The Unfinished Swan

 PlayStation 4
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

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  1. 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 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 andUnfinished 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.… Expand
  2. fray_bentos
    Apr 7, 2015
    8
    Fun and beautiful, but not coming close to the adventure that was Journey. Some interesting ideas are explored, but I didn't feel compelled enough to go back and find every last balloon.
  3. Artur95
    Jan 26, 2015
    8
    A simple but great game! The gameplay is very easy and fun, you throw paint balls to color the environment and know where to go. Also, you can use it to activate some puzzles that constantly are appearing. The controls are very simple to use. Is a good looking game, it has decent graphics and the soundtrack is very good. The only problem that i find is that sometimes there are frame dropsA simple but great game! The gameplay is very easy and fun, you throw paint balls to color the environment and know where to go. Also, you can use it to activate some puzzles that constantly are appearing. The controls are very simple to use. Is a good looking game, it has decent graphics and the soundtrack is very good. The only problem that i find is that sometimes there are frame drops while you are walking and shooting the paint balls.… Expand
  4. Komerad
    Jan 31, 2015
    8
    Less is more!
    The game was in discount and seemed to have high scores on the net.
    So knowing nothing about it I just bought it. My first impression staring at a complete blank screen with a little circle in the middle was : wtf is this? After throwing a few paintballs I was hanging back on the couch like : wow! The concept of using this paintballs to get through a beautifull    Less is more!
    The game was in discount and seemed to have high scores on the net.
    So knowing nothing about it I just bought it.

    My first impression staring at a complete blank screen with a little circle in the middle was : wtf is this?
    After throwing a few paintballs I was hanging back on the couch like : wow!

    The concept of using this paintballs to get through a beautifull minimalistic world is brilliant.
    The story is a short, simple fairy tale for children. More some sort of excuse to keep de game going.
    Not bad, I liked it but certainly not a deep, solid story with good twists and such.
    I did not mind the story much as I was totaly sucked up into the visual experience.

    The gameplay is easy as are the puzzles.
    Everything is quiet obvious, the levels are straight forward and not large.
    Finishing the game takes just a few hours.
    But thats not where the fun ends. My 4 year old son is totaly crazy about this game. Yes it's that easy and fun!    … Expand
  5. szszsz
    Jan 22, 2015
    9
    this game is one of the cheapest games on psn, and its absolutely a must-have with it's unique mechanics (dont read anything about it, finding out by yourself is part of fun here).
    give it a try and enjoy a couple hours of puzzle story
  6. theTRUTHson
    Jul 9, 2017
    9
    This game is unique, beautiful, original, heartwarming. The music is fantastic and well suited. You can finish the story in a single play through, and that is a good thing. The Unfinished Swan is a work of art and a must play.
  7. p1menta
    Oct 13, 2019
    8
    the way this guys create stories is just beautiful. they really try to be creative, the storytelling never dissapoint in touching you. their games may not be the triple A kind, but its actually a lot better than most of the AAA
  8. MaxPayneIsGod
    Oct 11, 2015
    8
    An interesting and unique puzzler which is relatively simplistic and playable by anyone. Its more of an experience than a game and despite its adventure aspects it is extremely linear and offers little to no replay value. However, what it does, it does well. Several gameplay elements which get introduced as you progress, they all work well and are very easy to get to grips with. TheAn interesting and unique puzzler which is relatively simplistic and playable by anyone. Its more of an experience than a game and despite its adventure aspects it is extremely linear and offers little to no replay value. However, what it does, it does well. Several gameplay elements which get introduced as you progress, they all work well and are very easy to get to grips with. The story is akin to a fairy tale and serves to usher the story along. Overall I found it a relaxing game in the same vein as something like Journey. Its actually a little hard to score or define, it is very good, but it's not a 10. I'd give it a 7.5 so I'll round it up.… Expand
  9. alexmanea
    Jun 23, 2015
    8
    The Unfinished Swan is a perfect game if you want to relax and have fun at the same time. It is pretty easy but good nevertheless. Unfortunately, the game's a little short, but you can replay it anytime.
  10. holycrusader
    Mar 22, 2017
    9
    Excellent game, an artistic one for sure. Simple, beautiful and fun. Obviously if you like action games do not buy. I got this game for 2$ on sale and it´s ridiculous considering the quality of it...Don´t hesitate and grab it if you can.
  11. GreenMachineG
    Dec 9, 2015
    9
    Wow is all I have to say about this game. So unique and a ton of fun. I did not want this game to end. The gameplay is fun and reminds me of how a game like Portal handles, but the white slate world you move around in and how you must make the world appear around you is such a cool mechanic. This is one of those lower budget game titles that makes people keep searching out the indie/lowWow is all I have to say about this game. So unique and a ton of fun. I did not want this game to end. The gameplay is fun and reminds me of how a game like Portal handles, but the white slate world you move around in and how you must make the world appear around you is such a cool mechanic. This is one of those lower budget game titles that makes people keep searching out the indie/low budget games for gems like this. The game is an art title with basic game mechanics, so if that's not for you than I would skip this title, but most people will enjoy just discovering what is hidden under the ocean of blank-ness!

