ABZÚ
REVIEW BY J. D. ESTRADA,
PLAYED ON THE NINTENDO SWITCH
How often do you recommend a video game because they could help someone relax? That’s just one of the appealing aspects of this unique game by Giant Squid. If you’ve played games by "That Game Company" like Flower, Journey, or Flow, that’s a good reference point, especially because the team responsible for this game came from that school of game design.
You play a humanoid type of robot who swims around lush gorgeous areas with a loose storyline that offers you plenty of visuals, even if it does leave interpretation down to you. It’s a slow-burn game that really works best the less you rush. You explore several areas that are all unique, all have interesting nooks and crannies to find little tidbits, and in all honesty invite to enjoy the art direction and a relaxing atmosphere that invites you to dive deeper.
The soundtrack is courtesy of Austin Wintery a powerhouse when it comes to atmospheric soundtracks that stay with you long after the credits roll and even invite repeat listens afterwards. Ambiance is also lovely and sound design works pretty great too.
In essence, the game is an experience that is equal parts surreal, ethereal, and relaxing. Controls work extremely well and are fluid though don’t expect any sort of challenge here. This is a game that invites you to explore, unwind, and dream. The sea life onscreen is impressive and there are plenty of inspirational moments that have weight to them even if by the end of the adventure you’re still kind of wondering what you experienced. This is not to say the game doesn’t have an impact, but versus Journey that when I finished that game I was left misty-eyed and deeply moved, my sensation when I finished ABZU was more reflective and hoping the vistas and ocean life I encountered would serve as a setting for a dream or three.
GRAPHICS: I have a soft spot for games that are beautiful without needing the latest, greatest, and most powerful graphics engine. ABZU is a stunning game that uses what is available to create something memorable, uniquely beautiful, and wonderfully dreamy. Framerate rarely drops in the entire experience and the views often had me being idle onscreen just to take in the view. Seriously, sometimes there are hundreds of fish onscreen and it looks fantastic.
CONTROLS: As mentioned before, controls are fluid and organic, and the only shame is that the game doesn’t demand more of you. The potential for challenge is there and I am left wondering how much it would have added to the experience to have a few more things to do.
MUSIC AND SOUND: Stunning, moving, beautiful, and perfect to add to your writing music list. Austin Wintery has another feather in his cap and basically if he’s working a soundtrack, I’m 90% sure it’ll deliver gold. Sound design is subtle though effective. STORY: There is kind of a story to follow, though no clear indicator of exactly what is going on. Some people will love this, some people will hate this. I file this experience under the “Go with the flow” mantra. There’s a LOT to enjoy and you don’t need an overly complicated story to have a wonderful experience.
HOW MUCH SHOULD YOU PAY FOR THIS GAME? :
I believe regular retail is around the $19.99 mark, which might be a bit high for some people. Fortunately, it’s often put on sale and I’d recommend putting on your wishlist because it’s not a super long experience at around 3 ½ to 4 hours. I do think it has replay-ability and I think that as an art piece it is a polished piece of work that should inspire visual artists of all kinds. In the end, I think the game succeeds at what it sets out to do, is extremely unique, and if you are enthralled by underwater experiences, this is a very special title with a LOT to offer that type of daydreamer. For me, I’ll definitely dive back in and go at an even more leisurely pace to soak it all in, especially if I’ve had a rough day.
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