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 50.9% ★, Atmospheric 12%, Aliens 11.8%, Sci-fi 10.4%, Space 5.2%

Why You'll Like It: This game perfectly mirrors the scientific, observational, and underwater sci-fi atmosphere of the seed game.

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 30.1%, Lore-Rich 25.6%, Sci-fi 11.6%, Atmospheric 10.2%, Emotional 10%

Why You'll Like It: This cinematic, hand-crafted narrative experience captures the same slow-paced, atmospheric storytelling found in 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 39%, Sci-fi 25.3%, Atmospheric 18.2%, Visual Novel 7.8%, 2D 7%

Why You'll Like It: It shares a distinct hand-drawn aesthetic and a deep, conversational narrative style that feels very similar to the seed game.

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 82.8% ★, Atmospheric 11.4%, Visual Novel 5.8%

Why You'll Like It: An underwater narrative game that emphasizes exploration and lore, aligning closely with the themes 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 40.8%, Nature 27.6%, Atmospheric 24.4%, Story Rich 5.8%, Singleplayer 1.4%

Why You'll Like It: This atmospheric, cinematic journey through a desolate landscape shares the contemplative and linear nature of the seed game.

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 38.3%, Emotional 20.9%, Atmospheric 20.6%, 2D 10.1%, Story Rich 8.4%

Why You'll Like It: It features a documentary-like tone and narrative-heavy survival elements that echo the serious, observational style of the seed game.

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 43.1%, Atmospheric 38.8%, 2D 8.5%, Story Rich 5.1%, Casual 3.3%

Why You'll Like It: A beautifully hand-drawn, emotional, and atmospheric game that relies on visual storytelling rather than complex mechanics.

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 27.1%, Hand-drawn 24.5%, Nature 22.4%, Atmospheric 11.5%, Casual 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: This short, relaxing game focuses on nature and environmental storytelling in a way that feels very similar to the seed game.

Spiritfarer® is a cozy management game about dying. As ferrymaster to the deceased, build a boat to explore the world, care for your spirit friends, and release them into the afterlife. The Spiritfarer Farewell Edition includes the heartwarming base game and three major content updates.

Why similar: Hand-drawn 41%, Emotional 33.7%, Atmospheric 16.9%, Story Rich 8.4%

Why You'll Like It: This game offers a deeply emotional and hand-drawn narrative experience that focuses on themes of life and nature.

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% ★, Science 14.6% ★, Nature 5.7%, Atmospheric 2.6%, Casual 2.2%

Why You'll Like It: A nature-focused underwater simulation that shares the documentary-like feel of the seed game.

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 72.7%, Story Rich 14.5%, Experimental 5.9% ★, Visual Novel 3.6%, 2D 2.5%

Why You'll Like It: An experimental, narrative-driven game that prioritizes atmosphere and lore over traditional gameplay, much like the seed game.

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 15.8% ★, Cinematic 10.9%, Sci-fi 10.2%, Atmospheric 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: An underwater exploration game that prioritizes a story-rich, cinematic experience in a deep-sea setting.

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 58.3%, Atmospheric 38.7%, Singleplayer 3.1%

Why You'll Like It: This atmospheric game features water-themed environments and a heavy focus on emotional, narrative-driven exploration.

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 30.9%, Atmospheric 21.9%, Story Rich 7.3%, Singleplayer 1.4%

Why You'll Like It: Its unique, hand-drawn art style and focus on quiet, contemplative exploration make it a strong thematic match.

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 39.9%, Lore-Rich 22%, Atmospheric 13.3%, Linear 12.9%, 2D 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: A hand-drawn, 2D adventure game that emphasizes exploration and a unique, atmospheric world.

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 34.3%, Sci-fi 31.1%, Atmospheric 23.6%, Story Rich 9.6%, Singleplayer 1.4%

Why You'll Like It: A masterclass in lore-rich, sci-fi exploration that rewards curiosity and observation above all else.

Embark on an emotional first-person narrative adventure where you control the story—and affect its outcomes—with your real-life blinks. With this innovative technique you will fully immerse yourself in a world of memories, both joyous and heartbreaking, as your whole life flashes before your eyes.

