Abzu Reviews
Dass Abzû – Achtung Wortwitz – an mangelndem Tiefgang leidet, möchte ich so nicht unterschreiben. Wer sich für Spiele á la Journey oder The Unfinished Swan nicht erwärmen kann oder will, sollte auch um dieses Kleinod einen großen Bogen machen. Alle anderen geben dem rund vierstündigen Tauchgang allerdings eine Chance. Um welche Art von Welt es sich am Ende handelt, bleibt ohne Frage sehr diffus. Doch gerade dies macht für mich den Reiz aus. Wenn an einem der Meditations-Punkte ein Buckelwal majestätisch an mir vorbeizieht und sich über mir der rotierende Wirbel eines riesigen Fischschwarms dreht, dann glaube ich zumindest an die erzählerische Kraft des Videospiels, in der die Schwerelosigkeit des Tauchens zu einer Kunstform erhoben wird. Für mich ist Abzû eine Art Endless Ocean mit philosophischem Überbau. Zudem blitzt in manchen Momenten der Genius von James Camerons Abyss auf, wobei ich mir gewünscht hätte, dass die Macher den Story-Fundus dieses Science-Fiction-Klassikers großzügiger für die Reise der namenlosen Taucherin geplündert hätten. Doch auch so bleibt Abzû unter dem Strich eine atmosphärische und auch lohnende Reise. Eines ist mir auch klar geworden: Für den Markt der VR-Brillen sind Inhalte wie diese geradezu gemacht. Wer jemals die Technik-Demo "theBlu" für die HTC Vive ausprobiert hat, weiß wovon ich spreche. Abzû in einer VR-Version wäre geradezu perfektes Kopf- und Entspannungskino.
Review in German | Read full review
ABZÛ is more of an experience than it is a video game, but it is something that should not be missed. If you have enjoyed games like Journey and Flower, you will also enjoy your time with ABZÛ.
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.
ABZÛ is a lesser game than Journey, but since I consider Journey to be one of the more sublime pieces of interactive entertainment I've enjoyed, that's hardly a damning indictment. While it struggles to be truly resonant, Giant Squid's aquatic adventure is nonetheless enjoyable, alluring, and ultimately pleasant.
ABZÛ is one of the most relaxing games I've ever played. But is it the right game for you?
It's your last impression of the game and it sticks with you, reflecting back on what you've seen. It's the case, though, that the vast majority of Abzû is so beautiful, so well put together, that the fact the ending is a little disappointing doesn't diminish my view of it as whole. When I think back on the game it's not the final image I remember but the turquoise shallows, the pattern of the sun falling on the sand, the great vaulted ceilings of blue water.
Abzû is a nice looking game that will also be remembered as a missed opportunity to surpass or at least achieve a comparative level of greatness that is its inspiration, Journey.
Abzû is a beautiful audio-visual treat that's light on challenge but big on wonder.
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.
Abzu is one of those games that comes along and manages to capture you into its world, allowing you to shut out all of the stress and worries of your own life. It successfully allows you to live in its dream-like environment for a few hours and delivers tranquility you may not have even known you needed.
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.
ABZÛ its a chilling and remarkable experience from beginning to end.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Abzu is a beautiful experience, and the visuals are some of the best I have seen all year. The soundtrack for the game is something that needs to be heard and seen in context to truly be appreciated, but it is good enough to give it a listen separately. The game is relaxing and peaceful to play. If there are others in the room, they will be entranced. Unfortunately, the game is extremely short and does not offer much variety. If this type of game appeals to you, buy it immediately. If not, you may want to wait for a sale. Either way, I look forward to visiting the world again soon.
If you're looking for a magical adventure, you might just stop looking. ABZÛ has some great moments and atmosphere, even if that carries price of its short length. If you've liked Journey, you will like ABZÛ as well.
Review in Slovak | Read full review
Abzû immerses you in a beautiful ocean and lets nature run its course
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.
If Giant Squid had removed every trace of its name from Abzû, you could easily have mistaken it for a thatgamecompany production. For a developer to nail that same sense of artistry and wonder with its debut is nothing short of amazing.
I think ABZU is definitely worth the $20 price tag for the experience alone and I strongly recommend you give it a shot
Despite the frustrating controls and minimal gameplay, Abzu remains a gorgeous and sometimes wondrous swimming simulator. The story may never emotionally resonate in the way it intends, but the world feels so alive that you will look forward to exploring it regardless. It may not be for everyone, but just let its beautiful music and striking visuals sweep over you. If you do, you'll find a game that is willing to experiment and take risks in order to achieve moments of wonder that few games ever achieve.
A pinnacle of aesthetic design and the best use of the Unreal Engine to date, ABZÛ is an unmissable underwater romp.