ABZU Review

Channel:

Ridehouse

Subscribers:

1,310

Published on January 6, 2023 1:30:02 PM ● Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LqMnFw5oCg

Game:

Abzû (2016)

Category:

Review

Duration: 5:23

91 views

5

ABZU, meaning the ocean of wisdom, is a stunning third-person underwater exploration game from Giant Squid. I wasn't too sure what to expect from a swimming game but right from the start, I was blown away.

ABZU sees you take on the role of a diver. You explore a vast ocean filled with mysteries, swim through endless schools of fish, hitch a ride on a manta ray, and face down sharks as you venture ever deeper to discover the mysteries below.

The visuals of ABZU are amazing. I can't remember the last time I just stood in a game and watched the world go by. It really feels alive. The colours are rich and the ocean is brimming with life.

The gameplay is smooth and pulls you onward. I have never been a fan of swimming in games as the controls always feel awkward to me, but not here. ABZU has nailed the controls. They are simple and fluid and swimming about is actually enjoyable and doesn't feel like a chore. I found myself swimming around before flying out of the ocean like a dolphin just for the fun of it.

The game is very short, but this is a good thing. It felt as though it was the perfect length for what it was. The gameplay is straightforward and too many levels would probably grow repetitive. There are seven chapters and each feels unique as the world around you changes as you journey on.

There are collectibles to seek out, such as shells and meditation points. The meditation points in particular are fun as the game goes into a sort of spectator mode and follows the different species of fish around. I found myself watching these a few times as I found them very calming.

The game is very relaxing overall without any real sense of danger, for the most part, things do grow a little tenser later on which is nice as the added danger kept me engaged.

A special mention has to be made of the music. The score is just perfect and fits so well with the world. The transitions between areas are smooth and seem to be perfectly timed with the action. It almost felt as though the score was made especially for my playthrough.

Overall, ABZU is a game I would highly recommend checking out. It's one of the most unique games I have played in a while and can usually be found on sale for pretty cheap. It is short, I finished it in just over an hour and that included me sitting around looking at fish for a while, so take that into consideration when buying it. But honestly, for the visuals and music alone it is a good buy in my book.

Hope you enjoy the video!

0:00 - Review
3:09 - Gameplay

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