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Game
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The Unfinished Swan
Developer Giant Sparrow
The Unfinished Swan is an adventure video game developed by Giant Sparrow and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation 3 in October 2012. The game starts with a completely white space in which the player, a boy named Monroe (voiced by Nicholas Marj), is chasing after a swan that has escaped a painting, while simultaneously learning the story of a lonely king (voiced by Terry Gilliam). The… From Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
252 reactions from 4 sources (Steam reviews, Bluesky, Lemmy, Mastodon) · newest Nov 2, 2026 · last updated Nov 5, 2026 · How this works
Audience score
81
LovedLoved
145 positive · 35 negative
95% range 74–86%
| Source | + | − | = |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steam reviews | 145 | 35 | 0 |
| Bluesky * | 24 | 1 | 41 |
| Lemmy * | 1 | 0 | 4 |
| Mastodon * | 0 | 0 | 1 |
* shown, not counted in the score (label accuracy below our 85% bar or not yet audited).
Steam's own rating
Very Positive
963 of 1,184 reviews positive (all languages, per Valve)
What players are saying
80% recommend · 143 yes, 35 no
Counted from the reviewers’ own thumbs up/down on the 178 English Steam reviews we collected, not by the AI. Valve’s all-language rating: Very Positive (1,704 of 2,041 positive).
Players praise the game's unique mechanics and charming art style. [1][2][3] Some reviewers note the game is very short, with a playtime of about one to two hours. [4][5] A few players warn about motion sickness and technical issues on Steam Deck. [6][7]
Liked
Representative posts
- [6]
I love what this game is trying to be. But it has given me the worse motion sickness I've experienced in YEARS, maybe decades. Maybe ever. I have had issues with first person before, and generally avoid them, but I thought since it wasn't a shooter and there were no hands bobbing around in front of the character it might be okay. It was the worse motion sickness a game has ever caused me. If you have no issues with …
- [4]
The game itself is not bad at all. The story flows well, even if it does not offer anything particularly mind blowing, while the ideas used to move the adventure forward are quite original and, personally, I really appreciated them. The only real criticism is the price. The game can easily be completed in about an hour, maybe even less if you do not spend too much time exploring. Because of that, 15 euros feels …
- [2]
Looking at how this game has mixed reviews, it seems to be because people thought it was something it's not. It's a walking simulator, where you unearth the surroundings by throwing paint at it to see it. It tells a story as you go. There are plenty of walking simulators out there but this is an original one, well worth playing for a couple of hours and a few pounds.
- [3]
I played this game on PS3 when I was a kid. Recently played it again and OH MY GOD. I still love this game. I don't remember the walking speed being that slow, but I know the devs want you to take your time and soak everything in. So it's completely fine with me. Using paint and water to traverse an environment is so cool. I ADORE the music. The game is made to feel like a children's storybook, and it captures that …
- [1]
Pretty fun game with a neat art style. Be prepared for some frustration if you don't like the controls, as there isn't a way to rebind any of them.
Summarised from 34 of the 247 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 11, 2026. How summaries are made
RottenBot@rottenbot · automated account
The Unfinished Swan sits at 81% positive across 180 opinionated reactions from 4 sources. Fresh or rotten — where do you land?
Critics, per Wikipedia
The Unfinished Swan received "generally favorable" reviews, according to review aggregator website Metacritic. The game won two BAFTA awards in 2013, one for Game Innovation and one for Debut Game. During the 16th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards, the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences nominated The Unfinished Swan for "Downloadable Game of the Year", "Outstanding Innovation in Gaming", and "Outstanding Achievement in Game Direction".
From the “Reception” section of Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Critic context only — not part of the audience score.
Reactions
60 of 252 · most liked firstDo not buy any Annapurna Interactive's game, you money goes to IDF!!
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I love what this game is trying to be. But it has given me the worse motion sickness I've experienced in YEARS, maybe decades. Maybe ever. I have had issues with first person before, and generally avoid them, but I thought since it wasn't a shooter and there were no hands bobbing around in front of the character it might be okay. It was the worse motion sickness a game has ever caused me. If you have no issues with motion sickness, and you like puzzle games with very unique mechanics, go for…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →My wife said if this review gets 50 likes and 5 awards, she will buy a case of beer, guys help me out.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I play on Steam Deck. I'm going to say this game isn't worth it until they fix this major problem where the game doesn't even run anymore. I'll edit if/when that happens. I played the first chapter and it was really fun. Closed the game for the night and went to play it again the next day. Now the game just straight up *doesn't load*. I updated it, restarted my SD checked for system updates all that stuff and nothing. All I see is an empty book when I go to start playing and the game freezes…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →New episode of Short Game Long Talk is here! @giannidicrosta.bsky.social joined me to talk all about one of his favorite indie games The Unfinished Swan! #podcast #indiegames #TheUnfinishedSwan youtu.be/oiSIJctryM8 podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sho...
