Played on an LG C3 55” OLED Display via PlayStation 5
Publisher: 505 Games
Developer: Giant Squid
The ocean has held a mysterious allure for me since childhood, sparked by tales of the Titanic and the surreal scenes from James Cameron’s Ghosts of the Abyss. Witnessing vibrant creatures amidst the skeletal remains of the ship left an indelible mark on my memory. This fascination with the ocean deepened with Abzû, a captivating “experience” crafted by the talented team at Giant Squid a company created by former thatgamecompany staff who had worked on a title with many simularities, Journey. Notably, both games share the creative touch of Austin Wintory as their composer.
Abzû begins in silence, much like its predecessor, immersing players in the vastness of the ocean. As an unnamed diver equipped with minimal scuba gear, you’re left to explore the underwater realms and unravel the mysteries of this submerged world. Controls are elegantly simple: R2 to dive, L2 to grasp onto large fish, X to swim faster, and Circle to perform a barrel roll—intuitive yet effective. The game never asks too much of the player nor will it offer much in the way of challenges. It simply asks for you to take your time in these waters and explore at your own pace.
With seven levels, Abzû surprises with its diverse locales that make you momentarily forget you’re beneath the sea. From the vivid green kelp forests to the deep gold and red hues reminiscent of autumn woods, each level introduces new sights and sounds. Hidden pools reveal new species of fish, meditation statues guide you through the ocean’s depths, and cunningly concealed seashells unlock special rewards, encouraging players to explore every nook and cranny. All the while, you are surrounded by the sounds of the ocean, from the calls of whales reverberating through the water to the rush of water as aquatic life swims past. The wonderful score adds to the soundscape as it ebbs and flows growing louder and more dynamic during key moments while slowing down and letting you take in the moment during scenes of exploration.
The narrative unfolds solely through the environment and animations, devoid of spoken dialogue. This deliberate choice compels players to delve deep into the world, discovering its intricacies and taking the time to observe its inhabitants. The mysteries presented in Abzû manage to captivate without overstaying their welcome, maintaining engagement from start to finish. Why were you in the middle of the ocean? What are these statues and ruins you continue to find? The narrative was simple, but engaging in how it offered these questions to the player, and slowly unraveled itself to a wonderful ending that will make anyone smile.
In a gaming landscape often defined by lengthy playtimes and complex mechanics, Abzû stands as a testament to the beauty of simplicity. It doesn’t need extensive hours, an expansive open world, or intricate narratives filled with dialogue. Abzû maximizes its simplicity, offering an engaging and visually stunning world with a poignant narrative for those willing to explore and uncover its mysteries.
