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. NP-complete
    Aug 9, 2016
    10
    Gorgeous visuals, gorgeous music, and a gorgeous story about something very important in everyone's life. Ignore the reviews from players who only played this game once and didn't understand anything. Like Journey, several playthroughs are necessary to get the general meaning of the story, and even more playthroughs are necessary to get the specific metaphor of each chapter. Like Journey,Gorgeous visuals, gorgeous music, and a gorgeous story about something very important in everyone's life. Ignore the reviews from players who only played this game once and didn't understand anything. Like Journey, several playthroughs are necessary to get the general meaning of the story, and even more playthroughs are necessary to get the specific metaphor of each chapter. Like Journey, the meaning is not "free and ambiguous", there IS a clear and intended meaning and it's amazing (Jenova Chen explained the meaning of all chapters of Journey in DICE 2013, and maybe Matt Nava will eventually do the same for Abzu). So just ignore all reviews from players who were not patient or clever enough to get it. Part of the story itself consists in playing it several times until you get its true meaning, so make yourself a favor and play it several times until you get it. A helpful hint: read about the meaning of "Abzu" in Babylonian religion, particularly about the double meaning of word "Ab", it helps a lot. But do it only after you finish the game!… Expand
  2. AstiX
    Jan 7, 2018
    10
    ABZU had me grinning and in chills from start to finish. Gorgeous breathtaking visuals, perfect controls and some of the most eargasmic music I've heard in a game.

    Seriously, this game is extasy. It will make you feel good, just let yourself be fully immersed into it, without any distractions. It's very rare for a game to make me exclaim out loud while playing because of how good it    ABZU had me grinning and in chills from start to finish. Gorgeous breathtaking visuals, perfect controls and some of the most eargasmic music I've heard in a game.

    Seriously, this game is extasy. It will make you feel good, just let yourself be fully immersed into it, without any distractions. It's very rare for a game to make me exclaim out loud while playing because of how good it feels, looks and how much fun I'm having. It is however, very short, and you will be sad when it ends.

    Pro tip: Play this while you're high af, trust me.    … Expand
  3. boogiesmeister
    Oct 14, 2020
    10
    I rarely give reviews, much less frequently a 10/10. I have 30 years of playing computer games. I play this one together with my 4y old daughter with pad and in front of tv and it's just perfect. It's gorgeous, it's full of interesting places, the environment is super rich and it's simple to control. It's obviously not a game for a hardcore gamer, if it's you feel free to consider ABZUI rarely give reviews, much less frequently a 10/10. I have 30 years of playing computer games. I play this one together with my 4y old daughter with pad and in front of tv and it's just perfect. It's gorgeous, it's full of interesting places, the environment is super rich and it's simple to control. It's obviously not a game for a hardcore gamer, if it's you feel free to consider ABZU 0/10 - you will not find anything interesting here. However for kids and casuals it's ideal. As such it's just perfect.… Expand
  4. ProGamerZix
    Sep 18, 2016
    10
    Masterpiece. The art is very likable and the sound is just astonishing. A short, lovely adventure that will make you enjoy the ocean a little bit more. Definitely a wonderful experience !
  5. Penguxn
    Aug 2, 2016
    10
    This game reminds me a lot like Journey. It's one of those one day games you can just immerse yourself into and the gameplay is just so casual and amazing. It's most defiantly a game worth playing. If you want a game that pulls you into the experience this is most defiantly the game for you.
  6. lalkabusya
    Aug 11, 2016
    10
    10/10 лучшая игра года, первая игра которую я прошел больше одного раза. Очень красивая и атмсоферная плюс очень круто подобран саундтрек. Игра на любителя, лично мне сюжет понравился
  7. SubCryo
    Sep 21, 2016
    10
    The fact that this game does not receive more top scores makes me feel ashamed to be a gamer.
    Absolutely stunning visuals make up for the lack of game play elements by a tenfold. This is what an exploration game should be, you are driven to explore further not by some shallow point system or progression, but rather because you actually want to explore and observe the world due to its    The fact that this game does not receive more top scores makes me feel ashamed to be a gamer.
    Absolutely stunning visuals make up for the lack of game play elements by a tenfold. This is what an exploration game should be, you are driven to explore further not by some shallow point system or progression, but rather because you actually want to explore and observe the world due to its beauty and story. If you truly want an exploration adventure game for actual exploring and not just to grind rocks, plants and bones endlessly (cough* cough* no mans sky), then this game is for you.    … Expand
  8. Fikthenig
    Feb 20, 2018
    10
    I only have 3 words for this game: Freaking Beautiful Experience. If you haven't played it, you should. The visuals are gorgeous and the story is compelling. I, spiritually, took a lot out of this game and looked hard at the actions that humans have placed in nature. Overall, this is an experience that you don't want to miss in your lifetime; SO get moving and buy the game already: II only have 3 words for this game: Freaking Beautiful Experience. If you haven't played it, you should. The visuals are gorgeous and the story is compelling. I, spiritually, took a lot out of this game and looked hard at the actions that humans have placed in nature. Overall, this is an experience that you don't want to miss in your lifetime; SO get moving and buy the game already: I promise you won't be disappointed. Good Luck and Peaceful Diving!!… Expand
  9. skydreamer78
    Jan 30, 2020
    10
    The best game for dreaming gamers. I really liked this game because it has a touching story, nice graphics and cool puzzles. 10/10
  10. JinReview
    Jun 2, 2017
    10
    Who knew that exploring the bottom of the sea could feel so magical. Abzû is an adventure game where the main action is to swim around exploring the beautiful scenery while figuring out how to progress in the game. The gameplay takes a backseat to let everything else shine but the game offers other mechanics to keep the things interesting. Abzû is not only an adventure game but anWho knew that exploring the bottom of the sea could feel so magical. Abzû is an adventure game where the main action is to swim around exploring the beautiful scenery while figuring out how to progress in the game. The gameplay takes a backseat to let everything else shine but the game offers other mechanics to keep the things interesting. Abzû is not only an adventure game but an adventure itself were the player is completely immersed in its short length. The game might have the duration of a regular movie but it is a fulfilling experience due to his beautiful atmosphere and ambiance.

