ABZU

 PC
User Score
7.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 412 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 235 out of 412
  2. Mixed: 120 out of 412
  3. Negative: 57 out of 412

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  1. fireyose
    Mar 24, 2018
    7
    A meditative experience that lasts just the right amount. A creative journey through the deep world of the blue. Will replay this when life gets stressful. Recommend.
  2. gloriouspotato
    Jan 1, 2017
    6
    ABZU relies heavily on visual spectacle and the grandness of its orchestral soundtrack to entertain, yet I found the experience to be relatively unengaging. The gameplay revolves around repeating the same objectives over and over while I was left aimlessly trying to string together some semblance of a story or message from vague murals of what I presumed to be the people of a bygone age.ABZU relies heavily on visual spectacle and the grandness of its orchestral soundtrack to entertain, yet I found the experience to be relatively unengaging. The gameplay revolves around repeating the same objectives over and over while I was left aimlessly trying to string together some semblance of a story or message from vague murals of what I presumed to be the people of a bygone age. What I was initially expecting to be a 'spiritual' experience of sorts turned out to be a rather underwhelming experience.… Expand
  3. Vzhik
    Feb 6, 2017
    7
    Красивое, приятное расслабленное созерцание. Что еще надо чтоб отдохнуть и поднять настроение? Может чуть графику получше.
  4. Saint_Satan
    Aug 3, 2016
    7
    Excellent game but it's only 1 hour long (took me 1 hour and 15 minutes exactly) and cost $20. Twenty bucks for an hour is pretty steep. It's best to wait for a sale of $10 or less. Definitely worth checking out though. It's a very high qaulity, but short, experience.
  5. gamergurl2427
    Aug 25, 2016
    7
    There's one good reason to play Abzu and that's how unbelievably pretty it is. If however you are looking for engaging gameplay and story, there isn't much here. But boy is it pretty.
  6. ChaosSS
    Aug 9, 2016
    5
    Повелся на рекламу типа от создателя и композитора шедвера "Journey"
    А еще там супер-мего современный и реалистичный UE4… и от этого я был в шоке, правда.
    Но это и близко не шедевр. Во первых оно короткое. Конечно Journey так же быстро проходился (2-3 часа) и был линеен. Но простите, в Journey был сюжет, была его подача, был фактически продуман целый мир и целая цивилизация. Ее    Повелся на рекламу типа от создателя и композитора шедвера "Journey"
    А еще там супер-мего современный и реалистичный UE4… и от этого я был в шоке, правда.
    Но это и близко не шедевр. Во первых оно короткое.
    Конечно Journey так же быстро проходился (2-3 часа) и был линеен. Но простите, в Journey был сюжет, была его подача, был фактически продуман целый мир и целая цивилизация. Ее рождение и ее смерть, все это если не подавалось автором, то было настолько открыто и очевидно, что каждый игрок мог невольно нафантазировать что угодно. А момент смерти ГГ в снежном буране и вознесения на гору, так вообще держит за яйца особо впечатлительных и до сих пор.
    Есть ли подобное Abzu что все ее сравнивают с Journey и Flower???
    Нет.
    Во вторых в игре нет ничего нового или своего. Все что в ней есть (геймплейного) это копипаста из Journey и Flower один в один.
    Увы, сейчас этим уже никого не удивить.
    Нет банальных чувств, нет волшебства, внезапной встречи под водой с другим ноунейм игроком по сети как в Journey и той нет. Геймплей – скучен и стерилен до невозможности. Бессмысленно смотреть на рыб, надоедает спустя полторы минуты. Возможно кое-кто поведется на небольшую цену (300 с чем-то рублей), кому-то вкатит ибо не было кинцолки и Jоurney, Flow и Flower.
    Но у этой игры нет души, что печально.
    Итого итог - 5/10 неплохая замена marine aquarium.
    --
    Достоинства: Неплохой визуальный стиль, неплохая музыка
    --
    Недостатки: Завышенные требования при никаком графоне, скучный геймплей, отсутствие волшебных мелочей, жалкая подделка и клон Шедевра. И таки да она безумно короткая.
    Игру и в правду могла спасти продолжительность. Будь она раза в 2-3 больше с большим количеством зон и красочных биомов, не забывая о геймплейных аспектах, простеньких головоломках, или на худой конец поисках всяких разных интересностей. Увы у мистера Nava есть только видение идеи, а как из идеи сделать шедевр, или просто интересную игру, а не посредственный клон который больше напоминает демку, он не знает.    … Expand
  7. agurczuk
    May 9, 2017
    7
    A pretty game in the style of the Journey that somewhat fells short of it's spiritual predecessor.

