Sword of the Sea Reviews

Sword of the Sea is ranked in the 96th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
Aug 26, 2025

With its lovely music and stunning visuals, Sword Of The Sea is an experience that'll stay with you for a long time; it's quite fun to play, too! 🐳

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10 / 10.0
Aug 28, 2025

Sword of the Sea was not just a fleeting experience, but one that surpassed all expectations. From its very first reveal, it was clear that we were witnessing a unique work and an enchanting journey. What the Giant Squid team delivered placed the game in a special league of its own, making it simply one of the standout titles of the year — and perhaps even one of the finest experiences of this entire generation.

Review in Arabic | Read full review

8.5 / 10.0
Aug 28, 2025

Giant Squid Studios has created another fantastic game that combines the best elements of its previous titles into a gorgeous adventure that emphasises fast-paced and fun movement. With a tremendous soundtrack, beautiful art style and subtle storytelling, Sword of the Sea will appeal to those who love artistic gaming experiences. Though short and with a final area that discourages its best elements, Sword of the Sea is well worth diving into.

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ComicBook.com
Top Critic
Jul 17, 2025

Some of Rogue City’s issues, like abysmal lip syncing and awkward dialogue camera, have carried over into this standalone expansion, but those are relatively small dents in this game’s shiny armor. Like most bullets, they bounce off RoboCop’s chassis and don’t impede his ability to serve and protect.

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9 / 10.0
Aug 27, 2025

Sword of the Sea is a title you shouldn’t overlook. Its simplicity, polish, and attention to detail make it one of the year’s standout releases. For me, it has been one of the biggest surprises in a year already packed with new genres and experiments outside my comfort zone.

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84 / 100
Aug 26, 2025

Surfing on desert sand is anything but dull. Sword of the Sea transforms its movement mechanics into pure fun and very elegantly directs the player's journey into a brilliant adventure.

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Aug 22, 2025

Sword of the Sea is a game you’ll enjoy as soon as you turn it on, but if you’ve already enjoyed games like Journey and The Pathless, it just doesn’t feel like a title you should go out of your way and cancel plans to play either.

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4.3 / 5.0
Aug 22, 2025

Sword of the Sea proves that games can be art. It is a stunning and captivating experience. Where at times the plot may fall short, the grandiosity of the world really does the heavy lifting. It encapsulates everything Sword of the Sea, or for that matter, Giant Squid stands for: art. It is safe to say that this game is a win for its art itself.

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90 / 100
Aug 20, 2025

Games like Sword of the Sea don't try to be all things to all people. It doesn't overload you with hard-to-understand systems, never-ending side tasks, or trying to get the highest score. Instead, it gives you a well-thought-out, emotionally powerful journey with smooth movement, beautiful art, and music that you'll never forget.

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XboxEra
Top Critic
9 / 10.0
Aug 18, 2025

Giant Squid have taken a giant leap forward with Sword of the Sea, fusing gameplay, music and art together to form what I feel is their best work yet. Sword of the Sea might be on the shorter side, but through some sublime ‘hover-swording’ and wonderful design, they’ve given us an imaginative skatepark to play in for as long as we’d like.

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90 / 100
Aug 20, 2025

In Sword of the Sea, you satisfyingly skate across sands, snow, and sea on your hoversword, with each wave pulling you deeper into a vibrant, mysterious world of wonder and awe. It’s an atmospheric, meditative journey where curiosity is always rewarded and adventure lies at every turn.

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10 / 10.0
Aug 18, 2025

Whether it’s the game’s not-too-subtle commentary about climate change or Nava’s explanation of the Wraith, Sword of the Sea is trying and succeeding at making an impact

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Aug 18, 2025

Sword of the Sea is a gorgeous and hypnotic arthouse epic full of incredible set pieces and stunning visuals that sets another high bar for studio Giant Squid as the premiere destination for meditative gameplay.

Review in Finnish | Read full review

9 / 10.0
Aug 18, 2025

Sword Of The Sea is a pleasure to play. Its traversal system allowed me to soar irreverently through monumental graveyards. Its narrative saw me flooding death with life and new hope. Its beauty boyoyed my spirit. Even with a few rough moments at the end, I still want nothing more than to fly back into its world.

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8 / 10.0
Aug 18, 2025

At this point, there are no surprises with Giant Squid and the games they create. They are fine tailors of interpretive, environmental experiences. Journey was about hiking and Abzu was about scuba diving. Giant Squid possess the ability to encapsulate what makes these experiences magical and Sword of the Sea is no exception, as it’s another love letter to nature and reconnecting with it through the power of a board beneath your feet. It might be short in length, light on gameplay and abstract in meaning, but the experience is transcendent.

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