WARDOGS
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Game
Game2016
ABZU
Developer Giant Squid
Abzû is an adventure video game developed by Giant Squid and published by 505 Games for PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Amazon Luna. Initially released as a digital title in August 2016, a retail version for consoles was released in January 2017. Following the journey of a diver exploring the ocean and restoring life using sonar calls, the gameplay allows the player to freely navigate… From Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
387 reactions from 3 sources (Steam reviews, Bluesky, Mastodon) · newest Oct 31, 2026 · last updated Nov 5, 2026 · How this works
Audience score
93
LovedLoved
255 positive · 19 negative
95% range 89–96%
| Source | + | − | = |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steam reviews | 255 | 19 | 0 |
| Bluesky * | 48 | 3 | 54 |
| Mastodon * | 3 | 0 | 5 |
* shown, not counted in the score (label accuracy below our 85% bar or not yet audited).
Steam's own rating
Very Positive
12,028 of 12,933 reviews positive (all languages, per Valve)
What players are saying
92% recommend · 234 yes, 19 no
Counted from the reviewers’ own thumbs up/down on the 253 English Steam reviews we collected, not by the AI. Valve’s all-language rating: Very Positive (25,758 of 27,719 positive).
Players describe ABZU as a beautiful, relaxing underwater experience. [1][2][3] Some reviewers note the game is short and has minimal gameplay. [4][5][6] Several players mention the game can be unsettling for those with thalassophobia. [7][8]
Liked
Representative posts
- [5]
3/10 Beautiful visuals, but not much else. Yes, the world is very pretty. But the controls are unintuitive and clunky. The music is generic and subpar. And the game itself... well, there's hardly any game here. You swim around, occasionally flipping switches and avoiding sea mines that can't kill you even when they explode, and eventually the game ends. There's no story to speak of. The game mechanics are utterly …
- [1]
A wonderful journey beneath the deep blue sea, full of small surprises. Whether you're riding a manta ray or drifting along a fast current, the world feels fun and exciting while still holding many mysteries to explore. Abzu is one of the most relaxing games I’ve played so far. It’s a beautiful experience that truly feels alive.
- [2]
Sometimes, you just want to swim through the ocean and unwind, and ABZÛ delivers exactly that. It’s a beautiful ocean adventure filled with stunning visuals, a relaxing soundtrack, and an atmosphere that feels completely meditative from start to finish. It reminded me a lot of Journey. The same sense of wonder, tranquility, and storytelling without words. Every environment feels peaceful and alive, and just moving …
- [3]
ABZÛ – A Peaceful Dive Into Wonder ABZÛ isn’t a game you play as much as an experience you flow through. It’s a short, serene underwater journey filled with gorgeous environments, calming music, and a sense of discovery that makes every new area feel meaningful. The controls are smooth, the art style is vibrant without being overwhelming, and the soundtrack by Austin Wintory ties everything together beautifully. …
- [4]
Very beautiful, short, simple game. But ONLY worthwhile if you disable the horrific motion blur effect. Go to C:\Users\\AppData\Local\AbzuGame\Saved\Config\WindowsNoEditor (AppData is a "hidden" folder on Windows 11 for some reason, but it does exist.) From there, open Scalability.ini (blank config file) and type in the following: [PostProcessQuality@3] r.MotionBlurQuality=0 Save the file and change it to …
Summarised from 34 of the 338 public posts collected about this game; every point cites the posts behind it ([n] opens the post) and the split is counted from the posts’ own ratings. Updated Oct 10, 2026. How summaries are made
RottenBot@rottenbot · automated account
Players who liked ABZU talk about stunning visuals and art style; those who didn't talk about clunky controls, especially on PC. Which matters more to you?
