Overview

• Critics highlight Giant Squid’s fusion of meditative exploration with high-speed hoversword traversal as a refined evolution from Journey and ABZÛ.
• The game’s painterly visuals and Austin Wintory’s orchestral score receive near-universal acclaim for deepening its contemplative atmosphere.
• Reviewers note that the unlockable trick system adds depth but cite pricey upgrades and an underused scoring mechanic that often demand multiple runs to fully unlock.
• Design choices such as limited backtracking and a few clunky off-board sections are viewed as deliberate prompts for New Game Plus replays.
• Sword of the Sea arrives August 19 on PS5, PS5 Pro and PC with day-one availability on PlayStation Plus.