, Science 14.4%, Nature 5.7%, Atmospheric 2.5%, Casual 2.2%

Why You'll Like It: As a game rooted in real-world marine biology, it provides the same educational and documentary-like feel as the seed game.

A space station nestled in the clouds of Jupiter. A bizarre bazaar where a young, worried woman crafts entire universes in the palm of her hand. A mysterious cultist who's stripped the flesh from his bones in order to reach enlightenment. Here, there's a universe for sale. You buying?

Why similar: Hand-drawn 38.8%, Sci-fi 25.5%, Atmospheric 17.9%, Visual Novel 8.1%, 2D 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: This title shares the hand-drawn aesthetic and deep, atmospheric sci-fi storytelling that defines the seed game.

From the art director of Journey®, ABZÛ is a beautiful underwater adventure that evokes the dream of diving. Immerse yourself in a vibrant hidden world bursting with color and life as you descend into the heart of the ocean. But beware as you swim deeper as dangers lurk in the depths.

Why similar: Underwater 77.4% ★, Atmospheric 17%, Casual 3.5%, Story Rich 1.3%, Singleplayer 0.7%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a similarly meditative and visually stunning underwater journey that focuses on the beauty of marine life.

Teach the gods to create a better universe - or mess it all up in Mythic Ocean, a narrative exploration game where your choices shape the fate of the cosmos.

Why similar: Underwater 82.5% ★, Atmospheric 11.4%, Visual Novel 6.1%

Why You'll Like It: This underwater narrative game emphasizes choice and lore-rich interactions in a way that fans of visual novels will appreciate.

Stan, a professional diver in the North Sea, is struggling to overcome a life-changing loss during an extended mission underwater. Stuck in his self-imposed solitude, he starts to experience strange events and will have to make the most significant choice of his life...

Why similar: Underwater 51.9% ★, Submarine 15.7% ★, Cinematic 11.1%, Sci-fi 10.1%, Atmospheric 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: It provides a deep, story-driven experience set in an underwater environment that emphasizes atmosphere and isolation.

Harold Halibut is a handmade narrative game about friendship and life on a city-sized spaceship submerged in an alien ocean. Join Harold as he explores a vibrant retro-future world in his quest to find the true meaning of ‘home’.

Why similar: Cinematic 30%, Lore-Rich 25.3%, Sci-fi 11.8%, Atmospheric 10.1%, Emotional 10.1%

Why You'll Like It: Its hand-crafted aesthetic and cinematic, narrative-heavy approach mirror the experimental nature of the seed game.

Traverse a dried-out seabed littered with the remains of a decaying civilization. Keep your unique vessel going, overcome numerous obstacles and withstand the hazardous weather conditions. How far can you make it? What will you find?

Why similar: Cinematic 38.5%, Nature 26.4%, Atmospheric 22.9%, Story Rich 5.5%, Casual 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: This game captures the same sense of a quiet, linear, and atmospheric journey through a desolate but beautiful world.

Gris is a hopeful young girl lost in her own world, dealing with a painful experience in her life. Her journey through sorrow is manifested in her dress, which grants new abilities to better navigate her faded reality.

Why similar: Hand-drawn 43.3%, Atmospheric 38.5%, 2D 8.5%, Story Rich 5.2%, Casual 3.3%

Why You'll Like It: Its hand-drawn art style and emotional, wordless narrative delivery align closely with the artistic spirit of South Scrimshaw.

Pick up what the waves wash ashore to make instruments. Use those instruments to answer the echoes heard from beyond the ocean.

Why similar: Lore-Rich 26.6%, Hand-drawn 24.9%, Nature 22.7%, Atmospheric 11.4%, Casual 5.5%

Why You'll Like It: A relaxing, nature-focused experience that shares the quiet, observational charm of the seed game.

Slice of Sea is a peaceful adventure and puzzle game. You play as Seaweed, a sea creature clearly out of their element. Explore desolate world of dust, all hand-drawn on paper in unique art style. Collect items, solve puzzles and lead Seaweed back home to the sea.

Why similar: Hand-drawn 40.1%, Lore-Rich 21.7%, Atmospheric 13.2%, Linear 13%, 2D 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: The hand-drawn art style and puzzle-exploration gameplay evoke a similar sense of wonder and discovery.

