The latest adventure title from Giant Squid, the studio behind ABZU, has debuted to a warm reception, landing an 89 on Metacritic.

Sword of the Sea is an upcoming adventure game set to launch on PC and PS5 on the 20th. Players step into the role of the 'Wraith', riding a sword much like a skateboard across a desolate landscape, embarking on a quest to restore the ancient seas and life-giving waters.

As of the 19th, the Metacritic score for Sword of the Sea sits at 89 for the PS5 version, based on 14 participating outlets, while the PC version holds an 81 across 7 outlets. True to the pedigree of the ABZU developers, the title is garnering significant praise for its visual prowess and artistic direction.

Most critics seem smitten with the game's aesthetic. Descriptions of the desert seas, rooftops of abandoned cities, and icy mountains are truly striking; many reviewers note that simply riding the sword and soaking in the scenery is a delight in itself. This visual feast is complemented by a rich, evocative score, leading many to draw comparisons to the atmosphere and mechanics of Journey.

Exploration and gameplay loops have also earned a thumbs-up. The movement mechanics allow players to perform tricks while skating, which can be upgraded by selling resources found in the nooks and crannies of the map. It is a well-designed loop that gives players a clear incentive to explore the beautiful world and offers tangible rewards for their efforts.

However, it is not all smooth sailing. Some critics point out that the game is rather short, with a linear playthrough clocking in at around 3 hours. There is also a suggestion that without unlocking new tricks and skills, the motivation to keep exploring can wane. Furthermore, reports have surfaced regarding some optimization hiccups in certain segments of the PC version.