neutral · AI labelView post →Pretty fun game with a neat art style. Be prepared for some frustration if you don't like the controls, as there isn't a way to rebind any of them.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I loved the Remains of Edith Finch game, but I quickly got bored of this one. I didn't find the game play or the story engaging.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Decent if you like abstract games but jesus why did they throw in spiders that you have to get unnervingly close to avoid if arachnophobic if not give it ago
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →WAITING ROOM OPEN! Enjoy a nice, cozy evening with me as we go through The Unfinished Swan! It's a gorgeous puzzle game~ twitch.tv/sheependy #vtuber #anime #stream
neutral · AI labelView post →I keep a spreadsheet literally called "games to play". Ive played about half of these so far, but they all meet your criteria, and all have overall good reviews, here's a selection from it, including my own notes: (pardon the lack of formatting coming from a spreadsheet) A Hand With Many Fingers - 3 hours - Puzzle - Difficult (use pen and paper for clues) CIA mystery A Wolf In Autumn - 1 hour - Walking Sim - Girls nightmare ADR1FT - 6 hours - Puzzle - Space station catastrophe Anna -…
neutral · AI labelView post →The game itself is not bad at all. The story flows well, even if it does not offer anything particularly mind blowing, while the ideas used to move the adventure forward are quite original and, personally, I really appreciated them. The only real criticism is the price. The game can easily be completed in about an hour, maybe even less if you do not spend too much time exploring. Because of that, 15 euros feels excessive compared to the actual length of the experience. So yes, the game is…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →didn't love it but it was a decent puzzle game. wouldn't rec paying full price for it. wait for a sale. 6/10
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Playing this game feels like finally solving a big childhood mystery. I have very vivid memories of playing this game when I was younger. The only thing I could remember was most things being black&white and something about a swan and now I have finally found the game. It's fun, it's relaxing, but the white being so bright can make your eyes hurt and mess with your head, at least thats how it was for me. I wouldn't play this game for 10 hours without taking a single break, but it's a fun game…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →It's not a bad game, really, but the demo was so much more interesting. In the game proper, only two short sections you spend in complete black or white, most of the time you're just walking around a fully visible setting, which is a shame.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post → [SKALD: Against the Black Priory](https://store.steampowered.com/app/1069160/SKALD_Against_the_Black_Priory/) is probably my go-to hidden gem. I keep nagging about it but it made a big impression on me. The writing was particularly impressive, with good prose in a distinctive tone and interesting world building plus some cool cosmic horror and Lovecraftian undertones. Beautiful pixel art - especially the splash…
neutral · AI labelView post →The unfinished swan is by far the most underrated gem of a game i have ever seen. This game has a special place in my heart, as i vividly remember watching stampy's playthrough of this game as a child. I cant necessarily explain why, but the feeling that i got from those videos is like no other. The unfinished swan is a very simplistic game, however, its extremely interesting in the mechanics that it presents, and above all it has incredible storytelling. I'm glad to have this be my 100th…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I've caught the bug of getting new games on Steam sales, and now I'm jumping from game to game like the floor is lava. Indiana Jones, A Juggler's Tale, The Unfinished Swan, Venba, Sheepo, Crypt Custodian; all great gaming experiences. Have you picked up any new gems recently?
neutral · AI labelView post →Lots of people might have heard of **What Remains of Edith Finch**, but I'm actually here to promote the *debut* game from that studio, called **The Unfinished Swan**. It's a very charming sort of adventure/puzzle game with some interesting unique mechanics, some very cool and beautifully designed levels and a a heartwarming story. It's very short, too, so almost no investment needed! Definitely worth an afternoon or two of your time if it seems up your alley!
neutral · AI labelView post →Always a good time hanging with Eric! Finally got to pop in on Short Game Long Talk to wax poetic about the unsung indie hero, The Unfinished Swan!