    There is no way to review this game without comparing it to the Journey. It's pretty much the same premise. There is not much game in a game - it is a very calm, beautiful experience that focuses on the journey of the main character rather than any particular story or puzzle solving.    A pretty game in the style of the Journey that somewhat fells short of it's spiritual predecessor.

    There is no way to review this game without comparing it to the Journey. It's pretty much the same premise. There is not much game in a game - it is a very calm, beautiful experience that focuses on the journey of the main character rather than any particular story or puzzle solving.

    Starting off with the setting. You're a some kind of diver travelling through an underwater world. So here's the first thing you need to know - the whole game is an underwater level. That gives you some additional movement directions but you're going to be swimming all the time. The good thing is the swimming does not feel sluggish like in some games and is pretty enjoyable. This however puts some limits on the level design. The areas need to be enclosed and because of that they feel more like a series of lakes or pools rather than open waters - although there are instances of that but are rather rare.

    The graphics are stunning - very colourful and alive. Sometimes it feels like there's too much going on at the same time, but still it sets a very good relaxing feeling. Accompanied by a superb soundtrack it's a game to just chill and feed your senses.

    The game however lacks a bit in the meat of the game. When played there's very little aside the visuals and great music. When playing Journey I had the feeling of going somewhere, discovering different ruins, wall paintings gave a sense of discovery and progression. There was this mountain in the distance I was going to reach and on my way I learned about the world through environment. This is missing here. You just swim from area to an area. Touch an underwater thing to release some fish. Swim with fish. Activate some underwater drone that will cut open a net in the way and swim again. There are some triangular things floating in the water but somehow they lack context. I never felt intrigued. Just swam from one area to the next.

    Overall I kind of enjoyed the game. Though it felt a lesser experience when compared to Journey. It's definitely pretty and worth picking up if you know what you're getting into. If presented with choice - go for Journey.    … Expand
  8. SuperkenGaming
    Jan 31, 2017
    7
    Abzu
    A peaceful scuba simulator
    Abzu comes from the mind behind the art direction in flower and journey and it shows… This game very much follows the same structure of those games for better or worse. Here you play as a mechanical diver… Because of this you have no gauges to keep an eye on or air to worry about... The burden or survival is completely lifted off of your back you just    Abzu
    A peaceful scuba simulator
    Abzu comes from the mind behind the art direction in flower and journey and it shows…
    This game very much follows the same structure of those games for better or worse.
    Here you play as a mechanical diver…
    Because of this you have no gauges to keep an eye on or air to worry about...
    The burden or survival is completely lifted off of your back
    you just swim and explore...
    Its starts as such a nice calming adventure breathing life into the ocean bed
    swimming with the predators and prey with no care at all…
    Noticing little subtleties and reactions of the oceans inhabitants that really bring the ocean world to life…
    You can even grab onto the larger creatures and go for a ride...
    You feel as one while you swim forward exploring new environments…
    But much like flower there’s a turn for the worse as you slowly inch towards the finish line of this 2 hour game…
    Abzu goes from being a peaceful experience to being a bit of a typical stressful adventure game…
    You can’t die here.. But what starts as a peaceful swim and escape from reality turns into a throw switches, pull chains and avoid unpleasant mines while you do so…
    Time to relax is over…
    Now you have problems to solve...
    This is the majority of the final stretch of the game and it kind of ruins the initial feel this game has…
    Enjoyment is just a memory as you’re swimming through forgotten ruins that should’ve stayed forgotten
    or at the very least should’ve been briefly visited rather than turning into something to deal with because video games…
    It’s unfortunate…
    But this is still a pretty cool experience that offers a great feeling of exploration…
    Even during the final moments that I didn’t like..
    I give Abzu
    a 7.5/10    … Expand
  9. dandalis
    Mar 3, 2019
    7
    Nice, little ''games as art'' experience the Abzu. Not much gameplay there, just swimming, exploring, very basic puzzle solving and taking in the ocean, its life and more mysterious aspects that Abzu offers, still all aspects enjoyable at that. Impressive amounts of fish on screen, the swarms especially are something i havent seen in any other game. Visually Abzu is very pleasing, with itsNice, little ''games as art'' experience the Abzu. Not much gameplay there, just swimming, exploring, very basic puzzle solving and taking in the ocean, its life and more mysterious aspects that Abzu offers, still all aspects enjoyable at that. Impressive amounts of fish on screen, the swarms especially are something i havent seen in any other game. Visually Abzu is very pleasing, with its simple but effective art style, overall graphics are nothing to be sniffed at, ocean, the surface water are some of the best i've seen in a game. Soundtrack is very good aswell and experience enhancing.

