Abyss

 DS
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User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3

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  1. julianozuca
    Dec 23, 2014
    5
    Artistically interesting, not so well-executed.

    The good: Charming, elegant presentation. The bad: Poor structure and interface. In a distant future Earth’s resources are scarce. Humanity trusts a biomechanical device the task of exploring ocean’s depths looking for a newly discovered energy source dubbed Gaia. Abyss brings a nice premise for a mobile/handheld quick exploration    Artistically interesting, not so well-executed.

    The good: Charming, elegant presentation.
    The bad: Poor structure and interface.

    In a distant future Earth’s resources are scarce. Humanity trusts a biomechanical device the task of exploring ocean’s depths looking for a newly discovered energy source dubbed Gaia.

    Abyss brings a nice premise for a mobile/handheld quick exploration game, and its presentation delivers it: the one-eyed, angled (like those deep sea fishes) alienish probe is charming, the environment is beautiful and the sound design is inventive and fitting overall.

    What keeps it from being essential is how it’s structured.

    Each level has 6 Gaia pieces scattered all around, and gathering every single one is mandatory to finish it; the problem is the game never informs you that, so one may bump a “Mission Failed” message when reaching the level’s exit a few times before realizing what should be done. Also, the fact that a single touch in the environment walls can kill you together with the lack of checkpoints or the simple ability to beat the level and get back to complete it later can sum up for some frustrating moments.

    Other than that the interface works poorly: the touch screen—which could be used for unfolding a map, for instance—barely shows the amount of Gaia collected coupled with a chronometer used for score purposes, while even entering your initials in the board feels clumsy.

    Abyss clearly had some nice art direction behind it but could have been executed better.    … Expand

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
62

Mixed or average reviews - based on 4 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. Pocket Gamer UK
    Oct 1, 2012
    60
    It may not be a must buy title, but simple mechanics married with tricky level design provides a rather challenging game that, while frustrating, urges you to have one more try.
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  2. Cubed3
    Oct 1, 2012
    50
    Abyss is a tidy mini game with responsive controls and an easy to pick up and play formula, but it's just far too short and lacks any replay value. It's the budget price tag that saves it from being less than an average game, though. For any parents out there that might be after a game that is simple enough for children to play and keep them occupied for a little while, Abyss would be ideal, especially given the cost. However, for anyone else, that couple of quid is probably best saved for something else.
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  3. NintendoWorldReport
    Sep 4, 2012
    65
    Abyss is fun while it lasts, but could better itself with a more complex design. I enjoyed my time with it, but have no plan to return. I wouldn't regret delving into Abyss, but I sure wouldn't want to stick around too long.
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