ABZÛ

This is game will most likely be adored by those who are seeking something different and is one of few I assigned "ART" tag to it and felt compelled to write an review. Visually it's mostly serene and beautiful. Graphics are simplistic, but surprisingly good, and color palette and light effects are fantastic. Simplicity is for good, because sheer amount of marine life detail (I suggest dialing fish details to "ultra", even at the expense to everything else) would probably make it run sluggish on slower computers. As for game itself, it's minimalistic. Core mechanic of game is reduced to swimming with occasional interaction. For someone who is demanding a lot in this department, this will probably be disappointing. I myself find mechanics conveniently reduced to make space for sheer enjoyment of absorbing game's captivating environment and pondering it's slow paced and vaguely delivered but deep plot. Plot is not something spectacular, and is open to individual interpretation, but in a nutshell it's driving you to reflect upon our natural environment, human impact on it and touches some philosophical questions. Even if you don't care about plot, I find just swimming around and relaxing while looking at spectacularly rendered submersed landscapes enough to recommend this game. Soundtrack is beautiful and adds to overall atmosphere of the game, enhancing serene parts and tension when things get more rough. There is a one problem I noticed, but I hope this will be corrected in some update. GOG version is only one I tried so I'm not sure if this is general bug or some controller map problem. When finding shark "meditation statues" I can't seem to find "view button" that game suggests for me to use to enter meditation mode (it's sort of landscape exploration mode where you can focus on various different fish swimming everywhere around). When I do enter meditation via game menu, there is no way to exit from it without going out of game to main menu and loading story again.

Its a funny name but just watching the game play is soothing. This is a very very welcome relief and I enjoy these types of games immensely. In MMORPGs like say Aion I enjoyed taking screenshots, listening to the music and drinking in the work of the art scenery (well I enjoyed crafting too). This is awesome and on part with space exploration in the stars. I also bought Flower and wondered if thatgamecompany's other games might hit gog. They look fantastic as well are called Sky, Journey, and Flow. They have a description of each at thatgamecompany.com Just nice.

Don't go in expecting much of a game. This is an experience—something to sit with, languish in, and ponder. The game itself is very simple, but what's there is a beautiful and emotive thing. Great visuals, and beautiful world to explore, and one of the best soundtracks in the last several decades.

This is something more like an interactive mediation than a game. There is no real challenge to speak of, but stunning ocean environments to explore. It's only a few hours long but a highly recommended experience, especially if you can catch it on sale.

One of the most beautful things I have ever laid eyes upon. A piece of art. Story...? Almost non existent, but great destinations.