    Controls on mouse and keyboard take some getting used to, the forced inversion gave me headaches for like half of the game. Performance can get iffy at times, especially with the aforementioned fish swarms on screen.

    Good game if youre looking for something relaxing to play.    … Expand
  10. bancandrei
    Jan 12, 2021
    6
    It is beautiful, but too short and with no mechanical depth. If you look for a relaxing movie-length experience this is a good choice
  11. FRIST_008
    Jun 14, 2021
    7
    Чисто расслабится и поплавать. Почилить так сказать=)
  12. yamaci17
    May 27, 2021
    7
    I never had a Sharkbro in any other game before. This makes the Abzû an exceptional experience for me.

    Jokes aside, the artistical quality that is being presented in this game is mesmerizing. Developers are explaining their narrative through the background and murals; so you have to pay attention to your surroundings. Graphical quality is adequate considering their budget; animations    I never had a Sharkbro in any other game before. This makes the Abzû an exceptional experience for me.

    Jokes aside, the artistical quality that is being presented in this game is mesmerizing. Developers are explaining their narrative through the background and murals; so you have to pay attention to your surroundings.

    Graphical quality is adequate considering their budget; animations and physics were fluid. Interactions with fish creates the feeling of being one with them. Sharkbro just makes it perfect but I can't disregard other fish bros that accompanies you through your journey.

    The mythological background of the game tells the majority of the story and a little bit of research from user is required. Maybe a text menu with some lore explanations would do wonders for the game. But I can understand their goal of providing a seamless experience so maybe the texts/menus would hinder the overall feeling of the game.

    Overall, it was a different and refreshing video game experience. Other-worldy, so to speak. Short it may be, but not every game to be long. There's a reasons why stories are grouped into short ones and long ones. And every kind of story has their own merits.    … Expand
  13. rodericrinehart
    Feb 19, 2017
    6
    There just isn't much here. It is pretty, but THIS IS NOT ON THE LEVEL WITH JOURNEY. Journey was emotional and moving, and this is not. This is from the art director of Journey, so the game is stunning. I don't regret playing it, but I certainly wouldn't play it again. Get it in a bundle or for a dollar. I'm only recommending for a dollar or two.
  14. zimmer600
    Jul 21, 2017
    5
    Pretty colorful picture and nothing more. One-shot gameplay and not particularly catchy history make you quit the game for 4 hours of play, the benefit of the game is only 4 hours.
  15. mortizauge
    Aug 30, 2019
    7
    Amazing. This is one of the most gorgeous games I have ever played. No need for attacks, enemies, guns or vehicles. Just you, an infinite sea, and the fauna that inhabits it. If you enjoy exploring, and like sea creatures, this is definitely the game for you. Maybe a bit too short, though.
  16. stop9091
    May 3, 2017
    6
    Visually beautiful, but very polarizing game. Either you will love the atmosphere, or you will find the game terribly boring. For a few dollars, it's a good experience.
  17. CamyVero
    Feb 27, 2021
    7
    Interesting contemplative game. Its greatest virtue is its beauty, especially encouraged by its graphics and music. Otherwise it is a very short game, similar to 'Journey', but at the bottom of the sea. It is not challenging to play at all, it is simply relaxing, a game to enjoy its beautiful melodies and the journey it takes to finish it.
  18. nitorita
    Apr 14, 2020
    6
    I'm at a crossroads for what I should rate ABZU. Honestly, if I could, I would give it a 6.5 since it doesn't fit being rated a 6 or a 7. I ultimately rounded it down to a 6, because the game is so insanely short that there is no way to justify its steep $20 price tag, especially when it's over three years old.