Embark on an unique and unforgettable journey and guide Sable through her Gliding; a rite of passage that will take her across vast deserts and mesmerizing landscapes, capped by the remains of spaceships and ancient wonders.

Why similar: Hand-drawn 38.4%, Sci-fi 31.1%, Atmospheric 21.7%, Story Rich 7.4%, Singleplayer 1.5%

Why You'll Like It: The focus on exploration, contemplative pacing, and unique hand-drawn art makes it a strong thematic companion.

Roleplaying in the ruins of interplanetary capitalism. Live the life of an escaped worker, washed-up on a lawless station at the edge of an interstellar society. Inspired by the flexibility and freedom of TTRPGs, explore the station, choose your friends, escape your past and change your future.

Why similar: Hand-drawn 34.7%, Sci-fi 29.7%, Space 15.9%, Atmospheric 13.9%, Story Rich 5.8%

Why You'll Like It: This game offers deep, lore-rich sci-fi storytelling that excels at building a unique world through text and atmosphere.

SAMUDRA is an award-winning hand-illustrated deep sea journey.

Why similar: Underwater 62.1% ★, Hand-drawn 18.4%, Atmospheric 11.1%, 2D 6.3%, Story Rich 1.7%

Why You'll Like It: This 2D underwater adventure focuses on atmospheric storytelling and environmental themes similar to the seed game.

A turn-based playable comic book about surviving in an alien ocean. Explore a planet reclaimed by nature. Forage, salvage, and cultivate to survive. Uncover a lost history. Discover who you are. Find your way home.

Why similar: Underwater 37.3% ★, Hand-drawn 16.1%, Linear 13.9%, Nature 13.4%, Sci-fi 11.9%

Why You'll Like It: This title combines underwater exploration with a unique, comic-book-inspired art style.

You didn’t ask to lead this expedition, but here you are. Stuck in the ice, Captain missing, miles from civilisation. Someone has to take charge. Manage your meagre resources, balance safety and morale, make the hard calls, and head in the only direction you can - through The Pale Beyond.

Why similar: Hand-drawn 38.5%, Emotional 20.8%, Atmospheric 20.3%, 2D 10.1%, Story Rich 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: It captures the feeling of a harsh, nature-focused expedition where the narrative is driven by the environment and survival.

Pilot a remotely operated submarine and explore the oceans! Defy the darkness and crushing pressure of the deeps as you chart unknown regions and study new species of ocean life.

Why similar: Underwater 38.1% ★, Science 26.7%, Submarine 17.8% ★, Nature 10.2%, Atmospheric 6.8%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a more technical, simulation-based approach to the underwater exploration found in the seed game.

The Multi-Medium is a visually unique 2D puzzle platform adventure in which you play as an interdimensional explorer lost in the multiverse. Travel to diverse worlds, each drawn or painted by hand in a different medium and style, in search of your place in the cosmos.

Why similar: Science 27.6%, Hand-drawn 22.3%, Linear 15.3%, Sci-fi 14.8%, Atmospheric 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: Its stylized, hand-drawn aesthetic and focus on narrative-driven puzzles align with the seed game's experimental nature.

A Raven Monologue is a short experimental silent story about a raven that does not know how to croak and his relationship with the people in the town.

Why similar: Hand-drawn 41.4%, Atmospheric 20.1%, Experimental 14.1%, Casual 12.4%, Visual Novel 4.6%

Why You'll Like It: This short, atmospheric, and hand-drawn experience shares the experimental visual novel qualities of the seed game.

Hike, climb, and soar through the peaceful mountainside landscapes of Hawk Peak Provincial Park as you make your way to the summit.

Why similar: Nature 78.4%, Casual 18.7%, Singleplayer 2.9%

Why You'll Like It: While terrestrial, it captures the same casual, nature-focused exploration and gentle narrative pacing.

Life Below is a refreshing twist on the city-building genre, set beneath the waves. Shape thriving coral reefs, revive collapsing ecosystems, and grow a living seascape in a heartfelt narrative by Rhianna Pratchett. You are the ocean's final hope.

Why similar: Underwater 44.2% ★, Science 26.5%, Nature 17.9%, Atmospheric 8.2%, Story Rich 2.7%

Why You'll Like It: Its focus on nature and simulation provides a grounded, contemplative experience similar to the seed game's documentary feel.

