Abzu derives form the ancient words, Ab, for “ocean,” and Zu, which means “to know.” Developers over at Giant Squid intended the interpretation of the title to read as, “ocean of wisdom.” On surface level, it seems as if Abzu is a game similar in style to Journey, but underwater instead of in the desert. While that is not far from the truth, I feel that the creator Matt Nava took the great model that is Journey, and created a very refreshing and meditative experience in Abzu.

What is immediately apparent in Abzu is the art style and choice of color. This may easily be one of the most beautiful games on the market right now. While it does not have the production value of an Uncharted 4 or The Order:1886; Abzu itself has an art style that puts vibrant colors on blast as you watch seaweed dance to and fro in the ocean currents and  the cornucopia of different colored fish swimming in schools of its brethren as they swirl around you in ways that are graphically appealing. So, sure, it may not have the best graphics on the market, but it has an art style that will leave a bigger impact on you than either of the games listed above.

While the visuals are breathtaking, the real thing that will stick with you well past the game’s playtime is the musical score. Just like Journey, the music is composed by Austin Wintory. Wintory’s work on Journey won a Grammy back at the game’s launch, making it the first game to ever get such an accolade. While Journey’s musical score was beyond memorable, Abzu one ups it in every way imaginable. The score swells up in all the right moments, while taking more somber approaches at other times. More than once I found myself setting the controller down simply to take in the amazing score. Eye bleeding visuals elevate the music in ways that are appealing to all of the senses. Nearly one month later after launch and it is still high on my list of go-to tunes when I am at work.

Meditating in the Game is a Good Way to Take in the Sites

The controls themselves are simple and practical. You will find yourself lackadaisically exploring each area as you discover new fish and take in the beautiful scenery. Rocks are placed so that your character can meditate which gives you a nice view of the area you occupy. The player can hitch a ride on large animals, locate quick moving sea currents, as well as breach out of the water like a whale. There are small narrative moments where the player discovers old tech that can be re-programmed with the intent to follow you from place to place. Additionally, the game adds ancient murals and hieroglyphics that tell a story – if you can put the pieces together.

Hieroglyphics are all around this world and if you are visually keen, you can piece together the environmental story.

Much like Journey, the story itself is in the journey you are taking. Piecing together out of context murals and relationships you build with other sea life is just the tip of the iceberg. Come the game’s end, you will have many questions and be left with a plethora of thoughts as to what exactly you just experienced. While it doesn’t have the emotional resonance as Journey, the ending did have a smile breach across my face. It was a grin so wide that it is hard to even claim that the game did not have some sort of impact on me.

Abzu is a beautiful game, with a wonderful score, and is filled with smile inducing moments. If you enjoy these art based, short experiences, I highly recommend you give this one a try. While it may feel like a beat for beat retread of Matt Nava’s previous work, the game speaks for itself as a brand new experience. Ideas are taken from Journey and utilized in brilliant way to create a new experience that still feels familiar in all the right ways. Do yourself a favor and get lost in the world of Abzu.