Sword of the Sea: A mesmerizing journey through a restored world

GAMING NEWS AlexP - 21-Aug-2025, 12:24 pm

Since its launch, Sword of the Sea has captivated players and critics alike, earning an impressive 86% positive rating on Steam from over 300 reviews and widespread praise as a standout adventure title. Reviewers have lauded its breathtaking visuals and immersive soundtrack, with Polygon describing it as “gnarly and meditative” and others hailing it as one of the PlayStation 5's finest offerings. However, some critics point to its short three-hour runtime and occasionally repetitive puzzles, with a few players noting performance hiccups on mid-tier PCs. Despite these minor flaws, the game's fluid movement and atmospheric storytelling have cemented its status as a beloved exploration experience, drawing players into its unique world.

The magic of Sword of the Sea's gameplay

At the heart of Sword of the Sea lies its innovative gameplay, centered around the Hoversword—a dynamic hybrid of a snowboard, skateboard, and surfboard. Players control the Wraith, a resurrected figure tasked with restoring a lost ocean in the desolate Necropolis. The Hoversword allows for exhilarating traversal across shifting terrains like sand, magma, ice, and water, blending high-speed surfing with tricks like flips and spins on natural halfpipes and ramps. This movement system, both intuitive and thrilling, evokes the fluidity of Journey's desert gliding but carves its own path with skatepark-inspired exploration. Players collect Ocean Seeds to revive marine life, transforming barren deserts into vibrant seascapes where jellyfish serve as jump pads and seaweed becomes climbable. These environmental shifts create a sense of progression, rewarding exploration with new paths and breathtaking vistas.

Combat, though secondary, adds intensity through encounters with massive leviathans, reminiscent of Shadow of the Colossus. The game's puzzles, while simple, integrate seamlessly with its exploration focus, encouraging players to experiment with the Hoversword's mechanics. Collecting Tetra unlocks new tricks, and hidden Trick Attack arenas offer spaces to master skills, though the trick system remains straightforward compared to traditional skateboarding titles. With its meditative atmosphere, stunning art, and evocative themes of environmental restoration, Sword of the Sea delivers a compact yet unforgettable adventure that resonates long after the final wave. Make sure you use our price comparison tool to find the best prices for Sword of the Sea.