Sword of the Sea Reviews
The latest title from the Abzu and Pathless developers, Sword of the Sea is a must-play meditative game that won't take up much of your time.
Movement, meaning and mindfulness combine in Giant Squid's latest, a game of free-form expression and flow.
A short but spectacular surfing game, Sword of the Sea's atmosphere and movement propel it where its simple and repetitive puzzles can't.
It’s a short journey that took me a smidge over three hours to complete, but heck, what a stupidly enjoyable three hours those were.
The boundaries between what is air, water, and land are totally blurred.
It moves at the pace of a magical swordsperson speeding across sand dunes on a floating blade at 170 miles per hour (a speedometer unlocks after you beat the game), and it never gives you a reason to look away. I wanted to feel more from the story, perhaps only because every other element of the experience elevated it so high that my expectations were right up there with them.
My only gripe is that the story doesn't offer a grandiose message or hit as hard as I would have liked, relying more on pageantry and spectacle to get by. But, rarely does a game take me aback and thank my lucky stars that the medium of video games exists, and that's why we see this one as one of the standout performers of 2025 so far."
Sword of the Sea is a visually stunning and atmospheric game, incorporating some of the most flawless water graphics and satisfying sound effects found in games today. With a heart-warming narrative, fun snowboard-style tricking, rewards for those who love exploration, and the occasional ride on the back of a marine animal, this is an experience to be savoured.
A glorious, symphonic, jet-powered hover sword exploration of desert landscapes, filled with secrets and infused with riotously colourful sea life and Tony Hawk style tricks.
A beautiful experience from start to finish, Sword of the Sea is one of the PS5’s best games.
Sword of the Sea offers a meditative adventure with excellent sword-jumping mechanics. However, due to its short duration, the game may become tiresome because of its repetitiveness.
Review in Russian | Read full review
Sword of the Sea certainly won't have the same impact that Journey did all those years ago, but in so many ways, it feels like a direct evolution of that legendary experience. It's a beautifully smooth game, set across a series of gorgeous environments that are a joy to explore. While its more game-y elements do feel a tad forced, they're not enough to distract from what is a sumptuous adventure.
The music is chill, the vistas are fabulous, and the vibes are immaculate. If you’re looking for a short, singular gameplay experience, Sword of the Sea will be perfect for you.
Sword of the Sea also ends very abruptly. And though it may be strange to criticize a game for being too short—better to be left wanting more, right?—that abruptness only magnifies the sense that something is missing here.
Sword of the Sea is a beautiful, almost-cozy experience that, like Giant Squid’s other titles, stands as a strong argument for games as art. The game has chill vibes and a gorgeous, atmospheric aesthetic while still delivering an eloquent narrative. If you’re looking for something short and sweet, Sword of the Sea is the low-friction adventure for you.
Sword of the Sea is like a siren - beautiful, inviting and great to listen to. Despite cutting through with an impeccable sense of style, the lack of a cohesive narrative and short runtime feels like you're treading water.
For fans of Giant Squid's past works, Sword of the Sea feels essential as an expression of everything the studio has strived toward. For newcomers, it offers an accessible, memorable journey unlike much else in modern gaming. It may be brief, but its impact lingers, like the memory of waves long after they've receded. On balance, it is a work of beauty, craft, and playfulness, deserving recognition not only as a game, but as a piece of interactive art.
Sword of the Sea is a perfect game to bid farewell to the summer. From start to finish, it offers a refreshing, carefree experience. There’s nothing better than seeing what it feels like to ride a flying skateboard across the desert and most importantly, to step away from the daily grind.
Review in Turkish | Read full review
Sword of the Sea stands out as both a polished video game and a meditative experience. Its streamlined yet nuanced gameplay, enchanting atmosphere, and evocative soundtrack come together to create a journey that is both relaxing and memorable.
Review in Persian | Read full review
A wonderful and breathtaking adventure that can easily be called one of the greatest releases of the year.
Review in Russian | Read full review