    The story of Abzû is not delivered but rather understood just like poetry were different people will have different interpretations. This is archived by the lack of exposition and dialogues and all the information is passed to the player through experiencing. The amazing soundtrack makes a terrific work in conveying the right emotions and mood so the player can understand the meaning of everything that is happening. There is also a nice amount of mystery as you crave to know what happened to this world, something that you slowly unveil.

    The beautiful world of Abzû is what catches our eye first. Each act has it’s own color scheme and different types of fauna which makes the new zones feel non-repetitive and fun to explore as there is some side collectibles to find and achievements to earn and this adds a little bit more of gameplay and replay value to this amazing experience.

    • Final thoughts

    Abzû is a masterpiece that everyone should play. Its price tag might seem a little high for the amount of game that it offers but the unique experience found in Abzû is so rich and joyfull that will be more than worth. This is a game that once you start playing you will want to play more and more until you reach its end. The magical colorful world is so beautiful to explore and the story that it conveys through emotions and visuals will leave you in awe but the sound design is the cherry on the top, so good that even silence plays a role in this game.    … Expand
  11. driftingcoffee
    Dec 6, 2017
    10
    buy this game nowww. It is short but oooo soooooo sweet. it has a deep metaphorical meaning to it. It relies alot on the music for its deep atmospheer but it fits perfectly. If you have some money to spare buy it buy it nowwww
  12. inkling_girl
    Jun 26, 2020
    10
    beautiful. beautiful. beautiful. beautiful. beautiful. beautiful. beautiful. MASTERPIECE.
  13. Theattack007
    May 17, 2018
    10
    There are many reasons I love this game, but the main reason is that it ha everything i have ever looked for in a game. It has underwater game play, which I find exciting and extremely fun. It has aquatic life which I have always been fascinated by, and it has an ambiguous story that you have to put together, letting you make your own interesting conclusions about his excellent game. OhThere are many reasons I love this game, but the main reason is that it ha everything i have ever looked for in a game. It has underwater game play, which I find exciting and extremely fun. It has aquatic life which I have always been fascinated by, and it has an ambiguous story that you have to put together, letting you make your own interesting conclusions about his excellent game. Oh and did I mention the art style.… Expand
  14. Joara
    Feb 17, 2019
    10
    It is a great game. I saw the pictures of the game before I played it and fell in love with them, that was the main reason I wanted to play it and it is definitely as fantastic as it looks. It takes you to another world and lets you do a cleansing. It is not such a long game either. After you finish it, it feels like a dream. I also liked the plot. It doesn't force itself on the player,It is a great game. I saw the pictures of the game before I played it and fell in love with them, that was the main reason I wanted to play it and it is definitely as fantastic as it looks. It takes you to another world and lets you do a cleansing. It is not such a long game either. After you finish it, it feels like a dream. I also liked the plot. It doesn't force itself on the player, you discover it on your own. If you don't want to focus on it or think about it, you have that choice too. Just keep swimming and follow the white shark.… Expand
  15. Helen_Butte
    Nov 2, 2019
    10
    Beautiful masterpiece for emetional and loving classical music people. Its not really the games its the piece of art in the form of a game.
