Abzu Reviews
Abzu does change the formula in important ways, but these fun and exciting additions are not enough to move it out of Journey's shadow. Considering just how much of the emotional journey is taken from the first game, Abzu is not groundbreaking, but it is a masterpiece that deserves to be remembered.
The beautiful experience just falls short of greatness
Abzû might not offer an easy to digest story, but those missteps are made up with a dazzling experience, some marvellous set-pieces, beautiful visuals packed with vivid colours, and a lovely soundtrack.
Stunning art and music design, but shallow when it comes to depth of meaning and gameplay.
With a brilliant musical score, some truly breathtaking deep sea vistas, and a profound ecological message ABZU; is a journey you won't soon forget.
A riot of color, emotion, and sea life wrapped up in a stellar soundtrack and stunning visuals; Abzû walks a fine line between being a game and being a near-spiritual experience.
The "it's not a game" crowd will invariably struggle to see the appeal with Abzû's monumentally relaxed pacing, but they will arguably be the ones missing out here. An absolutely resplendent experience that is thoroughly and generously stuffed with memorable moments, Abzû's beguiling audiovisual presentation lends it an atmosphere and sense of place that very few, if any, games can match. This is the very apex of videogame escapism.
I recommend Abzu to people who have enjoyed the kind of work thatgamecompany has put out because it looks like Giant Squid is here to do the same thing. Some might argue that $20 for 2 hours seems like a hefty price tag, but it's all about how much you can appreciate the little things that go into game design. Abzu is a very good game, but it lacks that same amount of punch that Journey so effortlessly delivered back in 2012.
Abzû is not as original as it could be, borrowing as heavily from its spiritual predecessors as it does, but I can whole-heartedly say that Abzû is one of the best games I've played in 2016.
I would love to talk through the game in more specific detail but that would ruin an incredible story with real depth. Abzu is a brilliant experience and available;e on the Nintendo eShop. Take the plunge and check it out on Nintendo Switch now.
Abzu is also on Switch a little gem, not too original, but solid with a great OST. There are some technical problems with this portable version and the game is not very lasting.
Review in Italian | Read full review
ABZÛ is one of the most relaxing games I've ever played. But is it the right game for you?
Despite its relatively short length (again, about three hours from beginning to end), Abzu does provide the option to go back in again and see what you missed, or simply goof off with the sea life. It's definitely a game that's well worth returning to, especially just to partake in the visuals and calm your nerves a little bit.
Abzû immerses you in a beautiful ocean and lets nature run its course
For those looking for the next Journey, ABZÛ may disappoint. It’s a very enjoyable game but is leagues below its predecessor. Pun intended. For all the niggling gripes listed above, there also appears to be something missing. It’s a game with a very strong message, beautiful vistas and a lot of heart, but the main character felt a bit lifeless. There were times when it got truly tense, but after realising the mechanic in those sections, any connection I had with the character disappeared.
A short journey in the depths of the ocean. A slow paced and relaxing journey, with a bit of action, accompanied by a calm soundtrack. The artistic scenery and soundtrack are best things in the game, the rest is either average or below average.
Review in Arabic | Read full review
For anyone who has ever had an interest in marine life then ABZÛ is a required play. It's a stunning interactive aquarium with plenty of flair. The absence of restrictions allows for players to immerse themselves entirely in all of the undersea happenings. Every scene is an event to be cherished, and even the most minimal of interactions are memorable. There are a few moments that are so powerful that text or even a video could never hope to do them justice. If the concept sounds appealing, then don't hesitate to pick this game up immediately.
Beautiful and full of surprises. The colourful and jaw-dropping vistas and experiences in ABZU will stick with you for a long time. Just like Journey did.
ABZU is a mixture of art, myth and indie game and has the ability to take the gamer on a journey under the water. You find different kind of species and it is a relaxing experience. If you want to have a relaxing journey under water for a few hours, ABZU is for you.
Review in Persian | Read full review
With its minimalistic approach, Abzû appeals to the senses, lets your imagination wander. It may not be completely innovative, but it surely earns its own place alongside Journey, Flower, and other titles of the same genre.