The Waters Above: Prelude
Released Jun 2018
A yuri kinetic novel about sea nymphs who tend to the stars. The Waters Above: Prelude is a free prequel to The Waters Above.
90% positive · 143 reviews
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence
Where to get it
Free on Steam
Evaluation
The Waters Above: Prelude is a free standalone prequel kinetic novel that released on June 27, 2018. The store description explicitly frames it as a prequel to a separate, larger game called The Waters Above — meaning Prelude itself is a self-contained, finished product. It was designed from the outset as a complete short experience consisting of four episodes, each starring one of the main characters. The only developer communication after launch was a bug-fix patch on June 29, 2018, squashing typos and small issues shortly after release. There have been no news posts, patch notes, roadmaps, or developer statements of any kind since that date. The game launched as a finished product and has received no post-launch content updates. It is complete as shipped.
Evidence
Store description explicitly identifies the game as a free prequel consisting of four short episodes — a self-contained, complete product designed to introduce characters from the main game.
Version 1.0.5 bug-fix patch released two days after launch, addressing typos, music loops, and minor issues. The only developer communication on record after release.
Media
Details
Developer
Publisher
Sekai Project
Achievements
—
Platform
Windows, macOS, Linux
Controller
—
Steam Deck
Not rated
Players
Single-player
About this game
A giant dome called the Vault of Heaven covers the earth, separating it from the vast ocean of the heavens. In this world, sea nymphs care for the stars in the sky, dedicating their lives to it. However, magic is fading, the stars are dying, and no one knows why. No one even speaks of it, carrying on like they have for tens of thousands of years, as if nothing has changed. In these circumstances, three sea nymphs and the living embodiment of a star struggle to find meaning in their lives and their fading world.
The Waters Above: Prelude is a free prequel to the upcoming kinetic yuri novel, The Waters Above presenting four short episodes each starring a main character from the game. Maera: A young and well-respected starkeeper. Clio: Maera's girlfriend and the head of maintenance for the Celestial authority. Iris: The assistant archivist and researcher trying desperately to save the stars. Apple: The star in Maera's care, and the first in ten thousand years to have a human form.
Features
-Stunning character art from Namie and beautiful backgrounds from Loika
-Original soundtrack by Kris "Astartus" Flacke
-Accessibility options
-Extra features including a music room, CG viewer, and guest art gallery
Not included is a handkerchief for your tears.
The Waters Above: Prelude is a free prequel to the upcoming kinetic yuri novel, The Waters Above presenting four short episodes each starring a main character from the game. Maera: A young and well-respected starkeeper. Clio: Maera's girlfriend and the head of maintenance for the Celestial authority. Iris: The assistant archivist and researcher trying desperately to save the stars. Apple: The star in Maera's care, and the first in ten thousand years to have a human form.
Features
-Stunning character art from Namie and beautiful backgrounds from Loika
-Original soundtrack by Kris "Astartus" Flacke
-Accessibility options
-Extra features including a music room, CG viewer, and guest art gallery
Not included is a handkerchief for your tears.
Are these done yet?
Last evaluated Jun 26, 2026
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