    ABZU is an atmospheric game with magnificent visuals and a uniquely calm    I'm at a crossroads for what I should rate ABZU. Honestly, if I could, I would give it a 6.5 since it doesn't fit being rated a 6 or a 7. I ultimately rounded it down to a 6, because the game is so insanely short that there is no way to justify its steep $20 price tag, especially when it's over three years old.

    ABZU is an atmospheric game with magnificent visuals and a uniquely calm diving aesthetic. The orchestra music was a nice addition to really give the world an escapist touch. There is no way to "lose" in this game (if it can even be classified as a game to begin with), so you're free to leisurely explore around, or you can simply follow the semi-linear path that leads you through the environments.

    One of the biggest cons of this game is, as I mentioned, that it is downright short. It's only about 1.5 hours long at most. Yes, that's right. 1.5 hours long. You could get it done in an extended lunch break. The aesthetics are pleasing and the sights are potentially soothing to take in, but I could only recommend this game for a very specific playerbase.

    In addition, this game is incredibly unoptimized. For an indie game that's 3+ years old and doesn't employ any significant graphics, it pushed my CPU and GPU temperatures higher than I've typically seen before in even AAA games, and kept my GPU at a constant 100% load.

    ABZU would've been better as a VR game to get the clarity and 360 view of the environments instead of a narrow field of vision. A lot of the immersion is lost with a 2D screen, as you don't feel compelled to look around. I'm surprised that the devs didn't bother making a VR version, since this game would be perfect as one. At the moment, you can only experience it in VR via a third-party workaround. If this game had VR, I'm sure it would have an average score of 8+, not sub-7.

    Overall, as an avid atmospheric game fan myself, I'm rating this not based on my own feelings but based on what most players would get out of the experience, and that is, frankly, not a lot. I definitely feel that the common gamer should avoid playing this, as it would feel like a waste of time. If you're into these kinds of games though, I suppose it is worth trying, but only if you can get it for free or under $5.    … Expand
  19. NikitaKuzhel
    Oct 10, 2020
    7
    Недавно эту игру раздали в EGS, за что им спасибо, вот только в этом "замечательном" лончере нельзя оставить отзыв, так что пишу сюда.

    ABZU - это, как принято называть "симулятор ходьбы", только в этом случае плавания. Вся игра строится на аудио-визуальном повествовании, за геймплеем сюда приходить не стоит, в игре можно плавать, взаимодействовать с некоторыми объектами путем нажатия    Недавно эту игру раздали в EGS, за что им спасибо, вот только в этом "замечательном" лончере нельзя оставить отзыв, так что пишу сюда.

    ABZU - это, как принято называть "симулятор ходьбы", только в этом случае плавания. Вся игра строится на аудио-визуальном повествовании, за геймплеем сюда приходить не стоит, в игре можно плавать, взаимодействовать с некоторыми объектами путем нажатия одной кнопки, а так же медетировать на статуях, переключая камеру с игрока на разных рыб. 90% времени, вы будете плавать и наслаждаться местной флорой и фауной и они здесь просто великолепны, игру хочется постоянно скринить и к сожалению такой функции я не нашел, но зато я уже знаю, какая следующая картинка будет стоять у меня на рабочем столе)) Сюжет в игре есть, он очень прост и я бы сказал схематичен, не несет в себе большой глубины или же сильно драматичных моментов, но немного поддерживает интерес и вызывает совсем немного эмоций.

