Abzu Reviews

Abzu is ranked in the 79th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
95 / 100
Aug 7, 2016

It's very rare that a game releases and can bring out these types of emotions and feelings within a player. Abzu is worth every second that it lasts, which for me took just under three hours. That includes exploring more than just the path from one area to the next. It's a game that is worthy of being explored and experienced, and it will leave you in awe and wonder as you slowly figure out the story, what is happening, and why it's happening. The ending caught me completely by surprise, which in fact was a great thing. Giant Squid Studios created something extraordinary with Abzu, and it will certainly stick with me for quite some time.

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9 / 10.0
Aug 7, 2016

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.

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9 / 10.0
Aug 8, 2016

A pinnacle of aesthetic design and the best use of the Unreal Engine to date, ABZÛ is an unmissable underwater romp.

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3 / 5
Aug 8, 2016

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.

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9 / 10
Aug 8, 2016

I think ABZU is definitely worth the $20 price tag for the experience alone and I strongly recommend you give it a shot

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8 / 10
Aug 9, 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.

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Unscored
Aug 10, 2016

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.

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Unscored
Aug 10, 2016

Abzû immerses you in a beautiful ocean and lets nature run its course

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85%
Aug 11, 2016

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

7.5 / 10.0
Aug 11, 2016

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.

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Aug 12, 2016

ABZÛ its a chilling and remarkable experience from beginning to end.

Review in Portuguese | Read full review

8 / 10
Aug 12, 2016

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.

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8 / 10.0
Aug 15, 2016

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.

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9 / 10.0
Aug 15, 2016

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.

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Unscored
Aug 16, 2016

Abzû is a beautiful audio-visual treat that's light on challenge but big on wonder.

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6.2 / 10.0
Aug 16, 2016

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.

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9 / 10.0
Aug 17, 2016

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.

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GameSkinny
AwesumPawsum
Top Critic
Aug 17, 2016

ABZÛ is one of the most relaxing games I've ever played. But is it the right game for you?

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7.5 / 10.0
Aug 18, 2016

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.

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8 / 10.0
Aug 19, 2016

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.

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