Be the Universe in this epic, award-winning reality simulation game - featuring thousands of playable characters, endless exploration, an extraordinary soundtrack and narration from Alan Watts.

Why similar: Atmospheric 35.6%, Casual 32.2%, Experimental 29.8%, Singleplayer 2.4%

Why You'll Like It: Its observational and philosophical approach to nature and existence aligns with the documentary style of South Scrimshaw.

Diluvion is a 3D deep sea, Jules Verne inspired, exploration game with RPG elements and thrilling submarine combat. As the Captain of your own vessel, you must grow and manage your crew as you search for the secrets of the past in a hauntingly beautiful flooded world.

Why similar: Underwater 84.7% ★, Submarine 15% ★, Singleplayer 0.3%

Why You'll Like It: This game features a unique underwater sci-fi setting that emphasizes exploration and narrative discovery.

Named Game of the Year 2019 by Giant Bomb, Polygon, Eurogamer, and The Guardian, Outer Wilds is a critically-acclaimed and award-winning open world mystery about a solar system trapped in an endless time loop.

Why similar: Space 34.1%, Sci-fi 31.5%, Atmospheric 23.2%, Story Rich 9.6%, Singleplayer 1.5%

Why You'll Like It: It is the gold standard for lore-rich exploration and discovery in a mysterious, alien environment.

A branching folktale misadventure about a trio of large, bearded fishermen. Shape a custom tale that begins again where it ends, through waters where lurk creatures from Scandinavian folklore.

Why similar: Casual 27.3%, Atmospheric 22%, Visual Novel 20.8%, 2D 18.4%, Story Rich 9.8%

Why You'll Like It: A charming, folk-tale-inspired visual novel that focuses on a linear, story-rich journey.

When humans get too lonely, they turn into monsters… Set sail across a beautiful and evolving world of darkness and light, and discover what it means to be human.

Why similar: Emotional 58.4%, Atmospheric 38.4%, Singleplayer 3.2%

Why You'll Like It: The emotional, water-themed world and atmospheric storytelling provide a similar sense of introspection.

Embark on an interstellar trip and deploy to a mythic ocean planet in a low-flying jett in this cinematic science fiction action adventure with immersive sim elements from Superbrothers, known for Sword & Sworcery EP.

Why similar: Science 24.2%, Cinematic 20.1%, Sci-fi 14.5%, Lore-Rich 14.3%, Space 9%

Why You'll Like It: This game features a strong focus on sci-fi exploration and atmospheric world-building.

Dive into the boundless galaxy and embark on an emotional adventure! Help little robot Emeth to fulfill a century-old promise by finding Earth in order to save Mankind—so step into the spaceship, operate a deep space telescope, and find out what’s out there in the unknown.

Why similar: Sci-fi 19.4%, Atmospheric 17.9%, Space 17.8%, Emotional 16.2%, Visual Novel 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: It delivers a poignant, story-rich sci-fi experience that relies on atmosphere and discovery.

Panthalassa is a Point and click Puzzle game set in an underwater alien world. You play as an AI reborn in a highly advanced body they do not recognize. Interface with otherworldly technology and unlock the secrets behind this strange planet.

Why similar: Underwater 47.1% ★, Lore-Rich 17.3%, Linear 13.4%, Sci-fi 11.4%, Visual Novel 4.2%

KENTUCKY ROUTE ZERO is a magical realist adventure game about a secret highway running through the caves beneath Kentucky, and the mysterious folks who travel it.

Why similar: Atmospheric 71.8%, Story Rich 14.6%, Experimental 6.3%, Visual Novel 4%, 2D 2.4%

Why You'll Like It: This game is a masterclass in atmospheric, narrative-heavy storytelling that feels like a surreal, hand-crafted journey.

You're a Stardiver on a mission. Descend into the depths of an underwater world filled with wonder, mysteries, and peril. Discover the story behind the abandoned base. Explore this submerged planet and learn its history.

Why similar: Underwater 54% ★, Sci-fi 19.7%, Space 11.7%, Atmospheric 10.4%, Story Rich 3.5%

Why You'll Like It: This title offers a sci-fi exploration experience that focuses on mystery and discovery in a vast environment.

Discover a once-thriving ocean, now tainted by enigmatic dark entities. Your quest: decipher the mystery and rekindle the ocean's radiant light.

