An artistic masterpiece that surfs through sands and seas but stumbles with depth.
A debate as old as time has resurfaced with the launch of Sword of the Sea. “Can video games be art?” is the question on everybody’s mind. Sword of the Sea answers that question. They present a compelling case for the idea that games can definitely be considered art. Sword of the Sea has a lot to offer—but most importantly, an array of stunning visuals that will leave you awestruck every second of the playthrough.
Giant Squid, the studio behind Abzu and The Pathless, has once again produced a banger of a game that will only leave you coming back for more. It reels you in and grabs your attention by the scruff of the neck. Their signature combination of sense of flow and serene world-building has yet again lived up to expectations.
The game may attract you with its beautiful setting, but the lore that Sword of the Sea offers cannot be overlooked. After all, as beautiful as a game may be, it hardly ever matters when the gameplay or plot can’t back it up. In Sword of the Sea, you take on the role of the Wraith, who is revived by a single drop of water that appears to contain all the sea’s power. Now, as an old guardian, you set out into this deserted world to let the water loose and bring prosperity back.
Restoring the cycle is your main objective; it is broken for an unknown reason that soon becomes evident as you dig deeper into the narrative. The stakes can feel underwhelming until roughly halfway into the game because it’s fairly simple. Snippets of lore are presented, such as the previous civilization, their downfall, the spiritual river that connects everything, and so forth. In an effort to let you relish in the atmosphere, in some way or another, the plot does take a backseat.
You’re not alone out there in this bizarre land that hides an ancient sea beneath it. Other forces are at work, be it for the better or for the worse. The story is told through a variety of short cutscenes over a playtime of roughly three to four hours and includes everything from enormous sea creatures to unexpected allies who bring with them completely new mechanics.
Despite the game being called Sword of the Sea, there’s really not much use of a traditional sword. The blade of your sword vanishes when you board it, and it functions as a kind of rocket-powered hoverboard instead. This hoverboard, or sword, whichever you’d like to call it, carries you around in the world of Sword of the Sea; it is the only means of traversal.
As cohesive as a narrative it may be, the game may leave you in the dark in regard to many plot holes it leaves behind. One character that plays a significant role is often underused, as they barely play anything more than a cameo. A large portion of the lore is left up to your interpretation, particularly its themes of fire versus water, life and death, and spirits and humans.
The core mechanic of the game, as aforementioned, is traversing environments on a hover sword—part surfboard, snowboard, and hoverboard rolled into one. You glide through dunes, leap across gaps, and grind rails, all while unlocking paths and accessing new areas. Chapter by chapter, you open up each section to reveal a vibrant, colorful landscape of the world you are in.
All of the game mechanics really flourish in unison as you approach the end of the game. The ease of exploring these enormous areas is enjoyable in and of itself, because the game does not punish you with hard-to-master difficulty. Other notable sequences also mix up the core gameplay in different ways.
You will see whales and dolphins swimming through the skies, and the portrayal of water and marine biology is remarkably similar to that of Abzu. It’s pleasant to be able to ride them and simply traverse through, even if it’s short-lived.
Traditional combat is absent. Instead, progression relies on traversal puzzles and environmental exploration. Your tricks and jumps are the tools to move forward. The challenge is light, offering accessibility but lacking the satisfaction of deep mastery.
There are all sorts of hidden collectibles the game has to offer, ranging from hidden frogs to shells that will aid in your journey ahead. With plenty of achievements to earn, exploration is a joy in Sword of the Sea. Additionally, you are encouraged to gain momentum, ride on walls, and look the part just as much, made possible by the stunning graphics on display.
You will collect gold as you progress through the narrative, which can be used to buy new abilities for the Wraith. You’ll not be able to access every area in every region for your first playthrough. Often, you will also come across a kind of trader who will give you new skills in exchange for gold.
The Wraith’s movement when on water is greatly accelerated, allowing for all sorts of cool jumps and tricks. These are initially playful, allowing you to do tricks like flips and grabs, but as time goes on, you can explore further thanks to a super jump and even a boost mechanic. Giant Squid has included a New Game Plus at launch, which allows you to replay with those abilities unlocked right off the bat.
There isn’t much of a heads-up display in the game itself, but after you finish it for the first time, you can unlock a trick meter and a speedometer to keep track of your score. Don’t be afraid because your score does get tracked; it’s just shown after completion of the game. Performing more tricks earns you more points, so let all hell loose. The puzzles you’ll encounter are relatively simple. Finding hidden objects, making discoveries, and exploring and navigating the world are the true hustle.
The ultimate banker for Sword of the Sea, you may have guessed, is the atmosphere. It takes you in and throws you into a world of the unknown, a world that’s waiting for you to explore it. That’s achieved by the breathtaking landscapes, from vast deserts to snow-covered mountains and hidden underground cities, all in need of you to bring them back to life.
For the most part, Giant Squid skillfully lets its amazing graphics and user-friendly design take charge, though some secret landmarks offer some extra information about the world you’re in.
The lands of Sword of the Sea are constantly shifting. It just seems to have lost the charm that once adorned this desolate world. If you are familiar with Giant Squid’s work, they are known to work around this trope of revitalization, and that’s exactly what you are supposed to do in Sword of the Sea.
The soundtrack too perfectly complements the setting, a mellow but cozy soundtrack delivered by Austin Wintory that captures the mood aptly. It frequently bears the emotional burden when the plot is unable to, emphasizing the quiet passages and showcasing some amazing vocal performances throughout.
Sword of the Sea proves that games can be art. It is a stunning and captivating experience. Where at times the plot may fall short, the grandiosity of the world really does the heavy lifting. It encapsulates everything Sword of the Sea, or for that matter, Giant Squid stands for: art. It is safe to say that this game is a win for its art itself.
Despite every caveat the game does unfortunately have, it’s remarkable how it still would make you want to go back and relive and soak in the world of Sword of the Sea; not many games have that quality. Sword of the Sea can be a cult classic in the genre of exploration and adventure, but for a game that showed so much promise, it’s hard to stomach that, for all its efforts, it may remain just a cult classic.