Critics, per Wikipedia
In its debut week on Steam, the game reached #9 in platform sales charts. Abzû was at #18 among the best-selling titles on PlayStation Store's PS4 charts for August, being the third best-selling new title that month behind Batman: The Telltale Series (#7) and No Man's Sky (#1). The PS4 and PC versions received scores of 78 and 83 on aggregate site Metacritic based on 19 and 72 reviews respectively, each denoting "generally favorable" reception. Fellow review aggregator OpenCritic assessed that the game received strong approval, being recommended by 73% of critics. Abzû was nominated at The Game Awards 2016 in the "Best Art Direction" category; at the Golden Joystick Awards in the "Best…
From the “Reception” section of Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Critic context only — not part of the audience score.
Reactions
60 of 387 · most liked first🐬❤️Lovely cetacean and dark shark symbol 🦈💀 Hmm, I'm hoping there'll be a good plot twist! I always recommend ABZU to everyone who asks me which game breaks the paradigm with the image of sharks, so I hope I can recommend this one too! 🦈✨ I'm looking forward to it anyway!
positive · AI labelView post →i cant believe this game is a decade old now happy 10th birthday abzu :-) #art #abzu
neutral · AI labelView post →3/10 Beautiful visuals, but not much else. Yes, the world is very pretty. But the controls are unintuitive and clunky. The music is generic and subpar. And the game itself... well, there's hardly any game here. You swim around, occasionally flipping switches and avoiding sea mines that can't kill you even when they explode, and eventually the game ends. There's no story to speak of. The game mechanics are utterly un-engaging. The map is pitifully small and lacking in variety. The fixed…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →ATTN AUSTRALIA: #DarkestDungeon orchestral debut this July! I'm honoured to have three of my compositions featured along side #BaldursGate3 #Hades2 #Abzu and #Undertale beat.com.au/video-games-...
neutral · AI labelView post →My most anticipated game: Sword of the Sea from @giantsquidstudios.com Journey changed my life the first time I played it. I went on to play ABZU and The Pathless and I cannot stress how incredible these games are, from the stories and visuals to the score composed by Austin Wintory. Play them! 💜
neutral · AI labelView post →T o K n o w , W a t e r 🌊🤿🟡🦈 Yeah, so uh... I thought I'd draw something with ABZÛ. It's a visually and auditorily beautiful game ^^ #fanart #Abzu
positive · AI labelView post →Played Abzu for the first time ever im beyond moved. What an amazing game.
positive · AI labelView post →Rolled credits on this absolutely astonishing game. Thank you @giantsquidstudios.com for making Abzu 🙇🏽♂️
positive · AI labelView post →ABZU @giantsquidstudios.com @505games.com An absolute wonderful game ! #virtualphotography #vpsupport #vprepost #abzu
positive · AI labelView post →the game ABZU. that is all.
neutral · AI labelView post →Shout out to julik0vatay on tumblr for printing, crafting, and assembling these awesome scenes with the diver from our first game #ABZU 👏🤿
neutral · AI labelView post →Sword of the Sea slaps. Great iteration on Abzu, recapturing that game’s unmatched vibe while bringing in the year’s most pleasurable traversal. A grand return to the “wordless abstract game that is not so subtly about climate change” sub genre.
neutral · AI labelView post →ABZU @giantsquidstudios.com @505games.com Because yes, why not, It's a beautiful game and it is relaxing. So here is a little guide with a camera I made myself. Enjoy! anticowl.github.io/2025/06/24/A... #virtualphotography #vpsupport #vprepost #abzu #guide
positive · AI labelView post →New month, new friends! My interests! •Dungeons and Dragons •Arcane •Magic The Gathering (I want to get into it) •Critical Role •Kingdom Hearts •Souls Games •Giant Squid (the game studio) •Abzu •Journey •Monster Hunter ❤️➕♻️ #promosky
neutral · AI labelView post →Yes I'm late to the party but ABZU IS THE BEST GAME AHHH IGET TO BE FRIENDS WITH SHARK WE GET TO SWIM TOGETHER, IT'S MY HAPPY PLAAACEEE AHHHHH
positive · AI labelView post →A wonderful journey beneath the deep blue sea, full of small surprises. Whether you're riding a manta ray or drifting along a fast current, the world feels fun and exciting while still holding many mysteries to explore. Abzu is one of the most relaxing games I’ve played so far. It’s a beautiful experience that truly feels alive.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →God, I love sea pigs. I was playing Abzu the other day and freaked out when I saw them, because I had completely forgotten they were in the game.
