Imagine a game where the only need comes from exploring a vast ocean, Abzu is this idea realized and it makes for quite a nice experience. Abzu is a simple game about a diver exploring the ocean, finding out what’s hidden there. This diver is enjoying themselves and seeing all they can find; out in the wild blue yonder.
Abzu is a lovely game to play because it is filled with the wonder of nature. There are countless fish to see and look at. Simply swimming through this world is a treat for the senses and I honestly think this a great thing. Many games these days require so much from the player so this game is a fresh change of pace. It’s a little miraculous to see so much sea life in a game. There are countless fish to see and document and it just makes for a truly peaceful game experience. Even the predators don’t attack, they simply go about their lives and let the player see the undersea world as something truly beautiful.
The main character is a simple diver exploring a vast ocean. This solitary person is trying to see all they can within the watery blue. They will travel with their light and pick up upgrades and other gear as they progress. This gear is going to be a great boon for our hero as they will need help exploring the entire ocean. It’s surprising how they can swim so long with a simple mask where they are going. As the diver explores they will also discover ruins hidden beneath the waves. There are things hidden from the world above the likes of which no one has seen for millennia. With the player’s help, they are sure to discover all of the secrets within. Though as they get closer to the ultimate discovery, they will need to be wary. Dangerous creatures lie in waiting and they will not be so nice to our diver.
This game also has an interesting mode where players can meditate; they simply sitting in down under the sea and meditate the time away. Sometimes it’s great to simply just have this game on, and watching the world flow beneath the waves. Meditating in this game is so peaceful, and I never would have expected a mode like this. But it is a highlight of this game. The game itself is also a wonder of modern technology as the fish and the ocean respond procedurally to the player and fish around them. The game itself will never be the same when players jump into its depths. That is something that puts this game over the top and makes it something worth playing. A peaceful ocean that changes with the tides and always has surprises hidden within is a favorable thing.This game also helps teach the player about ocean life. In this day and age, we don’t always continue to learn about things as often as we should. Even learning new fish species is a nice touch. There are so many fish within the game that it is a marvel they can show so many. Though making a game about a vast ocean does require that kind of knowledge.
Abzu is a simple game yet is one that people should play. The amount of time put into this game is a little unprecedented. This game is one that wants to let players learn and grow in. It’s a magical paradise always waiting for players to jump in and feel at ease in. So, players who want to know the Ocean should pick up ABZU!
Disclaimer: A review key was provided