Metascore
69

Mixed or average reviews - based on 46 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 46
  2. Negative: 2 out of 46
  1. Jul 5, 2019
    95
    Sea of Solitude is a powerful story of loneliness, perfectly complimented by a beautiful art style and score.
  2. Jul 8, 2019
    90
    Sea of Solitude is a masterpiece of storytelling, art-design and thematic visualisation. While not necessarily lengthy or mechanically deep it is an astoundingly well-crafted game that should be experienced by everyone.
  3. Jul 5, 2019
    90
    Clever, emotional and raw, Sea of Solitude is a personal journey that at times you feel like you’re intruding on. It is resolutely truthful and, just as Kay turns aspects of herself inward and outward, you can’t help but consider your own place, both amongst the people around you and inside your own head.
  4. Jul 5, 2019
    85
    Sea of Solitude is a personal journey inside the darkest paths of our existence. It can be a painful experience, but in the end we can find a heartwarming message: empathy will save us all.
  5. Jul 16, 2019
    80
    As a platform game, it's hard to do much better than Sea of Solitude. With an intriguing story, varied gameplay and a beautiful world to explore, there's more than enough here to keep you invested for a decent amount of time.
  6. 80
    Sea of Solitude left an impact on me that I won't soon forget. From its heartbreaking story to it's powerful and striking visuals. Sea of Solitude is another good example of a game bringing awareness to mental health issues.
  7. Jul 9, 2019
    80
    Sea of Solitude is a haunting journey into loneliness, with Kay’s character arc perfectly encapsulating the feeling of being lost and adrift. With its abstract and metaphorical style, the game is a truly emotional experience, one which perfectly captures the inner turmoil of a soul mired by loneliness sending out a desperate SOS.
  8. Jul 8, 2019
    80
    The real brilliance of Sea of Solitude is how each of the manifestations that Kay experiences have significance to a person or event in her own life.
  9. Jul 6, 2019
    80
    Through a world of monsters and fantasy, Sea of Solitude tells a story about real problems that never get enough attention, especially in video games. It's like looking into the soul of another person.
  10. Jul 6, 2019
    80
    Of course, it is not a game suitable for sensitive hearts because, excuse the expression, it hurts more than a kick down there. But it is that comforting pain, that pain with which you identify yourself, that pain that gives you hope to keep going, that pain that reminds you that you are alive, that pain that gives you the strength to keep fighting; that pain that, sometimes, is necessary.
  11. Jul 5, 2019
    80
    Sea of Solitude is an atmospheric fairy tale, that handles topics like phobias, conflict and depression in a thoroughly competent way.
  12. Jul 5, 2019
    80
    Powerful, moving and wonderful in the depiction of a series of real and extremely widespread issues, Sea of Solitude is a tale about what makes us human beings.
  13. Jul 10, 2019
    78
    Sea of Solitude is a short but impactful, memorable experience that treats the subject matter of depression, loneliness, and mental illness with both respect and honesty. At times the content may hit a little too close to home, but pushing through the pain and reaching the end of the game is a satisfying and worthwhile experience. It is, however, only the games powerhouse storytelling that holds it together as mechanically it’s a lot of walking with some minor platforming. There is a lot of potential for some innovative and memorable puzzles here, but the games heavy focus on its emotional narrative detracts from it being, well, a game.
  14. Jul 9, 2019
    75
    Sea of Solitude has the heart to pull through and guide players to the end, where its messages really start taking shape.
  15. Jul 6, 2019
    75
    Sea of Solitude tells an emotional story about what it means to be human and struggle with all of life's highs and lows. The gameplay itself isn’t as strong, and a few enemy encounters can drag down the pace. However, the introspective tale crafted by the team at Jo-Mei leaves an impact, and it's well worth exploring such challenging themes.
  16. Jul 5, 2019
    75
    Sea of Solitude tells a compelling story about depression, bullying and family problems. Nonetheless the game is too easy, guided and brief.
  17. Jul 5, 2019
    75
    Although we would have expected something more, Sea of solitude remains a pleasant and recommended little game.
  18. Jul 5, 2019
    75
    Sea of Solitude provides an insightful look at how mental health devastates the lives of not just those it affects, but also loved ones on the outside. Kay learns a lot about herself by understanding the value of listening, coming to term with her flaws, and not just empathizing with family but also accepting that a simple fix isn’t always possible.
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  1. Jul 10, 2019
    A brief, frequently beautiful meditation on mental illness that can be overly blunt in its messaging.
  2. Jul 5, 2019
    Sea of Solitude is not subtle in its warning about the power and danger of loneliness.
  3. Jul 10, 2019
    But seriously, it's pretty good. Y'know, it's fine.
  4. Jul 5, 2019
    Sea of Solitude isn’t the first game to explore mental health issues; 2017’s Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice is one notable example. But those games are often rough around the edges. Sea of Solitude may tell a story that’s painfully personal, but it’s also incredibly approachable. The fantasy setting makes it easy to get into, as does the streamlined gameplay. Actually experiencing the story, though, is painfully difficult; it might even hit a little too close to home for some. Sea of Solitude is beautiful and dark and tragic — and if you happen to see yourself in it, those feelings only multiply.
User Score
6.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 82 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 34 out of 82
  2. Negative: 25 out of 82
  1. Jul 5, 2019
    10
    Really beautiful, emotional and I love the character design. I want more games like this in my life.
  2. Jul 16, 2019
    10
    This game is worth everyone's time, especially if they've dealt/are dealing with depression. At $20, it's quality > quantity & is worth everyThis game is worth everyone's time, especially if they've dealt/are dealing with depression. At $20, it's quality > quantity & is worth every penny. It doesn't overstay its welcome & is one of those rare, truly special games that every gamer (or fan of well-crafted narrative story in general) should experience at least once - not unlike 'What Remains of Edith Finch' - for originality alone. This one will stick with you - SOLID 10/10 Full Review »
  3. Jul 10, 2019
    10
    This is a special game with a lot of heart and an interesting topic. The game has a few flaws but is definitely worth playing for the greatThis is a special game with a lot of heart and an interesting topic. The game has a few flaws but is definitely worth playing for the great art and atmosphere alone. Full Review »