neutral · AI labelView post →Probably the most exciting thing at the playstation event was a new Giant Squid game. Loved Journey, loved Abzu, can't wait for Journey meets Tony Hawk <3
neutral · AI labelView post →Shiver gives ABZU a 10/10 review since the Great White Shark is a key important character in this game and treated as a deity of sorts.
positive · AI labelView post →This is a complete miss for me purely because of how bad it feels to play on PC. The options will not let you change the key binding, and damn does it feel bad to simply move around in this world. You go forward using your right click which you have to continuously press, and use wasd to orientate your character -this feels absolutely horrible no matter how much I try to get used to it. I simply don't understand why they'd be so stupid as too bind the keys that way without even letting us…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Another sketch The game was great #abzu #art
positive · AI labelView post →From breathtaking underwater vistas to unforgettable visual storytelling, ABZÛ remains one of the most beautiful indie releases. Discover its artistic journey in Indie Game Works. @thatgamecompany.com @giantsquidstudios.com #ABZU #IndieGames #GameArt #GameDev #GamingBooks #IndieGaming
neutral · AI labelView post →🎮 The challenge is to choose 20 games that greatly influenced you. One game per day, for 20 days. No explanations, no reviews, no particular order. --- Day 17/20 - ABZÛ #gamechallenge #promosky #gamedev #abzu #nintendo #nintendoswitch
neutral · AI labelView post →Game rec because it’s on my mind: Abzu. Feels like maybe it flies under the radar a bit because Journey was such a big deal, but I love Abzu. I can’t listen to the soundtrack without crying. I don’t know what to say, I had a very strong emotional response to it.
positive · AI labelView post →Very beautiful, short, simple game. But ONLY worthwhile if you disable the horrific motion blur effect. Go to C:\Users\\AppData\Local\AbzuGame\Saved\Config\WindowsNoEditor (AppData is a "hidden" folder on Windows 11 for some reason, but it does exist.) From there, open Scalability.ini (blank config file) and type in the following: [PostProcessQuality@3] r.MotionBlurQuality=0 Save the file and change it to "read-only" in Properties. ALL credit to user NairBot, who figured out this fix 10…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →🚨 PSA: Abzu may just be the most beautiful game I have ever played! If you haven't tried it, you're missing out. Mad at myself for not playing sooner 🤤
positive · AI labelView post →IF you have thalassophobia then this game is for you IF you are scared of subnautica then this game is for you IF you are not scared of subnautica then this game is for you IF you haven't played any ocean adventure game then this game is for you IF you have played much indie games then this game is for you IF you love musical games then this game is for you IF you are a wholesome person tryna relax then this game is for you And if you haven't played many games then i mind you that this and…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Sometimes, you just want to swim through the ocean and unwind, and ABZÛ delivers exactly that. It’s a beautiful ocean adventure filled with stunning visuals, a relaxing soundtrack, and an atmosphere that feels completely meditative from start to finish. It reminded me a lot of Journey. The same sense of wonder, tranquility, and storytelling without words. Every environment feels peaceful and alive, and just moving through the water is calming in a way few games manage to achieve. The controls…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Excellent soundtrack, still pretty visuals. But the gameplay is very minimalistic and short. Style over substance.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Yeah, there's a whole video game that's a water level. ABZU 😏
neutral · AI labelView post →Was looking through some of my video game screenshots and came across this from #abzu by @giantsquidstudios.com. It's from the credits, some of the people in "Special Thanks". #DavidAttenborough
neutral · AI labelView post →I bought this game on a sale for like a couple of quid or something. I love Journey and those types of games so thought Id give it a go. I have thalassophobia but I also have a massive interest and love for the ocean and all things in it so its a love / hate relationship :-) Some games I can play fine, others I can't. This is one I couldn't finish sadly :( It was super fun and super pretty and I really wanted to finish it but I just couldn't because of my thalassophobia lol.. so if you're…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →@caseyexplosion.bsky.social hey Casey, just dropping by to let you know about Indie Game Works, my new book showcasing 50 amazing indie games like Tunic, Abzu, Shadows of Doubt, Sable, Hyper Light Breaker, SCHiM, and 1000xRESIST. It features exclusive artwork and developer interviews.
