Fit check
Is Highlands, Deep Waters worth it for you?
We tell you who should skip it, too.
Play it if you…
Good fit- Players who enjoy interactive horror novels with branching choices
- Mystery fans who want to gather and interpret clues
- Readers interested in text-based stories with customizable protagonist identities
Skip it if you…
Saves you a refund- Players seeking visual scenes, animation, or sound effects
- Those looking for action combat or gameplay beyond investigation and choice-driven reading
- Readers who prefer short stories rather than a 340,000-word interactive novel
Our take on Highlands, Deep Waters
Its defining format is a 340,000-word interactive horror novel in which player choices control the investigation and its story.
What is Highlands, Deep Waters?
Highlands, Deep Waters is a 340,000-word interactive horror novel set in a small Scottish town.
The player investigates a murder involving secrets, cultists, and abyssal horror, choosing whether to act as a Detective, Criminal, or Scholar. A Deduction system supports gathering and interpreting clues, while a Sanity system represents the effects of confronting disturbing truths. The story is entirely text-based, with no graphics or sound effects. The setting includes hand-drawn maps, local history, and unusual inhabitants. Character options include male, female, gay, and straight protagonists. Player decisions control the story and shape how the investigation unfolds.
How Highlands, Deep Waters plays
- 01Three Character Roles
- The investigation can be approached as an insightful Detective, resourceful Criminal, or mysterious Scholar.
- 02Clue Deduction
- A Deduction system supports collecting and interpreting evidence during the murder investigation.
- 03Sanity System
- A Sanity system tracks the effects of facing hidden and disturbing truths.
- 04Text-Based Format
- The interactive novel uses text without graphics or sound effects.
- 05Scottish Town Setting
- The setting includes hand-drawn maps, distinctive history, and peculiar inhabitants.
Highlands, Deep Waters compared to similar games
Planescape: Torment: Enhanced Edition combines an unconventional story with exploration, characters, and a soundtrack, while Highlands, Deep Waters presents its investigation entirely through text. Back to the Dawn is a crime-focused RPG about surviving prison and escaping, whereas Highlands, Deep Waters centers on solving a murder in a Scottish town through choices, deduction, and sanity.
Highlands, Deep Waters: platforms & release
Is Highlands, Deep Waters worth it?
It is worth it if: players who enjoy interactive horror novels with branching choices. Skip it if: players seeking visual scenes, animation, or sound effects.
Where can I download Highlands, Deep Waters?
Use the Download Now button on this page: it opens Highlands, Deep Waters's store page, where you can choose how to get it.
What platforms is Highlands, Deep Waters on?
Windows, macOS and Linux.