  16. Pedrollelo
    Jun 10, 2020
    10
    Muito lindo, a soundtrack é duka e eu sempre gostei de tubarão, pra mim tá perfeito.
  17. dastankz
    Jul 24, 2021
    10
    Егер Pixar ойындарда мультфильмдер жасаса!
    Бір сағатта өтуге болатын керемет ойын, артық ештеңе, релаксация және сұлулық. Мен бәріне ұсынамын
  18. Hazephaelos
    Aug 2, 2016
    9
    This amazingly relaxing game combines smooth controls(controller plugged into pc), amazing graphics with a perfect soundtrack. Only reason its not a 10/10 is its shorter length. That being said, I paid more at the movie theater last week for one movie than I did for this game. Replay-ability for when I need a game to relax me.
  19. p1menta
    Jan 10, 2017
    9
    Outro daqueles que é mais uma experiência do que um jogo em si. A história é rapidinha mas é tudo tão lindo que vc vai acabar levando uns minutinhos a mais só nadando e olhando os cenários e as espécies de peixes. Os controles embaixo d'água são bons apesar de um pouco confusos as vezes, e a trilha sonora é impecavel.
  20. Lenluig
    Oct 8, 2016
    9
    MUST PLAY
    The type of experience that makes me love video games so much! This one shows you that the best things are always the simplest ones.
    Unique, enchanting, ambient, relaxing, emotional, simply unavoidable! I loved every moment of it. Even the fact that it is was short made sense to me. Probably impossible to genuinely dislike. Though not a 10/10 game (Has to be absolutely and    MUST PLAY
    The type of experience that makes me love video games so much! This one shows you that the best things are always the simplest ones.
    Unique, enchanting, ambient, relaxing, emotional, simply unavoidable! I loved every moment of it. Even the fact that it is was short made sense to me.
    Probably impossible to genuinely dislike.
    Though not a 10/10 game (Has to be absolutely and outstandingly mind blowing to me) but it was close!    … Expand
  21. Krzych
    Aug 27, 2017
    9
    Beautiful. There is a certain feeling of joy and freedom this game gives. Great visuals, soundtrack and all of this interaction with the world, swimming with great whales or through shoaling fishes or breaching with dolphins. All of this combined can literally make you feel like a child and forget the world for a moment. Also the game is unclear about its meaning so there is a lot of roomBeautiful. There is a certain feeling of joy and freedom this game gives. Great visuals, soundtrack and all of this interaction with the world, swimming with great whales or through shoaling fishes or breaching with dolphins. All of this combined can literally make you feel like a child and forget the world for a moment. Also the game is unclear about its meaning so there is a lot of room for interpretation. The game stands out significantly and if I was to make a list of let's say 10 games I would show to someone who never played games, it would be on the list.… Expand
  22. Mr_Origami
    Jul 10, 2017
    9
    ABZU is something more than a videogame, it's an experience and pure awesomeness for your senses. As rarely happens inside inside video games, it's a title that also gives a wisdom message at the end of the story.

    Compared to his predecessor, Journey, that also deserves a Pc version, this is even more stunning especially if you are a sea lover and have serious doubts about where the    ABZU is something more than a videogame, it's an experience and pure awesomeness for your senses. As rarely happens inside inside video games, it's a title that also gives a wisdom message at the end of the story.

    Compared to his predecessor, Journey, that also deserves a Pc version, this is even more stunning especially if you are a sea lover and have serious doubts about where the human race came from.