neutral · AI labelView post →ABZÛ – A Peaceful Dive Into Wonder ABZÛ isn’t a game you play as much as an experience you flow through. It’s a short, serene underwater journey filled with gorgeous environments, calming music, and a sense of discovery that makes every new area feel meaningful. The controls are smooth, the art style is vibrant without being overwhelming, and the soundtrack by Austin Wintory ties everything together beautifully. There’s no combat, no fail states—just exploration, atmosphere, and a story told…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Beautiful looking game, a must play for anyone with an oled screen. Nice sountrack and basic gameplay. The only real challenge is to find collectibles. I liked this more than Journey. Vote: 8/10
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I am not usually a fan of underwater swimming games, so I went into it not really expecting it to be for me, but I ended up having a genuinely peaceful and relaxing time with it. The whole experience has a very calm, meditative quality to it. As someone who does not normally play games like this, I honestly think ABZÛ was a great introduction to the genre, at least for me.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →ABZÛ - Beneath the Surface Water has always scared me. I've nearly drowned a few times in my life, so anything involving the deep ocean usually makes me a little uneasy. Abzu, on the other hand, somehow made me fall in love with the underwater world. It looks exactly how I imagined the ocean as a kid vibrant, colourful, peaceful, and full of life. Combined with its beautiful soundtrack, it creates an incredibly calming atmosphere. Sometimes all you need is a relaxing game to escape from the…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →In chapter three there are manatees. You can hang out with the manatees and be their friend. This makes ABZU one of the greatest games of all time. The rest of the game is pretty cool too.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Beautiful, but I wish it were longer. The ecological message is strong. The price is steep for the length of gameplay.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →60 new titles were added to the 'Stream Your Own Game' library this month • "Buy The Game, I Have a Gun" -Sheesh-Man • 007 First Light • Abyss DX • ABZU • Arcadia: Find The Differences 3D • Axiom Verge • Axiom Verge 2 • Bastion • Beyond Blue • Bright Paw: Definitive Edition • Children of Zodiarcs
neutral · AI labelView post →www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERoP... Heya folks, today we're back in the indie realm with another personal favorite, ABZU. Kinda crazy that this game turns 10 this year, time flies. #abzu #videogames #retrogames #indiegames #gameplay
neutral · AI labelView post →The player is encouraged to slow down, take a deep breath, and just be in the world of ABZU - a calm and contemplative underwater adventure. This is a journey about exploration, atmosphere, and emotion rather than a game about difficulty or mastery. From the first dive, ABZU draws you into an exquisitely designed ocean that is both endlessly peaceful and alive. It's an amazing visual presentation. Every location feels like a living painting thanks to the vivid colors, fluid animations, and…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →If you see this, quote a game with a 10/10 soundtrack. So many do but this one just 👌🏻 I will never stop talking about this game (ABZU)
positive · AI labelView post →I only just found out about Sword of the Sea and daaaaamn I cannot wait for that. Game designed specifically for the people still obsessed with Journey and Abzu by the people who made those. They got me.
