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CRITIK

Sea of Solitude

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Sea of Solitude
Item: Sea of Solitude
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2019

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Indie, Action, Third Person Perspective, Single Player

AvailableJul 5, 2019

PlatformPlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC

DeveloperElectronic Arts, Jo-Mei Games

Overview

When humans get too lonely, they turn into monsters… Sea of Solitude takes you on a personal journey of a young woman’s loneliness. Set sail across a beautiful and evolving world where nothing is quite what it seems. Meet fantastical creatures and monsters, learn their stories, and solve challenges. Explore a flooded city by boat, on foot, or by swimming through the water itself. Dare to look what lies beneath the surface, in a haunting struggle of darkness and light, and discover what it truly means to be human.

Elsewhere

6.8

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

59%

Mixed (50-79)

36%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The Story of Sea of Solitude has received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its emotional depth and exploration of themes such as loneliness, depression, and personal struggles. Critics like The Sydney Morning Herald and PlayStation Universe appreciated the game's touching narrative that delves into real-world trauma through metaphorical storytelling. The Guardian and Digital Chumps also commended the game for tackling tough topics like mental health issues, self-loathing, and personal struggles with sensitivity and authenticity. However, a significant number of critics expressed concerns about the lack of subtlety and emotional impact in the storytelling of Sea of Solitude. CGMagazine, Quarter to Three, and Gamer.nl criticized the game for being overly explicit, predictable, and lacking depth in character interactions. IGN Spain and We Got This Covered highlighted the heavy-handed writing and melodramatic dialogue as drawbacks that hindered the overall experience. Additionally, XBLA Fans and GameSpew felt that the game's serious themes were not effectively conveyed due to monotone voice acting and insignificant character problems. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the Story of Sea of Solitude leans towards a mixed reception. While some reviewers appreciated the game's exploration of sensitive subjects and emotional depth, others felt that the storytelling lacked subtlety and failed to deliver a truly impactful experience. Critics like Game Informer and Easy Allies found the premise intriguing and emotionally powerful, despite occasional hiccups. However, the general sentiment suggests that while Sea of Solitude offers a unique and personal narrative that resonates with some players, its execution falls short in terms of delivering a truly immersive and emotionally resonant storytelling experience for all.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Sea of Solitude's story divides critics: praised for emotional depth and tackling tough themes like loneliness and depression, but criticized for lack of subtlety and emotional impact. While some appreciate its touching narrative and exploration of real-world trauma, others find it overly explicit and predictable. Mixed reviews highlight the game's struggles in conveying serious themes effectively while offering a unique but flawed storytelling experience.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

75%

Negative (0-49)

22%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

In analyzing the opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Sea of Solitude, there are some positive aspects highlighted. Critics such as GameSpace and Guardian appreciate the unique approach to combat, emphasizing the need for strategic thinking and environmental interaction to overcome challenges. Additionally, Game Informer and PlayStation Universe commend the mix of exploration, platforming, and puzzle-solving elements, providing a varied gameplay experience. The inclusion of Kay's boat as a safe zone, as mentioned by GameSpew, adds an interesting dynamic to the gameplay, offering a sense of security in the midst of the dark and eerie world. On the negative side, several critics express dissatisfaction with the gameplay of Sea of Solitude. GamingTrend and Push Square criticize the gameplay for being dull, repetitive, and not effectively complementing the narrative, with tasks like orb-collecting breaking the pace of the game. USgamer and CGMagazine point out tedious and clunky mechanics, such as the light flare power and slow platforming, which hinder the overall gaming experience. Furthermore, critics like Adventure Gamers and Game Over Online highlight the lack of depth and progression in gameplay elements, leading to a sense of repetition and limited engagement for the players. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards a mixed reception of Sea of Solitude's gameplay. While some appreciate the simplicity and thematic integration of the gameplay mechanics, others find them lacking in depth and failing to provide a truly engaging experience. Critics like Cultured Vultures and DualShockers acknowledge the symbolic nature of the gameplay, intertwining with darker themes effectively, but note its minimalistic and repetitive nature. The game seems to excel in creating a unique atmosphere and narrative experience but falls short in delivering consistently engaging and varied gameplay to captivate players throughout the journey.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics praise Sea of Solitude for its unique combat strategy and varied gameplay elements, including exploration and puzzle-solving. However, some criticize the gameplay as dull, repetitive, and lacking depth, with tedious mechanics hindering the overall experience. While the game succeeds in creating a compelling atmosphere and narrative, it struggles to maintain consistent engagement due to its minimalistic and repetitive nature.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

