Sword of the Sea Image
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews What's this?

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  • Summary: In a world where the terrain flows in waves, ride the Hoversword to speed over shifting seas of sand. It controls like a snowboard, skateboard, and hoverboard all in one. Build momentum to achieve great speeds and catch big air as you explore skatepark-like ruins, lost in the tides of theIn a world where the terrain flows in waves, ride the Hoversword to speed over shifting seas of sand. It controls like a snowboard, skateboard, and hoverboard all in one. Build momentum to achieve great speeds and catch big air as you explore skatepark-like ruins, lost in the tides of the Necropolis of the Gods. The Hoversword embodies the feel of snowboarding and skating games, but in an entirely new context of adventure.

    You are the Wraith - resurrected in a desolate world and tasked with restoring life to it as you explore submerged ruins and the vibrant, varied cultures within. Surf through sinking tombs, mysterious shipwrecks, and petrified battlefields - and bring giant shoals of fish and creatures back in the process. But beware - this land is also home to massive leviathans that will stand in your way.
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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 19
  2. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. Aug 19, 2025
    100
    Whether it’s the game’s not-too-subtle commentary about climate change or Nava’s explanation of the Wraith, Sword of the Sea is trying and succeeding at making an impact. No singular thing can change the world, but it can plant a seed, and with this title, I hope everyone feels hopeful for a time to rebuild.
  2. Aug 19, 2025
    90
    In Sword of the Sea, you satisfyingly skate across sands, snow, and sea on your hoversword, with each wave pulling you deeper into a vibrant, mysterious world of wonder and awe. It’s an atmospheric, meditative journey where curiosity is always rewarded and adventure lies at every turn.
  3. Aug 28, 2025
    90
    Sword of the Sea is a splendid journey that uplifts the spirit and concludes at just the right moment.
  4. Aug 18, 2025
    80
    Sword of the Sea focuses entirely on exploration and flow and does it really well. If you're looking for a truly relaxing game, you won't find a better one right now. Overall, Sword of the Sea didn't move me as much as Journey did at the time: yes, there is loneliness and vastness here too, but the pilgrimage on the Hoversword just doesn't feel as destiny-fueled as that of the Journey protagonist. Nevertheless, Sword of the Sea enchants with its incredibly dense atmosphere, pointed cutscenes and wonderfully animated landscape.
  5. Sep 3, 2025
    80
    This is a high-quality artistic and visual offering that has been made possible by flawless technical execution. It's hard not to be fascinated by our first transformation of the desert into a lush oasis teeming with fish, and when you add to that easy-to-learn and instantly rewarding surfing mechanics, you get a little gem that you'll forgive for its minor flaws.
  6. Aug 22, 2025
    80
    Like Abzu before it, Sword of the Sea is a simple game that is worth anyone’s time, especially as it won’t take up much of it. It’s the kind of calming title that you can slip into a single evening and just let yourself be carried along by its satisfying movement, gorgeous visuals, and easy-going challenges.
  7. Aug 18, 2025
    70
    Sword of the Sea is like a siren - beautiful, inviting and great to listen to. Despite cutting through with an impeccable sense of style, the lack of a cohesive narrative and short runtime feels like you're treading water.

See all 19 Critic Reviews