Co-op video games have proven over the years to be a great way to test trust and teamwork between those playing together. While some games have both players fulfill similar roles and allow one to pick up the pace for a player falling behind, other game give the partners separate tasks entirely, forcing each to do their part for the goal to be successful. The upcoming adventure game by Plouf, In the Same Boat, takes this idea a step further by having even the perspective of the two players differ, with the new teaser trailer exemplifying these differences.
The trailer immediately juxtaposes the wide-open waters that one player will face with the confined captain’s quarters that the other will take on. According to the Steam store page, the first player will need to handle immediate threats, such as rocks, whirlpools, and enemy ships that try to damage the vessel. The second player will act as the cartographer and use the maps at their disposal to guide the sailor toward their destination. This will include simple tasks like ensuring the map is facing the right way and more complex calculations with tools like protractors. The success of both will rely on the other as well, as the cartographer is shown in the trailer to be trudging through water when the ship is breached.
In the Same Boat encourages replays from its players by making each fifteen-minute game procedurally generated with the custom biomes and hazards. In addition to the base game, players will also be able to take on unique missions like delivering cargo, fighting off pirates, and searching for treasure. For each of these missions, communication between both players will be required to make sure they agree how to approach the enemy ships and sea monsters.
Given how many people classic large sailboats took to successfully steer, it is no surprise that In the Same Boat would seek to explore some of the potential in splitting up their tasks to multiple people. The game will release on Steam, where the game is said to release soon.