Why similar: Emotional 54%, Hand-drawn 32.2%, Story Rich 12.3%, Singleplayer 1.4%

Why You'll Like It: An experimental narrative game that uses a unique mechanic to deliver a poignant, cinematic story.

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

Why similar: Underwater 62% ★, Hand-drawn 18.4%, Atmospheric 11.2%, 2D 6.3%, Story Rich 1.7%

Why You'll Like It: A 2D, underwater, atmospheric adventure that shares the environmental and narrative focus 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 78.6%, Casual 18.6%, Singleplayer 2.9%

Why You'll Like It: A relaxing, nature-focused exploration game that captures the same gentle, casual pace of the seed game.

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 35%, Sci-fi 29.3%, Space 15.9%, Atmospheric 14%, Story Rich 5.8%

Why You'll Like It: A highly narrative, lore-rich sci-fi game that relies on text and atmosphere to build its world.

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 41.8%, Atmospheric 20.5%, Experimental 13.3% ★, Casual 12.6%, Visual Novel 4.4%

Why You'll Like It: A short, atmospheric, and hand-drawn narrative experience that feels like a quiet, artistic vignette.

Gorogoa is an elegant evolution of the puzzle genre, told through a beautifully hand-drawn story designed and illustrated by Jason Roberts. Winner of Debut Game at the 2018 BAFTA Games Awards, as well as Best Mobile Game and the Innovation Award at the GDC 2018 Choice Awards.

Why similar: Hand-drawn 58.5%, Atmospheric 17.6%, 2D 6.8%, Casual 6.7%, Experimental 5.2% ★

Why You'll Like It: An experimental, hand-drawn puzzle game that tells a beautiful, wordless story through its unique mechanics.

Old Man’s Journey, a soul-searching puzzle adventure, tells a story of life, loss, and hope. Interacting with the world around you, you'll shape the landscape to create the old man's path forward. Experience heartache and hope as you embark on a heartfelt journey through a sunkissed world.

Why similar: Hand-drawn 48.5%, Atmospheric 23.6%, Casual 12.7%, 2D 7.4%, Story Rich 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: A hand-drawn, narrative-driven game that focuses on emotional storytelling and environmental interaction.

A teenage guitar prodigy sets out on a psychedelic journey to inspire his stage persona and confront the legacy of a dead folk legend. Starring voice performances by Michael Johnston, Caroline Kinley, Lena Headey, Jason Schwartzman, Mark Strong, and Carl Weathers.

Why similar: Sci-fi 50.7%, Atmospheric 24.9%, 2D 11.4%, Story Rich 10.9%, Singleplayer 2.1%

Why You'll Like It: A cinematic, visually striking game that prioritizes narrative and artistic expression over traditional gameplay challenges.

Unpacking is a zen puzzle game about the familiar experience of pulling possessions out of boxes and fitting them into a new home. Part block-fitting puzzle, part home decoration, you are invited to create a satisfying living space while learning clues about the life you’re unpacking.

Why similar: Atmospheric 38.3%, Casual 26.9%, Story Rich 17.2%, 2D 14.2%, Singleplayer 3.5%

Why You'll Like It: A casual, narrative-driven game that uses environmental storytelling to convey a deep, personal history.

A chill game about using plants to overgrow abandoned wasteland dioramas

Why similar: Nature 50.4%, Atmospheric 23.1%, Experimental 17.5% ★, Casual 7.9%, Singleplayer 1.1%

Why You'll Like It: A relaxing, nature-focused game that emphasizes atmosphere and slow, observational growth.

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 20.1%, Atmospheric 19%, Space 18.7%, Emotional 17.1%, Visual Novel 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: A story-rich, atmospheric sci-fi game that focuses on exploration and uncovering the mysteries of the universe.

Search for hidden folks in hand-drawn, interactive, miniature landscapes. Unfurl tent flaps, cut through bushes, slam doors, and poke some crocodiles! Rooooaaaarrrr!!!!!

Why similar: Hand-drawn 74%, Casual 13.9%, 2D 10.8%, Singleplayer 1.4%

Why You'll Like It: A hand-drawn, observational game that encourages the player to slow down and notice the details in its world.

A story-driven experience about two doctors traversing backwards through a dying man's memories to artificially fulfill his last wish.