    9.2/10    … Expand
  12. Elvis_Llama
    Feb 6, 2016
    10
    This game honestly had me in tears at the end. The way the story is developed is fantastic. Although the story is not a immediate interest, as you get toward the end - it adds such a deep layer to this game. The gameplay itself is also very enjoyable. All in all, this is one of my favorite games of all time.
  13. zwolsa
    Jun 6, 2022
    10
    The only game I played 3 times since it was released, in almost 40 years of video gaming. It's simple, it has a unique graphic style and a heartwarming story. It's not far away from Limbo and Inside. The difference is, it's not dark and it has a positive story. Like comparing Little Big Planet to Arkham Asylum. But you are also guiding a character through his journey. If you looking forThe only game I played 3 times since it was released, in almost 40 years of video gaming. It's simple, it has a unique graphic style and a heartwarming story. It's not far away from Limbo and Inside. The difference is, it's not dark and it has a positive story. Like comparing Little Big Planet to Arkham Asylum. But you are also guiding a character through his journey. If you looking for challenges and excitement, leave it. If you appreciate innovative game design and creativity, go for it.… Expand
  14. Brnlv
    Feb 13, 2021
    10
    A perfect game. With playful, surprising mechanics, a great fairytale story, spellbinding music and crisp, minimalist visuals, The Unfinished Swan weaves together an unforgettable narrative-puzzle game experience. A+
  15. PSGaming
    Sep 8, 2021
    8
    It is very short game and its gonna be not for everyone.If you searching for a relaxing and interesting storytell game,then this is for you.Also it is having a unique art style.
  16. piuscorvus
    Jun 24, 2020
    8
    A bit childish but a nice experience. The Unfinished Swan gives a nice little story that you reveal by shooting paint around you, which reveals you the world hidden behind whiteness.
  17. FuzzyPackRat
    Aug 17, 2020
    8
    Story: 8/10
    Gameplay: 9/10
    Music: 8/10 Animation/Graphics: 9/10 This game is one of the reasons I love indie games- they try new things and really think outside the box. It's not a long game but has so many interesting ways you can interact on the different chapters/levels. Also- who doesn't just want to throw paint balls around and see what happens?! Great to play with a backseat    Story: 8/10
    Gameplay: 9/10
    Music: 8/10
    Animation/Graphics: 9/10

    This game is one of the reasons I love indie games- they try new things and really think outside the box. It's not a long game but has so many interesting ways you can interact on the different chapters/levels. Also- who doesn't just want to throw paint balls around and see what happens?! Great to play with a backseat gamer/friend.

    Takeaways
    Pros: multiple play throughs really show of the mystery in this game, very unique gameplay.
    Cons: none for me (tho not a game for people who don't like to think outside the box)    … Expand
  18. ShaxxAttaxx458
    Nov 18, 2020
    10
    This game is gorgeous and so outside the box. I still have distinct elementary school memories of playing this absolutely amazing game and loving it. The music and aesthetic build an extremely abstract atmosphere. The story's mood shifts with the atmosphere and music and the distinct abstraction allows the world to take on the emotions of the player and story. Every mechanic is unique,This game is gorgeous and so outside the box. I still have distinct elementary school memories of playing this absolutely amazing game and loving it. The music and aesthetic build an extremely abstract atmosphere. The story's mood shifts with the atmosphere and music and the distinct abstraction allows the world to take on the emotions of the player and story. Every mechanic is unique, whether revealing hidden areas, making paths of vines to climb on, or building architecture to traverse, and each fit the setting and story so perfectly that it might beat out Titanfall for the most diverse level design.

    The best way to describe this is just as it is, a short children's book. It may be a brief ride, but it will give you an experience unlike any other. It may be short, but it has collectibles to chase if that is your thing, and even without that, it's 15 dollars.

    All in all, one of my favorite games that definitely deserves more recognition and acclaim considering its outside the box stories and mechanics. This game is truly groundbreaking and although it is short, you'll leave knowing that those hours you had with it were some of your best spent.    … Expand
  19. colilla
    Jan 4, 2021
    10
    Me inscribí solo para calificar este juego. Es uno de los mejores que he jugado en mi vida y he jugado desde hace más de 30 años. Tiene mecánicas diferentes (puzzles innovadores) y es una historia hermosa y surreal, hasta uno de mis héroes (Terry Gilliam) participa en esta obra. Al comienzo es un poco desorientador y es bastante corto (lo acabé de una sentada)
  20. Bizancio_Askatu
    Aug 11, 2021
    8
    In contrast to other short indies with artistic vibes I have played, this game was actually fun to play. It has a lot of interesting ideas, specially the first part of the game in the completely white garden, and every chapter offers something new. The story it's a charming classic Tale that fits very well the game's atmosphere.
    I wish other games that strive so hard to present new gaming    In contrast to other short indies with artistic vibes I have played, this game was actually fun to play. It has a lot of interesting ideas, specially the first part of the game in the completely white garden, and every chapter offers something new. The story it's a charming classic Tale that fits very well the game's atmosphere.
    I wish other games that strive so hard to present new gaming mechanics could be as enjoyable as this game is.    … Expand

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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. 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.
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  2. 3DJuegos
    Nov 10, 2014
    85
    Instead of a game, The Unfinished Swan is an experience… which will be enjoyed for most users.
    Read full review
  3. GameSpot
    Nov 7, 2014
    80
    It's the kind of failure many developers work their fingers to the bone to achieve.
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