    Best game of 2016, end of questions! :)    … Expand
  23. RagingPoet
    Nov 28, 2017
    9
    Abzu is the best playable screensaver and i mean it as a compliment. This game is all about visuals and sound and they are perfect. It is ~2 hours long and during this time it have always found a way to impress me with it's spectacle despite having almost no gameplay or plot.
  24. Ramnond
    May 9, 2018
    9
    This game captured my heart. The soundtrack is beautiful and the visuals stunning.
    It's quite a short experience, but still utterly mesmerizing.
    I still don't think it's worth the 20€ (I bought it for 50% off). But if you see it on sale, I definitely recommend buying it. I would give it a 10 but the controls feel a little goofy and aren't that responsive. It was quite close to the    This game captured my heart. The soundtrack is beautiful and the visuals stunning.
    It's quite a short experience, but still utterly mesmerizing.

    I still don't think it's worth the 20€ (I bought it for 50% off). But if you see it on sale, I definitely recommend buying it.

    I would give it a 10 but the controls feel a little goofy and aren't that responsive. It was quite close to the end when I started to get the hang of it.

    But in the end I truly loved this experience and would recommend you to play it too.    … Expand
  25. Andrada20
    Mar 31, 2019
    9
    Such a magical journey with an incredible world. Worth playing even though it's pretty short.
  26. Pardoow
    Aug 5, 2022
    9
    I reviewed this game before and gave it a 4 just because of the music and art style, but I wanted to give it another try. I don't regret that for a second. The music and art carry this game, but just like Journey, the simple yet impactful storyline together with basic but intuitive gameplay, plus the entire aspect of the sea full of wildlife really makes this a wonderful game. Don't sleepI reviewed this game before and gave it a 4 just because of the music and art style, but I wanted to give it another try. I don't regret that for a second. The music and art carry this game, but just like Journey, the simple yet impactful storyline together with basic but intuitive gameplay, plus the entire aspect of the sea full of wildlife really makes this a wonderful game. Don't sleep on this one, it's an amazing experience… Expand
  27. watchm824
    Jun 8, 2021
    9
    The game is very beautiful and atmospheric. Yes, this is not even a game, but an interactive journey.
    There is only one minus - the game is very short.
  28. glacierskies
    Jan 16, 2020
    9
    This game is just so relaxing and the graphics are something else. It was so calming and beautiful. It was apart of the world that hadn't been disturbed yet by humans. I was so drawn into everything. It wasn't that long or complicated of a game, but I did finish it in one day. I really don't like the kinds of controls this game has and although I know it's common, it's not my go-to. OtherThis game is just so relaxing and the graphics are something else. It was so calming and beautiful. It was apart of the world that hadn't been disturbed yet by humans. I was so drawn into everything. It wasn't that long or complicated of a game, but I did finish it in one day. I really don't like the kinds of controls this game has and although I know it's common, it's not my go-to. Other than that, it was a pretty nice game. Nothing complicated or frustrating as I've seen other games like this and not succeed as nicely as this one.… Expand
  29. PediGAMES
    Jan 2, 2021
    9
    Short, simple and sweet, what Abzu lacks in gameplay complexity it makes up for in presentation. An enjoyable journey from start to finish.
  30. Halcyonm
    Jul 26, 2020
    9
    Abzu is really something special. The dreamy atmosphere and the relaxing underwater world of swaying kelp, darting fish and majestically soaring manta rays instills a feeling of complete calm.
    The goal is simply to move through a somewhat linear set of environments, sometimes solving small puzzles, all of which were simply breathtaking.
    Each can be replayed at any time and there is a    Abzu is really something special. The dreamy atmosphere and the relaxing underwater world of swaying kelp, darting fish and majestically soaring manta rays instills a feeling of complete calm.
    The goal is simply to move through a somewhat linear set of environments, sometimes solving small puzzles, all of which were simply breathtaking.
    Each can be replayed at any time and there is a meditation mode where you can simply sit on a rock and the focus point will become one of the sea creatures as it moves around. This is also a kind of screen saver that you can put on in the background.
    The orchestral music is well matched to the moods.
    As a diver myself I really appreciated the mechanics and movement of the fish and the sharks. Don't expect a long game here, but do expect a memorable escape from daily life. Can heartily recommend - if you like that sort of thing.    … Expand
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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 »