Why similar: Underwater 51.1% ★, Emotional 14.2%, Atmospheric 12.1%, Linear 11.6%, 2D 4.2%

Fishy is a heartfelt visual novel about friends, enemies, acceptance, and monsters. Explore the aquarium, face your fears, and maybe make a friend. here fishy fishy f̵̥͘͠i̷̱͉͋͑s̵͙̈͘h̵͖̅y̶̜͘

Why similar: Underwater 34.1% ★, Cinematic 14.8%, Hand-drawn 11.4%, Nature 10.3%, Emotional 8.4%

The Prologue of Universe for Sale, a sci-fi narrative experience about human relationships and self-acceptance, follow the stories of the nameless Master, a mysterious cultist and Lila the universes vendor.

Why similar: Lore-Rich 27.8%, Hand-drawn 27%, Sci-fi 19.9%, Atmospheric 11.2%, Space 5.3%

Subside is an immersive aquatic VR experience with multiple areas to explore and lifelike aquatic creatures to interact with. Crafted with unparalleled realism, it aims to replicate the nuances of real-life swimming and diving in shallow waters

Why similar: Underwater 65.7% ★, Nature 16.5%, Sci-fi 8.5%, Atmospheric 7.1%, Casual 1.8%

CRUSH DEPTH is first-person sci-fi horror game set at the bottom of the ocean. A salvage operation that would set you up for life goes sideways when you realize you're not alone down there. You'll solve puzzles and run from danger as you uncover the mysterious fate of Eclipse Station.

Why similar: Underwater 38.3% ★, Submarine 17.5% ★, Lore-Rich 14.9%, Sci-fi 12.5%, Linear 10.7%

When the truth is buried, go underground. Step into this new take on text-based adventure from the award-winning team behind Thomas Was Alone and Volume. A short story that hands you the fate of the world above, as a detective looking for answers on the Subsurface Circular.

Why similar: Cinematic 39.3%, Sci-fi 35.6%, Visual Novel 11.7%, Casual 6.9%, Story Rich 6.6%

An adventure about searching for a missing hunter and meeting with alien beings! Explore wild nature, climb on a rock, lure out a boar, meet a wolf, survive in a rockfall. Heal a deer and trick a creature! Meet the Unknown and find mystery!

Why similar: Linear 34%, Sci-fi 28.8%, Atmospheric 15.7%, Visual Novel 9.3%, Story Rich 7.1%

Play as a mermaid, who has been sent to the human world to discover why they're building a giant ship called the Titanic.

Travel on a wind-up boat and complete quests in the charming town of Whaleville located inside a whale.

Why similar: Hand-drawn 58.7%, Atmospheric 27.5%, Casual 12.1%, Singleplayer 1.8%

Join our heroes in a world ravished by the wars of it's past in this exciting Visual Novel experience!

Why similar: Visual Novel 44.5%, Casual 43%, Story Rich 12.5%

Award-winning cinematic narrative adventure set in a hand-drawn world of living forgotten objects. Lead Fig and the crew of the Volare through a story of identity, unity, and survival—where diplomacy, difficult choices, and moments of action shape the fate of five divided tribes.

Why similar: Cinematic 32.2%, Hand-drawn 27.4%, Emotional 15.8%, Atmospheric 11.7%, Story Rich 4.2%

Dive into a surreal ocean abyss in an atmospheric puzzle-adventure. Explore dangerous waters, possess sea creatures and solve environmental puzzles to discover what lies deep below the surface…

Why similar: Underwater 44.7% ★, Hand-drawn 20.8%, Cinematic 20.8%, Atmospheric 10.5%, 2D 2.8%

Play as an interstellar custodian sent to clean up a polluted ocean planet. Pick up trash, explore the vibrant waters, and take care of axolotl-like alien creatures!

Why similar: Underwater 56.6% ★, Aliens 15.7%, Sci-fi 15.4%, Atmospheric 8.3%, Casual 3.5%

Life on the Hook - is a short story about the life of a lonely fisherman named Hrafn, who lives his life in a small house on a lake with a dock and an old boat.

