ABZU

 Switch
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. Screen Rant
    Dec 20, 2018
    70
    Abzu doesn't reinvent the wheel when it comes to slow-paced adventure titles with interesting art designs. The world is what makes Abzu special not anything about how it plays or the game's ambitions. That was the case in 2016 and it's certainly the case now. Yet even if Abzu doesn't offer a brand-new experience it still accomplishes its goals very well.
  2. Critical Hit
    Nov 30, 2018
    70
    ABZU is at home on Nintendo’s Switch. The simplistic, but vibrant visuals shine on the Switch’s screen, and the system doesn’t falter in its presentation or performance. There’s perhaps a little more aliasing than you’d find on its bigger console and computer counterparts, but the three-hour long adventure has been faithfully ported.
  3. Digital Chumps
    Nov 29, 2018
    70
    It is not a sin to put storytelling and intrigue above interaction and engagement. Abzu is successful in telling a sophisticated story inside of a game, I just wish its power had been used for surprise instead of satisfaction.
  5. FNintendo
    Jan 17, 2019
    50
    ABZÛ is not proposing to be an action packed experience and there's nothing wrong with that, the problem is ABZÛ delivers very little in terms of gameplay experience, no matter what angle is used to look at it. Beyond its marvelous looking environment and absolutely mindblowing soundtrack, ABZÛ leaves all its promises unfulfilled, aggravated by the fact that it becomes obvious this game could have delivered so much more.

Awards & Rankings

83
#83 Best Switch Game of 2018
77
#77 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2018
70
#70 Most Shared Switch Game of 2018

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 71 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 43 out of 71
  2. Mixed: 21 out of 71
  3. Negative: 7 out of 71
  1. B-Bog
    Sep 25, 2019
    10
    INCREDIBLE. It almost feels wrong to call this a game, this is an experience. Beautiful. Stunning. Amazing. Jaw-dropping. The most gorgeousINCREDIBLE. It almost feels wrong to call this a game, this is an experience. Beautiful. Stunning. Amazing. Jaw-dropping. The most gorgeous game I have ever played. Plus, the soundtrack is just perfect in supporting the visuals and amplifying the mood.

    I was having a pretty crappy day and didn't even really feel like playing any games, but ABZU completely turned that around. Do yourself a favour, get this game ASAP, and then just relax and take your time with it. Advanced players might even want to ingest certain substances along with it ;)

    I seriously cannot find anything wrong with this game, other than maybe its short play time, but I was aware of that before I bought it. It's only 20 bucks anyway, and compared to other titles in that price range like Firewatch, it's worth every penny. Plus, I think the short run time makes for a more intense experience and entices you to replay (which I'm definitely going to do).

    Must-have.

    EDIT: I stand by my original review. However, I've now also got the game on PC because it was free for a few days. PLEASE, get this game on the highest-performing system that you have (high-end PC is the best one). This game thrives on its beautiful visuals. And while it's still gorgeous on Switch, it does have some framerate problems and the processing power is just not there to make it look as jaw-droppingly amazing and fluid as it does with the settings cranked up to max on PC. HOLY SHEEEET However, if Switch is your only system, do get the game. It is still an awesome experience.    … Full Review »
  2. OtraPerspectiva
    Aug 24, 2021
    9
    La exploración subacuática nunca podría haber sido tan hermosa y tan pacifica, ABZU tiene un aire muy similar a journey, con cientos deLa exploración subacuática nunca podría haber sido tan hermosa y tan pacifica, ABZU tiene un aire muy similar a journey, con cientos de momentos que te dejaran marcado y que muy difícilmente olvidaras.

    A nivel de gameplay y narrativo este título es muy simple, pero esto es un aspecto negativo, en este caso la simpleza hace que pueda resaltar en otros aspectos siendo el principal de estos el aspecto gráfico y el soundtrack de este título siendo como mínimo bueno, ABZU es precioso, muchas de las tomas que se pueden apreciar fácilmente podrían ser un wallpaper en el pc de cualquiera.

    Unos de los aspectos negativos que encuentro es la duración de este título el cual se puede completar en unas 3 o 4 horas, aunque en esas horas encontraremos en una gran variedad de escenarios y una inmensa cantidad de animales a los cuales según el tamaño podemos sujetarnos y dejarnos llevar un rato, de igual forma y un aspecto positivo que considero es la opción de "meditar", en cada uno de estos escenarios existen unas estructuras en las cuales nuestro protagonista se posa y podemos observar cómo los animales se dan vueltas mientras nos relajamos con el soundtrack de este título.

    ABZU es sin duda uno de esos títulos que busca ir mas allá de los videojuegos convencionales, enamorándonos con sus gráficos y la belleza de sus escenarios, llegando a ser considerado por mi como una obra de arte jugable.    … Full Review »
  3. Gontrand00
    Nov 29, 2020
    8
    More of a swimming simulator than actually a ''game''. It doesn't have challenge (which is fine in that case), and no clear goal than justMore of a swimming simulator than actually a ''game''. It doesn't have challenge (which is fine in that case), and no clear goal than just getting to the next zone.

    It's beautiful and the music is awesome. It's true that playing this with headphones must add a lot to the experience.

    I did it in several short sessions so I think it was better that way than just rushing through it. It also feels good and weird to just have fish to interact around you. I would have love more story background for this, because games these days tend to be like ''we only give part of the story and you'll figure it out by yourself'', which is sometime good (Hollow Knight) and sometime can feel just lazy. For this game, it's an in between. True, making a good and solid story is hard, so making video games. People should care more about this part in the indie world and hire writers, even just to coach them on their story because it can really make a huge difference.

    Also, the off-water parts were clearly not thought for the controls because they are really clunky, which is the only time in the game it appears, since when you are underwater they are really good.    … Full Review »
See all user reviews »