    В целом ABZU это 2-часовая экскурсия по подводному миру, которая может заставить вас заинтересоваться подводным миром, расслабитья и подарить небольшие, но приятные эмоции.    … Expand
  20. michaelb1928
    Jan 26, 2019
    6
    llow gameplay and its pursuit of affecting emotions remains halfway. Still, execution being detailed and captivating it's definit
  21. Soullex
    Dec 10, 2022
    5
    Görselliği çok güzel de, oyun değil ki bu. Yani oyun olarak ne sunuyor ki??
  22. clem666
    May 26, 2021
    7
    If you played 'Journey' before, the similarity will hit you hard. They both have the same contemplative atmosphere rocked by a stunning original soundtrack. 'ABZÛ' still has something more in the way it allows us to discover varied fish species (well at least it tries to). Environment density and lighting are terrific even if colours may have been way better here and there. I found thatIf you played 'Journey' before, the similarity will hit you hard. They both have the same contemplative atmosphere rocked by a stunning original soundtrack. 'ABZÛ' still has something more in the way it allows us to discover varied fish species (well at least it tries to). Environment density and lighting are terrific even if colours may have been way better here and there. I found that character design also lacks to be desired.

    Gameplay is great, swimming through these corals, fishes and submarine caves is honestly pleasant. But mechanics are a bit repetitive and uninspired. The game is really short but it's hard to tell if that's an advantage or not at this point. I can say that it surely is not worth 20€. Even during sales I would recommend to be sure about what you want and expect if you buy it or not.    … Expand
  23. edxtan
    Apr 7, 2023
    6
    ABZÛ's directed exploration makes it fun to dive through each scene, while still telling a story.
  24. honest_rev7
    Oct 4, 2020
    5
    it's like the journey but no good stuff like random players, it's pretty boring and music is one of those hans zimmer-y overtbearing tunes. it intensifies depending on your location, but overall i found game to be underwhelming with this annoying epic vibe. no match. 5 bc it could have been better
  25. deco45
    Dec 20, 2020
    7
    Jogo curto, numa pegada andar e explorar . Você caminha pelo mundo aquático que é bem bonito. A poucas interações e as que tem são bem repetidas.
  26. Hot_Smurf
    Apr 25, 2021
    7
    ABZU is more so a masterfully designed therapy sesion than an actual game. There isn't much in terms of gameplay mechanics, but the simplicity and smoothness of the underwater movement are great. The touching story is accentuated by the great graphics and soundtrack. However, ABZU isn't an enjoyable game. If you are looking for a deep or somewhat interactive experience, then you won't findABZU is more so a masterfully designed therapy sesion than an actual game. There isn't much in terms of gameplay mechanics, but the simplicity and smoothness of the underwater movement are great. The touching story is accentuated by the great graphics and soundtrack. However, ABZU isn't an enjoyable game. If you are looking for a deep or somewhat interactive experience, then you won't find it here.

    7/10    … Expand
  27. Dartza
    Jul 21, 2023
    6
    Stunning visuals and an immersive world. The music and art style are fantastic. There is not much more however as there aren't many complex game systems outside of exploration.

Awards & Rankings

46
#46 Best PC Game of 2016
50
#50 Most Discussed PC Game of 2016

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. Riot Pixels
    Jan 26, 2017
    60
    This interactive aquarium is a sight to behold, but not enticing enough to make me spend one more minute underwater.
    Read full review
  2. CD-Action
    Oct 14, 2016
    65
    Less than two hours of playing time is just right for Abzu’s shallow gameplay. The game offers a hefty dose of “beautiful moments” but fails to make any lasting impact. [10/2016, p.68]
  3. Pelit (Finland)
    Oct 12, 2016
    81
    Abzu's charming aquatic world is always softly in motion. A good-looking journey comes with repetitive and shallow gameplay and its pursuit of affecting emotions remains halfway. Still, execution being detailed and captivating it's definitely worth a dive. One of the best underwater exploration games out there. [Sept 2016]
See all critic reviews »