Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. Dec 12, 2016
    95
    A visually stunning game, with a fantastic soundtrack and capable of delivering an unique experience with many emotionally intense moments.
  2. Jan 17, 2017
    90
    ABZÛ is a short but utterly engaging experience. Not only does it let players discover an undersea world, it does so with impeccable artistry. There's just so much undersea animal and plant life, all of it colorful and exciting. Remember how beautiful the pot dealer in American Beauty thought plastic bags were? That's the level of beauty that ABZÛ actually achieves.
  3. Dec 14, 2016
    90
    Abzû is absolutely amazing and every Xbox One owner should play this game. It’s one of the finest adventure games that also tells a meaningful story. The title is awe-inspiring and unlike anything else on the console.
  4. Official Xbox Magazine UK
    Feb 4, 2017
    80
    It hits choppy waters at times but this is ultimately an extraordinary undersea tale. [Feb 2017, p.84]
  5. Dec 31, 2016
    75
    If you are drawn to the ocean and what it is (hidden?) beneath it, or to the most contemplative journeys, Abzû will grab you without escape during the two or three hours it takes to complete. Even it is not replayable, due to its magical beauty, you will take a second ride soon or later. It is a remarkable experience, even if it is only for the incredible good looks its journey offers. If you are seeking some action, do not plunge into these waters.
  6. Dec 12, 2016
    70
    In this violent, bloody holiday release schedule it is nice to have games like ABZÛ. It is an artistic, aesthetic game, suited for watching and observing, not playing in a strict sense of the word. Its undersea beauty is unmatched, but leaves me wanting more.
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 67 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 46 out of 67
  2. Negative: 3 out of 67
  1. Apr 2, 2020
    9
    Wonderful game. Or more like a piece of art!
    I really enjoyed the soundtrack and the short "story". I finished it in one session. Didn't buy
    Wonderful game. Or more like a piece of art!
    I really enjoyed the soundtrack and the short "story". I finished it in one session. Didn't buy it, got it via the Gamepass.
    Full Review »
  2. Nov 24, 2019
    9
    I'm hesitant about calling ABZU a "game", however it's an absolutely beautiful experience that's worth playing through.

    The game's overall
    I'm hesitant about calling ABZU a "game", however it's an absolutely beautiful experience that's worth playing through.

    The game's overall creative direction is really well done; I love the colourful, vibrant, stylized art direction of the environments. One thing the game really nails is the sense of scale within the world around you. It does a fantastic job of making you realize just how small you are and how large this ocean ecosystem is. Nothing like swimming next to an Orca to make you realize just how small and insignificant you are.

    The game's musical score is also well done. It syncs up well with the game's art direction. Serene music to go with the colourful, lively environments and utter silence and greyscale when in environments that you have to restore to their former glory.
    Full Review »
  3. Nov 17, 2018
    9
    ABZÛ é uma experiência rica em audiovisual. Seu universo é feito para ser apreciado, e todas as horas de gameplay servem para preencher algumABZÛ é uma experiência rica em audiovisual. Seu universo é feito para ser apreciado, e todas as horas de gameplay servem para preencher algum vazio interno do próprio jogador. A cada momento, o jogo reforça que sua arte é o ponto mais forte, e ela cria emoções muito fortes. Em contrapartida, sua narrativa deixa alguns espaços em branco, e a variedade em suas mecânicas é praticamente nula. Full Review »