neutral · AI labelView post →After three hours of wandering around splattering paint, I noped out of this thing. No idea what the point is and my index finger is too tired to care. And you have to pay for an eraser. Good grief.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →🔴Live Tonight! I will lay siege to the lava castle! ⏰8pm EST 📅Today (Mar 28th) 💙 youtube.com/@aqualottie ✨Reminder: Members Only After Party after stream featuring The Unfinished Swan game! #LottieLive #Vtuber #VtuberEN #subnautica #theunfinishedswan
neutral · AI labelView post →Looking at how this game has mixed reviews, it seems to be because people thought it was something it's not. It's a walking simulator, where you unearth the surroundings by throwing paint at it to see it. It tells a story as you go. There are plenty of walking simulators out there but this is an original one, well worth playing for a couple of hours and a few pounds.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →i originally watched stampy play this and then once i was able to play it for myself...the memories just came flooding back and i have loved playing it so far
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I loved Edith Finch, but this game feels like such a chore. You move very slowly and the FOV is tiny, almost headache inducing, at least on my ultra wide. For most of the levels, you have to spam left click a million times. When you finally get enough balloons to buy the fire hose, which is basically auto fire, you have to hold R instead of left mouse button to use it, making it really awkward. There are no options to remap the controls in game.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →A bit disorienting at first but once you get to the watch tower the game is incredibly beautiful concluding with several tears in my own eyes.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →VERY short -- I finished in just under 2 hours. Not worth the current base price of $22.50 AUD, but maybe worth the $7.50 I paid on sale. I generally like dreamlike narratives a la Lynch or Kurosawa but the story here initially presented itself as something simpler, so the dream logic just felt incoherent. It has fun and novel puzzle/platforming mechanics but there are no really meaty or difficult puzzles with "eureka" moments; this is basically a walking simulator with a little citrus…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I thought I don't have motion sickness issues in general, this game proved me wrong
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →A game where you can feel like an artist. It has a simple story that blends very well with the gameplay. good soundtrack. also note this game actually came out in 2012, before What Remains of Edith Finch.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Streaming the Unfinished Swan on #twitch 7pm PST Feel free to come stop by, lurk, enjoy, chill/relax as we journey through this game and uncover more lore! I'm excited to jump in~ www.twitch.tv/revivedspirit #PNGTuber #forfun #gaming
neutral · AI labelView post →#365games #19 - The Unfinished Swan - A children’s storybook come to life. Unearthing the story by painting your blank surroundings made this a game that was immediately ingrained in my brain moments after starting. A wonderful experience.
positive · AI labelView post →This looks utterly delightful! Did you ever play The Unfinished Swan? This feels mechanically very similar to that, and it's got a lovely story that's worth experiencing too!
neutral · AI labelView post →Beautifully Unfinished, Rather Too Literally The Unfinished Swan begins with one of those ideas that makes you think somebody has actually been creative instead of merely rearranging the standard box of video-game furniture. You explore an initially white world by throwing paint at it, gradually revealing your surroundings. It is clever, unusual and genuinely intriguing. The puzzles are varied without becoming particularly difficult, and for a while they provide enough substance to support the…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →TL;DR: A short, sweet walking sim with a heartfelt message about the creative process. There's quite a few interesting decisions taken that make basic exploration an activity that's been turned on its head. I would totally recommend this to people who are artists themselves, or even children as a unique interactive storybook. For what the devs are trying to do with The Unfinished Swan, they get it right. I was going to list out how I feel about the story, graphics, music, gameplay, etc, but it…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I played this game on PS3 when I was a kid. Recently played it again and OH MY GOD. I still love this game. I don't remember the walking speed being that slow, but I know the devs want you to take your time and soak everything in. So it's completely fine with me. Using paint and water to traverse an environment is so cool. I ADORE the music. The game is made to feel like a children's storybook, and it captures that essence so wonderfully. Some of my favorite parts: When you see the labyrinth…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Played it first when it came out on Playstation. Still holds up. A cute short story with interesting visuals and gimmicks, though the best one is the one at the start. Wish they did a bit more with that concept before switching to another one.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I thought this was a puzzle game, but's an interactive story book for children.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Got this in a pack with 'What Remains of Edith Finch'; have heard many good things about it and thought better as well. It looked interesting; thought 10 achievements and 'What Remains of Edith Finch' is well known for being a great game. Why not get it in a pack and achievement hunt this short game. I just don't know why but I'm getting small bouts of sickness (probably motion sickness as others have mentioned) alongside just a general feeling of nervousness. It's not a horror game but…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I've known about this game since it released in 2012 for the PS3. I can only imagine how unique this game felt at that moment. Of course, some things about it feel outdated playing it more than a decade later, but I still loved the charm and magic of exploring this monochromatic worlds.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Cute little storytime with an engaging mechanic. Each stage should have been longer or had optional parts because i feel you don't get to use each stages mechanic enough but otherwise it was just a pleasant time.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Not the masterpiece people said it was I’m sorry to give a thumbs down to such a beloved game, but hear me out. I remember when everyone went crazy over this back in 2012-ish, and I remember thinking the mechanics were fresh and interesting. Unfortunately, now in 2025, that’s no longer the case. The game now feels like little more than a sequence of tech demos — neat ideas that were never fully developed. The experimental era of that time is long gone, and it gave us masterpieces like Portal…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →🦢 Just finished playing The Unfinished Swan again. What a delightful game it is! I'd recommend it if you're up for a lighthearted, comfortable story with fun and creative visuals!