Why similar: Linear 38%, Emotional 25.8%, Atmospheric 25.8%, Story Rich 8.8%, Singleplayer 1.6%

Aqua Catholicism; Explore Man's Original Sin Under The Sea

Why similar: Underwater 54.9% ★, Linear 18.8%, Casual 10.1%, Visual Novel 6.1%, 2D 5.8%

Tell the 5 million year story of the mammoth in 5 minutes.

Why similar: Atmospheric 45%, Casual 40.3%, Story Rich 14.7%

Experience the story of Glow, a young and naive furry heroine caught between two empires' interplanetary ambitions, forged in tragedy and conspiracy.

Why similar: Sci-fi 34.8%, Hand-drawn 31.7%, Visual Novel 12.7%, Story Rich 7.7%, 2D 7.1%

South of the Circle is a deep narrative experience of the emerging relationship between Peter and Clara, Cambridge academics involved in a political conflict. The story focuses on promises made in between career and true love, where our choices burdened by our past seem to be illusory.

Why similar: Cinematic 38.2%, Linear 21.5%, Emotional 14.9%, Atmospheric 12.7%, Visual Novel 6.7%

Get to know the gods! This preview will give you a first glimpse into the world of Mythic Ocean, a narrative exploration game where your choices shape the fate of the cosmos.

Why similar: Underwater 78.8% ★, Atmospheric 13.8%, Visual Novel 7.3%

Milkmaid of the Milky Way is an award-winning point-and-click adventure game in rhyme that combines a gripping story with puzzles and exploration. What happens when a young milkmaid sees an alien craft in a fjord in 1920's Norway?

Why similar: Sci-fi 30.5%, Aliens 24.9%, Atmospheric 10.2%, 2D 9.6%, Emotional 9.3%

An adventure game following the story of a young boy at sea. A story told purely through animation with no sound or script.

Why similar: Underwater 60% ★, Emotional 12.9%, Atmospheric 10.7%, 2D 9.9%, Story Rich 5.8%

A hand-drawn adventure blending visual novel storytelling with point-and-click puzzles. Explore the corrupt oasis city of Shirin as an apocalyptic prophecy looms. Meet unforgettable characters, craft solutions with your Tool Belt, and unravel intricate puzzle-dungeons.

Why similar: Hand-drawn 34.2%, Linear 21%, Emotional 18.5%, Atmospheric 12.6%, Visual Novel 7.3%

Tender is a narrative game that explores connection and rejection in the era of swipe culture. It’s a story told by and through the modern interface for finding love.

Why similar: Hand-drawn 32.9%, Aliens 28.5%, Casual 10.2%, 2D 9.3%, Visual Novel 9.1%

BatteryNote is a multi-ending sci-fi adventure visual novel game. You can recharge three robots with limited lifespans, bringing them back to life. Interact with them through conversations or experiment by applying high voltage. How they spend their final moments is entirely up to you.

Why similar: Sci-fi 33.2%, Emotional 30.6%, Atmospheric 15.2%, Visual Novel 9.1%, Story Rich 7.6%

Become Jules Verne and adventure into the dangers that hide in Hemera, a fantastic parallel world built from his own imagination. Explore, solve puzzles and unlock the most coveted secret of the mighty Atlantis.

Why similar: Underwater 45.1% ★, Submarine 28.6% ★, Atmospheric 17.1%, Story Rich 5%, 2D 3.7%

A dark fairy tale set in the deep sea. The fated encounter between a sea monster and a human forever changes their lives in this visual novel. Contains platonic yuri.

Why similar: Visual Novel 35.4%, Atmospheric 30.6%, 2D 22.7%, Story Rich 9.6%, Singleplayer 1.8%

Avian Enigma is a sci-fi visual novel game featuring in a world where birds have become extinct. The story begins with a young man working in a factory accidentally saves a bird. Soon, a girl who has a mysterious relationship with birds appears in front of him. A romance with a tiny twist begins.

Why similar: Hand-drawn 48.5%, 2D 14.3%, Visual Novel 14.3%, Emotional 14.1%, Story Rich 8.8%

A scarred kingdom, a mourning god and an unfulfilled promise made with the past. Uzu and Zuhaar, two continents ravaged by a cosmic event are the setting of The Scorchfarer. The story follows Mikaela and Yukiharu, a Terramagi team tasked with healing their world and unraveling its secrets.

Why similar: Linear 39%, Nature 15.4%, Hand-drawn 14.6%, Visual Novel 9.9%, 2D 9.7%