Sword of the Sea is an action-adventure game developed by Giant Squid, the studio behind Abzû and The Pathless. Set in a vast desert landscape, players control a character known as the Wraith, exploring ruins and uncovering a lost world. Movement is centered on the "Hoversword," a tool that combines surfing, skateboarding, and snowboarding mechanics. The game emphasizes fluid traversal, atmospheric exploration, and light puzzle-solving.
About the story
In a world where the terrain flows in waves, ride the Hoversword to speed over shifting seas of sand. It controls like a snowboard, skateboard, and hoverboard all in one. Build momentum to achieve great speeds and catch big air as you explore skatepark-like ruins, lost in the tides of the Necropolis of the Gods. The Hoversword embodies the feel of snowboarding and skating games, but in an entirely new context of adventure. You are the Wraith – resurrected in a desolate world and tasked with restoring life to it as you explore submerged ruins and the vibrant, varied cultures within. Surf through sinking tombs, mysterious shipwrecks, and petrified battlefields – and bring giant shoals of fish and creatures back in the process. But beware- this land is also home to massive leviathans that will stand in your way.
Platforms
PC PS5Genres
Adventure IndieThemes
Fantasy
Languages: English and 10 more
| Interface | Audio | Subtitles | |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | |||
| Italian | |||
| French | |||
| Chinese (Traditional) | |||
| German | |||
| Spanish (Spain) | |||
| Japanese | |||
| Korean | |||
| Portuguese (Brazil) | |||
| Russian | |||
| Chinese (Simplified) |
Media
Critic Reviews
Seasoned Gaming
By Stacy ObokpolorWhen it's flowing, Sword of the Sea is unlike anything else this year. Part skate park, part dreamscape, part living painting.
TestingBuddies
By Tjark WürstleinBehind this visually stunning game lies an astonishingly emotional story that is gripping even without any spoken dialogue. The relatively short playing time makes it perfect for a quick, intense session. However, thanks to the metrics and collectibles, it also offers incentive for further runs. Anyone who enjoyed the visuals of predecessors such as ABZÛ, Journey, or The Pathless will already have Sword of the Sea on their radar. But this game can also be warmly recommended to everyone else.
Saving Content
By Evan RoweSword of the Sea remixes familiar elements from its own ancestry with some new ideas from totally different genres to create something new and refreshing. It’s a low stakes, high reward experience that pulls you right out of your seat and draws you into this strange, wondrous place where you can’t help but lose yourself in your quest to reinvigorate the world through the power of surf-skate-boarding. If that isn’t punk, I don’t know what is.
Analog Stick Gaming
By Jeff M YoungSword of Sea, like previous Giant Squid releases, is more of an experience than a game, and for the reasons that allow the studio to flex its creative muscle. With some gorgeous spectacles that are punctuated by a flawless score by Austin Wintory, Sword of the Sea is a wild ride that, while brief, is a sight to behold.
TheSixthAxis
By Laura HillSword of the Sea is a visually stunning and atmospheric game, incorporating some of the most flawless water graphics and satisfying sound effects found in games today. With a heart-warming narrative, fun snowboard-style tricking, rewards for those who love exploration, and the occasional ride on the back of a marine animal, this is an experience to be savoured.
