Ever had a moment in your life where you’ve felt so peaceful and serene, you forget your own name? If the answer is no, then you need to experience Abzû. It combines some of the most stunning visuals with an hypnotic soundtrack, that I have ever come across in game.
The story in Abzû isn’t clear cut like the average games are today, instead, details around your purpose and objectives are left to personal interpretation, so there’s plenty to discuss with your friends upon completion. Gameplay is effortless and elegant: you can swim round at different speeds and interact with some areas that allow you to meditate whilst watching life around you. You can even hitch a ride on some of the larger sea life to get around faster. Nothing here is stressful, no big fights or particularly taxing puzzles. Life is good in Abzû.
You may have heard people comparing this game to 2012’s Journey, and this is by no means a bad thing. The campaign is brief, the story is without words, and characters are mysterious and nameless. Unfortunately, it lacks the seamless multiplayer that made Journey such a profound experience for many players.
You’ll find all manner of life down here from Sharks, Squids, Whales and many more, all which behave in a believable and life-like manor. Strangely you never feel threatened by some of the more aggressive creatures, maybe this has something to do with the importance of your character… or maybe they have bigger fish to fry. Speaking of bigger fish, I managed to get a screenshot of me riding a Elasmosaurus in this stunning area:-
Although each area is open to explore, the levels are smaller than they look and give few repetitive tasks, but this is easily forgiven once you realise that it’s not meant to be a game that tests your abilities, but more something that encourages a peaceful and steady play through. It’s just a shame that each level isn’t seamless as the load times can take you out of the experience.
It would be a crime not to mention the music here, as this makes up a huge part of what this game is. Composed by Austin Wintory (also composed Journey), he yet again delivers a passionate and heart warming soundtrack that almost gives Abzû a dialogue through its emotional themes.
For the price of £15.99 ($19.99) you’ll get a good 3 hours play, which for some may not seem like value for money, but considering it’s unique art style and relaxing gameplay this is something that is worth the investment. After playing through once, I’m now hoping to have another stressful day so I have a reason to visit the world of Abzû again.
SNIKT!
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