Abzu is a peaceful game, but is it a big catch, or should you cast your rod elsewhere?

Honestly, I went on a roller coaster with this game. The first couple of minutes were fun, but the novelty wore off fast. After about an hour of doing the same thing over and over, I started to lose interest.

And then the story took a dark turn.

I didn't think it was going to go there. It was actually pretty sad and motivated me to keep playing.

This game's biggest flaw is that the scenes are so short they don't really leave a big impression on you. As I went back through each chapter to find all the collectibles, I found myself thinking, "what happened in this chapter, again?"

The minimalist storytelling approach works against Abzu at times. Many of the plot's bigger points feel like they happen outside the player's control, and when the game builds to its emotional crescendo, it can leave you feeling a bit lost about what's happening and your role in it.

The game's ending, though visually and musically gorgeous, might not deliver the emotional payoff it aims for, given how little agency you feel throughout.

However, if you can get past that, Abzu is really a gem of a game. You play as a diver, and your goal is to explore this underwater ecosystem.

However, the ecosystem needs your help.

What makes Abzu special isn't traditional gameplay but its ability to create a meditative state.

Overall, I ended up enjoying my time with this one. Finding all of the collectibles was satisfying because it genuinely adds to the ecosystem. I just wish this game had a platinum trophy.

At just three hours long, Abzu is a short experience, but one that goes in unexpected directions. While its story may feel derivative of games like Journey and Flower in its environmental messaging and story arc, it still manages to create its own identity through its underwater setting.

ABZÛ's visuals are beautiful and only get better the more the game progresses. The art style is simple yet effective. it has a very polygonal look that I find very charming. The story of the game is almost nonexistent, thought it doesn't really need one. Lastly the gameplay, this has to be one of the most boring game I've ever played. Most of the game is just holding down forward on the controller. The was made with this in mind and for this to be the gameplay so it doesn't feel like missed potential but it is still boring. As a collector I am very glad I played it and that I own it, but as a casual player I would not recommend playing and would instead recommend watching silent lets play to get the same experience.