Why similar: Emotional 50.7%, Story Rich 24.4%, Linear 13.6%, 2D 6.7%, Casual 2.8%

Why You'll Like It: A narrative-heavy, 2D game that focuses on emotional storytelling and character-driven lore.

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 27.6%, Atmospheric 22.5%, Visual Novel 19.9%, 2D 18.6%, Story Rich 9.8%

Why You'll Like It: A casual, narrative-focused visual novel that uses a branching story structure to explore its world.

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 62.7% ★, Sci-fi 14.5%, Aliens 12.3%, Atmospheric 7.2%, Casual 2.9%

Guide a herd of mysterious creatures on a stirring and beautiful journey into the mountains… and beyond.

Why similar: Cinematic 26.5%, Hand-drawn 22.7%, Emotional 15.1%, Nature 15%, Atmospheric 13%

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 15%, Hand-drawn 11.4%, Nature 10.2%, Emotional 8.4%

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 27.4% ★, Hand-drawn 22.4%, Linear 15.3%, Sci-fi 14.7%, Atmospheric 7.9%

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 28.2%, Hand-drawn 27%, Sci-fi 19.7%, Atmospheric 11.3%, Space 5.4%

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 50.9% ★, Emotional 14.2%, Atmospheric 12.2%, Linear 11.5%, 2D 4.2%

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 40% ★, Science 23.3% ★, Submarine 18.6% ★, Nature 10.6%, Atmospheric 7.2%

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 37.4% ★, Hand-drawn 16.1%, Linear 13.9%, Nature 13.3%, Sci-fi 11.8%

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 34.2%, Sci-fi 28.7%, Atmospheric 16%, Visual Novel 8.9%, Story Rich 7.1%

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 65.4% ★, Nature 16.5%, Sci-fi 8.5%, Atmospheric 7.3%, Casual 1.9%

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 17.4% ★, Lore-Rich 15.1%, Sci-fi 12.4%, Linear 10.7%

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 23.8% ★, Cinematic 20.2%, Lore-Rich 14.5%, Sci-fi 14.3%, Space 9%

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 39.8%, Sci-fi 35.5%, Visual Novel 11.2%, Casual 6.9%, Story Rich 6.6%

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

Why similar: Hand-drawn 57.5%, Atmospheric 28.2%, Casual 12.5%, Singleplayer 1.7%

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

Why similar: Underwater 55% ★, Linear 18.9%, Casual 10.1%, 2D 5.9%, Visual Novel 5.8%

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

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 19.5%, Space 11.8%, Atmospheric 10.5%, Story Rich 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 37.9%, Atmospheric 26%, Emotional 25.9%, Story Rich 8.7%, Singleplayer 1.5%

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 84.8% ★, Submarine 15% ★, Singleplayer 0.3%

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

Why similar: Casual 44%, Visual Novel 43.2%, Story Rich 12.8%

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

Why similar: Atmospheric 45.3%, Casual 40.1%, Story Rich 14.5%

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 34.7%, Hand-drawn 32.1%, Visual Novel 12.2%, Story Rich 7.7%, 2D 7.2%

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% ★, Submarine 28.5% ★, Atmospheric 17.4%, Story Rich 4.9%, 2D 3.7%

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 79% ★, Atmospheric 14.1%, Visual Novel 7%

Live the perfect day, break the cycle, and discover the truth about yourself in this short, quirky sci-fi mystery about freedom, choice, and loneliness.

Why similar: Lore-Rich 42.9%, Sci-fi 24.7%, Emotional 19.3%, Atmospheric 12.1%, Story Rich 0.7%

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 42.9%, Linear 15%, Emotional 14.8%, Atmospheric 14%, Visual Novel 6.7%

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 33.1%, Aliens 28.4%, Casual 10.3%, 2D 9.4%, Space 8.9%

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 39.3%, Nature 15.2%, Hand-drawn 14.7%, 2D 9.8%, Visual Novel 9.4%

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 44.1% ★, Cinematic 21.1%, Hand-drawn 21%, Atmospheric 10.7%, 2D 2.8%

A short, twisted tale about a smuggler and a late night encounter in the English Channel. Control the camera and make tough choices, will you escape with your life?

Why similar: Alternate History 63.3%, Atmospheric 12.4%, Visual Novel 8.2%, Casual 7.9%, Story Rich 7.3%