The Unfinished Swan

 PlayStation 4
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. Push Square
    Nov 3, 2014
    100
    The Unfinished Swan was one of the best games of the previous generation, so it’s a real treat to be able to experience it on new hardware.
  2. 3DJuegos
    Nov 10, 2014
    85
    Instead of a game, The Unfinished Swan is an experience… which will be enjoyed for most users.
  3. PlayStation LifeStyle
    Nov 3, 2014
    85
    It truly is a gem of a game, complete with a unique set of mechanics and a world that slides from odd to entrancing and slightly terrifying throughout the course of its story.
  5. Multiplayer.it
    Jan 4, 2015
    80
    After two years from the PS3 release, The Unfinished Swan is finally available on PS4 and PSV. And the gameplay is still funny and fresh.
  6. GameSpot
    Nov 7, 2014
    80
    It's the kind of failure many developers work their fingers to the bone to achieve.
  7. 4P.de
    Oct 31, 2014
    76
    Every minute in this uncommon setting is more satisfying than the usual map crawling in other action adventures. But in the end the story can’t deliver and with the omission of the PS3s’ motion controls an essential part of the experience is missing.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 193 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 114 out of 193
  2. Mixed: 61 out of 193
  3. Negative: 18 out of 193
  1. GanymedeJupiter
    Dec 1, 2014
    7
    It's very brief, but utterly charming. The levels shake things up regularly, ranging from painting invisible obstacles to growing vines toIt's very brief, but utterly charming. The levels shake things up regularly, ranging from painting invisible obstacles to growing vines to climb, to creating platforms. It's a very interesting and visually striking puzzle game that's worth playing if you're interested by the concept.… Full Review »
  2. MrBaconz
    May 17, 2015
    9
    Unfinished Swan is what most indie developers strive to achieve. Unfinished Swan is different and beautiful, yet simple. The game starts outUnfinished Swan is what most indie developers strive to achieve. Unfinished Swan is different and beautiful, yet simple. The game starts out having the player color the white world with black paint. Instead of a normal exploration game, you have to color the world, while also discovering it. The game starts adding variation to the world around you by adding some painted objects and shadows. This is done so you do not have to just continually paint everything the rest of the game. This is done so that the player does not get annoyed by just throwing paint continuously. And that is the line Unfinished Swan is so carefully balanced on. The line between new mechanics and annoyance. Only once in the game did a mechanic overstay its welcome a bit too long for me. For the most part the game changes mechanics regularly enough that the player stays engaged. I expected the mechanics to stay very similar throughout the game with slight variations, but instead was surprised by the amount of variation in the different chapters in the game. This variation made me want to continue playing not just to explore the beautiful world, but also to see what new mechanics are added. The story is told like a children's book. As you explore the world you will see letters on the walls and floors. These small snippets of story help explain what you are seeing in the game world and why the world is changing. The story is not complex by any means. It is a very simple story that is there to compliment the game world, and it does so perfectly. The Unfinished Swan is a game that I would recommend to just about anyone. Not only was it one of the best games of last generation, but it is now one of the best games on PS4.… Full Review »
  3. drlowdon
    Sep 13, 2015
    6
    Other than a few simple puzzles the gameplay in the Unfinished Swan involves little more than pushing the shoulder buttons (to fire out ink orOther than a few simple puzzles the gameplay in the Unfinished Swan involves little more than pushing the shoulder buttons (to fire out ink or water to paint and interact with the game world) and moving forward. As a result those that prefer their games to be more involved will likely give up pretty quickly.

    This is however another good example of what indie developers can offer to modern gaming as these short, but unique, experiences could never be justified in a bigger budget game where developers have publishers and shareholders to answer to. In all honesty its not up there with the very indie titles, such as Journey or Braid, but I for one enjoyed the world and narrative Giant Sparrow have created.    … Full Review »
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