Sea of Solitude

 Xbox One
Metascore
72

Mixed or average reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. Gamers' Temple
    Aug 6, 2019
    74
    Sea of Solitude certainly has a unique look and feel to it, but the novelty alone is not enough to carry the game. Your enjoyment of it will come down to how much you connect to Kay and her story because the gameplay alone will not be enough to compel you to play until the end. Even if you're just in it for the story, there are times when that story will also feel like a slog, especially when you face the monsters that represent Kay's endlessly bickering parents. The game is certainly an unusual experience, but it will probably leave you wishing that it was a more compelling one.
  2. Vandal
    Jul 5, 2019
    73
    Quotation forthcoming.
  3. M3
    Aug 10, 2019
    70
    Even tough the story is a bit unevenly told; we cannot stop playing Sea of Solitude until Kay has reached the end of her journey. Partly because the story always manages to motivate us to go further, partly because the adventure is not long enough for the shortcomings to become too intrusive. When it is all said and done, Sea of ​​Solitude is a gripping but uneven journey that is worth taking.
  5. The Sydney Morning Herald
    Jul 18, 2019
    70
    Raw and emotional, though let down by some annoying or wonky design issues, Sea of Solitude is a worthwhile and beautiful journey through loneliness and regret.
  6. Atomix
    Jul 17, 2019
    68
    Despite a gorgeous look, Sea of Solitude lacks of a complex narrative or level design that puts it into pair with recent games inspired by mental issues.
  7. XBLA Fans
    Jul 23, 2019
    60
    It’s a pretty decent game. The focus on mental health is heavy, yet I don’t think it was done flawlessly. I failed to care about the character, thinking they were taking things a bit too seriously because the problems they had seemed insignificant compared to problems such as death or mental abuse. I know everyone can feel this way for any reason since it’s human nature. It seems to fall short in comparison to games such as Hellblade and The Missing.
  8. Washington Post
    Jul 11, 2019
    60
    I was baffled by how a work could be as beautifully designed and earnest as this yet so hackneyed as to short-circuit any emotional investment.
  9. VideoGamer
    Jul 8, 2019
    60
    A wondrous world and keenly felt themes are slighted by unsubtle writing.
  10. Press Start Australia
    Jul 6, 2019
    60
    I wish I could say that Sea of Solitude excels in every way a game can. Though it offers an honest, raw depiction of how unfortunately disparate life can be and the toil that goes with that, it fires few shots as an interactive experience. A rather barren world and repetitive core loops only serve to mar what is an otherwise overwhelming sensory treat.
  11. Jeuxvideo.com
    Jul 5, 2019
    55
    By trying to say too much and do too much, the work is dispersed and the adventure is diluted.

Awards & Rankings

100
#100 Best Xbox One Game of 2019
53
#53 Most Discussed Xbox One Game of 2019
40
#40 Most Shared Xbox One Game of 2019

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.7

Mixed or average reviews- based on 46 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 46
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 46
  3. Negative: 9 out of 46
  1. Xbox_Alive
    Jul 8, 2019
    8
    Sea of Solitude is a gritty voyage on an emotional tale, set in a visually stunning world. In this world people turn into monsters if they tooSea of Solitude is a gritty voyage on an emotional tale, set in a visually stunning world. In this world people turn into monsters if they too lonely, or sad. You awaken as Kay, partially turned into one of these monsters, afloat on a small boat in a flooded town and are introduced to what seems to be the only ray of hope left. Armed with only a mystical flare, and your wits, you navigate this town, and Kay's own emotional distress. Along the way you spend time helping others seek comfort, and their own humanity. The emotional turmoil is constant as you hop rooftops, and navigate the flooded streets. While you clamber about the remains, you can find messages in bottles hidden around the map, that add to the already fathomless ocean of feelings. Hanging out, and sometimes a bit out of the way, you will also find seagulls, that you can Shoo away and catch a bird's eye view of the immediate area. This is a deep and dark look into what it is to be human, and will grip your heartstrings as you move along the game. The game play is smooth, and fairly straightforward. The water physics are a wonder to watch, very well done. Given the story's overtone it's hard for me to say a 'Good' experience but it is an adventure worth having, and a well made game, that expresses exactly what it meant to!… Full Review »
  2. Hovis992tza
    Jan 28, 2021
    9
    I am a little late to this one but I am in love with art and the deep story hidden beneath the surface and a chance to put it right a fewI am a little late to this one but I am in love with art and the deep story hidden beneath the surface and a chance to put it right a few minor glitches but not game braking and didn’t detract for my enjoyment for that reason I would say a solid 9/10 and if you have Xbox game pass it a no brainier… Full Review »
  3. jyd1626
    Jan 22, 2021
    8
    Great story, however even when is was short the game felt kind of forced in some specific situations, but overall great game that takes realGreat story, however even when is was short the game felt kind of forced in some specific situations, but overall great game that takes real life issues and set that there is not a only solution for things. Great experience… Full Review »
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