positive · AI labelView post →🔴Live Tonight! Where the hecks is the hole?! ⏰8pm EST 📅Today (Mar 21st) 💙 youtube.com/@aqualottie ✨Reminder: Members Only After Party after stream featuring The Unfinished Swan game! #LottieLive #Vtuber #VtuberEN #subnautica #theunfinishedswan
neutral · AI labelView post →MINIMALIST INDIE GAMES The Unfinished Swan (2012) You begin this game in a world with no color or definition and shoot paint splotches to find a path forward through a castle. As the world becomes slightly more defined, the puzzles increase in challenge #gaming #indiegames #videogames #minimalism
neutral · AI labelView post →Can we finish The Unfinished Swan game?? Join me on twitch to find out!! Live now: www.twitch.tv/quitecontrar...
neutral · AI labelView post →finally circled back around to an indie game kinda mindset and folks its glorious. In the last 24hrs Ive played through Gorogoa, The Unfinished Swan, and Ive got The Ball downloaded and ready to heh heh... roll... for tomorrow. Feels like splashing your face with pure glacial runoff i tell ya
neutral · AI labelView post →The Unfinished Swan is a beautiful, deeply touching artistic achievement that effortlessly captures the melancholic wonder of a bedtime story. The narrative follows a young, lonely boy named Monroe whose mother has recently passed away, leaving behind hundreds of incomplete canvases. Allowed to keep only one painting to take with him to the orphanage, Monroe chooses his favorite, a depiction of a beautiful swan that was never quite finished. Late one night, Monroe wakes up to discover that the…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Excellent game. So compelling and addicting. Made me laugh and smile. Wish it was longer!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →If you can get the game on offer Id recommend it! I had major problems with crashing, especially during the nightime chapter. Since the game doesn't autosave regularly, and the player basically has to interact with storybook pages or just hope for the best when it comes to saving, I had to replay entire sections because of the crashing. I wish the story was more fleshed out, as a lot of questions go unanswered or are confusing. The environments are really pretty and well designed. I did enjoy…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →What You Leave Behind Another banger of a story by Annapurna Interactive. Honestly, this is your typical walking sim with a little fun interactive spots of throwing paint droplets to fill in a blank space, or helping vines move across the world with water droplets. It's a cute and short game that you can complete in about an hour, or within about 3, if you look for the balloons. Overall, the game is not bad, and very simple. I would only recommend if you like short stories about love…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →TS is going to remain unfinished 💔
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I beat this game on PS3 and messed around for it on PC to show people how creative it is. For someone who plays as many games as I do, this is one of those rare games that maintain a hold in my head. I still remember the first few moments of my 1st playthrough, wondering why it is taking so long for the screen to load. A moment of frustration, press a button and you see a black paintball shoot out and splash on screen. Intrigued, you walk and splash some more paintballs. As you shoot your way…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →The main idea looks good but it's not enjoyable at all.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Interesting one and a good story. 6.5/10
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I do not recommend this game for the $15 price tag. You could invest that money in Portal 2, Edith Finch, Outer Wilds, Obra Dinn, or many other 3D puzzle games that do it better. The first level with the ink is kind of neat. I got the impression they meant to include this primary level in "What remains of Edith Finch". The game has 3 playable levels total (with a 4th short credits level). The levels 2 and 3 felt very easy and simple. Level 2 you basically just stand stationary and spam…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →A fine little game. It's unique in gamedesign to me, and I had a good time playing in through.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →remember watching stampy play this game, that was a long time ago.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →YES. SUCH A GOOD GAME. The slightly-related tie-in game The Unfinished Swan is also $5! More of a puzzle-type, but such a fun bit of extended universe content.
neutral · AI labelView post →a first-person adventure game from the same developers as The Unfinished Swan. it's set in the same part of the world where I live (the Pacific Northwest) so all the flora was charmingly familiar to me lol. warning: insanely depressing! store.steampowered.com/app/501300/W...
neutral · AI labelView post →Another overhyped "masterpiece" that doesn't know what "save on exit" is - or at least to show warning about losing progress. Also clicking per one paint ball throw - wtf, no description of the game on store page as "clicker". Is it hard to add option "hold mouse button to paint"? Too many "masterpiece" elements in one place for me.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I play a lot of artsy indie games. It's rare an indie artsy game has the audacity to show you the credits while you are still playing it and forces you to recap the extremely short story. And that's kind of my take on The Unfinished Swan. A decent game that thinks it is a phenomenal game and that is too arrogant to see past its own nose (or in this case, beak).
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →
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