neutral · AI labelView post →as an fishsexual, i approve this. it make me swimming alot, i mean exploring and analyze the fish. the dev known this game is for fish lovers
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Replaying a game for some chill vibes! Time for some Abzu! 🔴 twitch.tv/wyndings
neutral · AI labelView post →The absolute best video game to play on LSD. Allegedly. I wouldn't know haha hello officer.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Equal parts beautiful and terrifying (for fellow thalassaphobiacs). It was so magical to swim around with all the marine animals; I audibly gasped whenever a whale appeared. It's a minor thing, but I'm so happy that the sharks weren't evil in this game! I love sharks and I'm always sad when they're villans. CW: thalassaphobia, submechanophobia, megalophobia
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I know im really late to the party on this one but I'm finally playing Abzu and that game is vibey as hell. Kids and wife are asleep, all the light off playing Abzu on the switch 2 docked on the tv. Im diggin it. I do have to be in the right mood for a game like this tho. Glad I am tonight 😌
positive · AI labelView post →THE AMOUNT OF JOY I FELT UPON SEEING THE ELASMOSAUR IS INDESCRIBABLE. 11/10 WOULD PLAY THIS MASTERPIECE AGAIN.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Realizing I wanted to make an ocean game led me back to Abzu to research it by playing it again and paying more attention to the work involved cuz it's beautiful art and then my kids fell in love with it too.
positive · AI labelView post →Such a fun game. I expected a simple underwater exploration experience, but its incredible visual storytelling and lovely music made it so much more special than I expected.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Happy anniversary to my review of Abzu, a short and beautiful game with some incredibly dense environmental storytelling, the sort of game I love to explore... IN DEPTH!😁 #gamereview @giantsquidstudios.com @505games.com quadnines.wordpress.com/2022/09/23/r...
positive · AI labelView post →I first saw PewDiePie play this game over ten years ago, and I didn't have a computer that was newer than 2005 at the time. I added it to my wishlist on steam in the hopes that one day I would be able to play it, and then the other day I found my steam login for the first time in 8 years and saw that it was for sale. Having finished the game, I thought that it had amazing visuals and graphics, especially for its time of release. Overall, it was a fantastic game and if you are a fan of the ocean…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Being an avid diver myself, I think this game perfectly encapsulates the magical serenity of the underwater environment. The music, the atmosphere, the interactions and the overall feel of Abzu is important, and I think this game does amazingly in that aspect. I would highly recommend to anyone who wants to experience (Albeit fictionally) life underwater
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →An Experience Worthy of Sir David Attenborough I simply cannot find the words to convey just how ethereal of an experience this game is to play. There is not a single line of dialogue to be found, no trace of a HUD and no grand quest to pursue. This game SHOWS you all you need from the off and continues to through immaculate environmental storytelling. You are simply here to enjoy the ride, and what a ride it is. Backed by incredibly paced symphonic heaven from Austin Wintory & the…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Hey. Sharing my Abzû walkthrough at https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL957yPFpIoy81GEjr9BceM0BnsHaunERE&si=00sVM-o2Q4JDfrt2 Summary: Abzû is an underwater exploration adventure game where we control a mysterious diver traveling through beautiful oceans filled with marine life, ancient ruins, and hidden secrets. Without dialogue or traditional combat, the game focuses on atmosphere, discovery, and emotional storytelling as the diver explores vibrant underwater ecosystems and restores life to…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →TL;DR - 8/10 - Recommended if you want to chill and relax while swimming with sea life in highly-stylized environments. Very light exploration. Very light hazards on one or two levels (that don't kill you). Very light emotional drama. Not a must play, but enjoyable enough. And now just a tiny bit more... IT'S AN EXPERIENCE GAME, NOT A GAMEPLAY GAME ABZÛ is one of those games that is designed to be a charming, artistic experience. That means the gameplay is pretty basic/practically…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →A - ABZU Gotta be honest I've never actually played this game but I love the soundtrack, Austin Wintory is one of my favourite videogame composers and the Abzu soundtrack is of my favourites to just chill to Things like Final Fantasy are too much of a vibe but I can actually chill to this one
neutral · AI labelView post →it's pretty, but i don't think a game is the right form of media for this. i think a short film or something like that would be much better, due to the gameplay being very lackluster in my opinion. not to mention the extreme lack of settings in game (can't even lower/raise the volume in-game nor mouse/controller sensitivity, etc.). i can see why this game would appeal to some if not most people, but i am not a part of that group. that's just my 2 cents though
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →
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