Dive into the serene and mystical world of “Abzu,” a breathtaking underwater adventure developed by Giant Squid and published by 505 Games.
From the same art director that gave us Journey, Matt Nava, comes this beautiful exploratory game released in 2016. “Abzu” has resurfaced as a hidden gem in 2023 for a new generation of gamers to explore.
Picture yourself submerged in a mysterious underwater realm, devoid of words and free from the constraints of time. As we embark on this journey together, prepare to explore the depths of “Abzu” on the PC (controller highly recommended), PS4, Switch, or Xbox where you’ll uncover the secrets of the ocean’s vast, uncharted expanses.
But what makes “Abzu” so extraordinary? Is it the captivating visuals, the enchanting score, or the intriguing absence of combat and competition? Join us as we navigate these tranquil waters, in a review that celebrates the artistry of the deep blue while revealing whether this cozy gaming experience is truly worth the plunge.
ABZU Review: Key Game Elements
- Genre: Adventure, Exploration
- Creator: Giant Squid
- Publisher: 505 Games
- Player Modes: Single player
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, PC, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch (as of 2023)
- Price on Steam: $19.99
- Price on Nintendo Store: $19.99
- Price on Playstation Store: $19.99
- Price on Xbox Store: $19.99
A Cozy Journey Under the Sea
“Abzu” is a serene, underwater odyssey that transcends traditional gaming experiences. It comfortably nestles into the genre of cozy games, offering a meditative journey through the depths of the ocean.
As an open-world adventure, it takes you on a captivating voyage where you play as a nameless diver, exploring the depths of aquatic environments. Unlike most games, “Abzu” doesn’t place you against enemies or challenging obstacles but immerses you in its quiet world.
The narrative unfolds without words or dialogues, relying on environmental cues and visual storytelling. Your exploration leads you through a variety of underwater landscapes, uncovering the secrets of an ancient civilization and its bond with marine life. “Abzu” is all about the silent calm of swimming, observation, and, most importantly, relaxation.
Now, let’s dive deeper into the game’s components and discover what makes “Abzu,” “Abzu.”
Gameplay: Where Simplicity Shines
The heart of “Abzu” lies in its simplicity. It’s a game that prides itself on offering an entirely unique gameplay experience, far removed from the typical action-packed titles. You control a nameless diver, and the primary objective is to explore the deep sea.
The gameplay is minimalist but deeply engaging once you get past the initial few minutes of boredom at the start of the game. Stick with it; it’ll pay off.
You can navigate freely through the underwater environments, and the controls are smooth and intuitive, closely resembling the fluidity of real underwater movement. Whether you’re leisurely circling around coral reefs, dashing through schools of fish, or riding the bigger aquatic creatures, the game constantly surprises you with moments of quiet awe.
One of the distinctive aspects is the absence of traditional challenges or a win/lose scenario. Instead, “Abzu” encourages you to slow down, savor the journey, and … let it soak in, as it were.
Although the game’s environments may appear open, it’s essentially a series of interconnected sandboxes, each taking about 10 to 15 minutes to explore fully.
There are light puzzles to solve before progressing to the next area, but they’re not particularly challenging. These puzzles typically involve finding objects or interacting with the environment, keeping the game accessible to a wide audience.
The result is an experience best enjoyed by taking it slow and immersing yourself in the rich details. The game’s non-linear narrative offers moments for meditation, allowing you to watch different species of fish swim by or even hitch a ride on larger aquatic creatures.
In the next section, we’ll delve deeper into the atmosphere and narrative, two key elements that make “Abzu” a truly unique experience.
Graphics and Art Style: A Sublime Underwater Canvas
“Abzu” is a visual masterpiece.
From the moment you dive into the underwater world, you’ll be overwhelmed by the game’s beauty and its ability to convey a sense of wonder.
The graphics are a blend of vibrant colors and a slightly low-poly aesthetic, creating dreamlike seascapes that feel both fantastical and, strangely enough, believably real.
It’s the attention to detail that truly makes the game shine. From realistic bait ball formations to larger predators hunting solitary wanderers amid a flurry of bubbles, each environment feels like a living, breathing ecosystem.
One of the standout features is the game’s ability to shift perspectives and highlight the vastness of the ocean. Moments when the camera zooms out, showcasing the smallness of your diver in relation to the vast expanse of the sea, are humbling and thought-provoking.
Playing on a TV or the Nintendo Switch screen offers a consistently remarkable visual treat. The art direction showcases a mastery of creating an underwater world that feels both authentic and whimsical.
In the next section, we’ll discuss the game’s equally enchanting and melancholic soundtrack, which elevates the overall experience.
Sound and Music: An Oceanic Symphony
The game’s audio design is nothing short of exceptional. It weaves together elements of mystery, excitement, and foreboding as you journey deeper into the ocean depths. All the music is orchestrated, with some tracks even incorporating angelic tones of a choir, creating an almost spiritual underwater experience.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the audio in “Abzu” is its interactivity. The music dynamically responds to the on-screen action.
For instance, a rousing track that accompanies you through a school of fish will slowly transition to something more tranquil as you enter a nearby cave. This use of 3D sound adds an extra layer of immersion, making you feel like you’re truly part of the underwater world.
The sound design doesn’t stop at the music. It’s the little audio details, like the chirping of companion drones and the serene sounds of aquatic life, that pulls everything together.
Story and Narrative: A Silent Tale of the Deep
“Abzu” crafts a subtle and emotionally engaging narrative that immerses players in the depths of an ancient underwater civilization.
The story primarily unfolds through world-building storytelling, utilizing underwater murals, sculptures, and the occasional mechanical hieroglyphics etched on the walls of aquatic caves.
The core narrative of “Abzu” revolves around the rise and fall of this ancient civilization, brought to ruin by a sinister mechanical pyramid. The game’s primary protagonist, the nameless diver, embarks on a journey to uncover the secrets and mysteries concealed beneath the waves. While the narrative style has its limitations due to its wordless presentation, it manages to evoke a surprising depth of emotion.
Game Length and Progression: A Brief But Impactful Journey
“Abzu” is not a lengthy adventure.
On average, players can expect to complete the game in around 2 to 3 hours. The game follows a linear path, and its progression is primarily story-driven, with no complex level designs or intricate progression systems.
Instead, it encourages you to take your time exploring the beautifully crafted underwater world. The pacing of the game is deliberately slow and contemplative, allowing you to appreciate the artistry and ambiance fully.
“Abzu” doesn’t rely on a lengthy duration to create an impact. Instead, it’s a brief but profound journey that leaves a lasting impression.
Replayability: A Journey to Revisit
“Abzu” is a unique and contemplative experience, but replayability is not its strongest suit.
While the game offers collectibles and hidden areas that encourage exploration, it’s primarily a narrative-driven journey. Once you’ve uncovered the game’s secrets and experienced its emotional narrative, replaying won’t offer the same impact.
That said, if you enjoy the feeling of being submerged in underwater beauty, you may find joy in revisiting “Abzu” from time to time.
ABZU Pros
“Abzu” excels in several areas that make it a compelling choice for gamers seeking a unique and emotionally resonant experience. Here are some of the standout qualities of the game:
Stunning Visuals: The game’s underwater environments are beautifully crafted, teeming with vibrant marine life. The attention to detail and the artful portrayal of the ocean depths are nothing short of breathtaking.
Enthralling Soundtrack: Austin Wintory’s orchestral score perfectly complements the game’s atmosphere, adding a layer of emotional depth. The music dynamically adapts to your surroundings, enhancing the overall immersion.
Emotional Resonance: “Abzu” excels at evoking a range of emotions, from awe and serenity to excitement and wonder. Its narrative and world-building are designed to connect with players on a profound level.
Soothing Gameplay: The simple, yet enjoyable swimming mechanics and lack of combat create a calming and meditative experience. It encourages players to explore at their own pace, making it an ideal choice for cozy gaming.
Environmental Diversity: The game offers diverse underwater environments, each with its own unique charm and aquatic species. This diversity keeps the experience engaging and visually captivating.
ABZU Cons
While “Abzu” offers a captivating underwater adventure, there are a few aspects that might be considered drawbacks for some players. Here are some potential cons to consider:
Limited Gameplay Complexity: The gameplay in “Abzu” is relatively simple, focusing primarily on exploration and swimming. Some players seeking more complex mechanics or challenges may find it lacking in depth.
Linear Progression: The game follows a mostly linear path, which could disappoint games looking for open-world exploration or non-linear storytelling.
Short Playtime: “Abzu” is a relatively short experience, with an average playtime of around two to three hours. While its brevity contributes to its cozy gaming appeal, those desiring longer gaming sessions might find it too brief.
Lack of Replayability: Once you’ve completed the game, there may be limited incentive for replaying it, as the story and key events remain the same.
Simplified Puzzle Elements: While the game incorporates puzzles, they are not particularly challenging, and puzzle enthusiasts may yearn for more intricate and mind-bending elements.
These potential drawbacks should be considered in the context of your gaming preferences and what you’re seeking in an underwater adventure.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Abzu” is an elevated underwater journey that offers a profound gaming experience. I genuinely had moments playing this game where I can feel the hair at the back of my neck stand up.
All my emotions felt heightened, and I was continuously reminded how awe-inspiring the deep sea is, and how small in my humanness I was in comparison. Not in a bad way, in a way that lifts the weight of the world off your shoulders.
Make it past the first few minutes of slowness until you get into the vibe of the game, and you won’t regret it. I promise.
“Abzu” is ideal for cozy gamers who seek a relaxing and emotionally charged experience rather than intense action or complex challenges.
My personal score:
- Game Design: 4/5 - “Abzu” showcases exceptional game design through its underwater world, but a slightly more diverse gameplay experience could elevate it even further.
- Game Narrative: 4/5 - The game’s narrative is subtle yet impactful, leaving room for personal interpretation. It adds depth to the immersive experience.
- Game Mechanics: 3/5 - While the gameplay is enjoyable, the mechanics could benefit from more complexity to provide a deeper level of engagement.
- Cozy Factor: 5/5 - “Abzu” is the epitome of coziness, offering a relaxing and emotionally resonant journey.
- Platform Availability: 4/5 - The game is accessible on various platforms, ensuring that a broad audience can explore its enchanting underwater world.
Dive into the depths of “Abzu” and let it carry you away on a soothing and thought-provoking adventure!