80%

Mixed (50-79)

18%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics praised the graphics and visual design of Sea of Solitude, highlighting its stunning and unique art style. Critics like Attack of the Fanboy and Game Over Online appreciated how the game effectively portrayed Kay's emotional journey through a mix of dark and vibrant scenes that reflected her psychological state. TheSixthAxis and Digital Chumps commended the well-animated character designs and the game's Berlin-inspired setting, which effectively conveyed the narrative themes of light and darkness. Additionally, critics such as Easy Allies and Game Informer lauded the game for creating a relatable world through its art direction, with beautiful and melancholic visuals that changed to reflect the characters' emotions. On the flip side, some critics found shortcomings in the graphics and visual design of Sea of Solitude. CGMagazine and Everyeye.it critiqued the game for having repetitive and bland environments, lacking variety, and occasional clichés in its art design. IGN pointed out that some areas looked extremely similar, leading to confusion, while PC Gamer mentioned a loss of momentum when characters spoke, impacting the overall visual experience. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment was overwhelmingly positive, with the majority of critics acknowledging the game's strengths in visual storytelling and emotional depth. In conclusion, the consensus among the critics is that Sea of Solitude excels in its graphics and visual design, with a vast majority praising its stunning art style, dynamic environments, and effective use of color to convey emotions and themes. Critics like GameSpot and Shacknews highlighted the striking contrast between the bleak, corrupted areas and vibrant, light-filled sections, while Vandal and The Games Machine appreciated the game's visually pleasing pastel colors and captivating design. While there were some criticisms regarding repetition and occasional shortcomings, the overall sentiment leans heavily towards the game's exceptional visual presentation, making Sea of Solitude a standout title in terms of graphics and art design according to the critics' opinions.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Sea of Solitude wowed critics with its stunning graphics and unique art style, effectively portraying Kay's emotional journey through a mix of dark and vibrant scenes. While some critics found shortcomings like repetitive environments, the majority praised the game for its visually striking design, dynamic environments, and emotional storytelling. Critics overwhelmingly lauded the game's exceptional visual presentation, making it a standout title in graphics and art design.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

63%

Mixed (50-79)

31%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The Sound Design and Music of Sea of Solitude have received mostly positive feedback from critics. Many reviewers praised the soundtrack for its ability to set the atmosphere and enhance the emotional journey of the game. Critics like Critical Hit, Daily Star, and GamingTrend highlighted the magnificent and poignant nature of the soundtrack, with Daily Star specifically mentioning how it captures the inner turmoil of loneliness. The use of calming and melancholic tracks, as mentioned by Easy Allies and PlayStation LifeStyle, further adds to the overall tone of the game. The emotional impact of the music is emphasized by God is a Geek, who describes it as enhancing the despair and joy within the story. On the other hand, some critics had mixed opinions on the voice acting and sound design elements of Sea of Solitude. While the majority of critics appreciated the music, there were mentions of weak voice-acting and inconsistent quality in some reviews. IGN Spain and TrueGaming highlighted issues with voice acting, with TrueGaming also noting that the music, while effectively conveying emotions during gameplay, may not be memorable post-game. CGMagazine criticized the voice acting as bad and grating, impacting the overall experience for the reviewer. XBLA Fans specifically pointed out monotone and unnatural voice acting, suggesting reliance on subtitles instead. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the Sound Design and Music of Sea of Solitude play a crucial role in enhancing the game's atmosphere and emotional impact. The soundtrack, composed by Guy Jackson, is widely appreciated for its ability to complement the narrative and set the tone for different moments in the game. Despite some criticisms towards voice acting, the overall sentiment leans towards the positive side, with many critics acknowledging the effectiveness of the music in conveying the emotions and themes of Sea of Solitude. The combination of orchestral music, ambient sounds, and emotional voice-overs creates a captivating atmosphere, as noted by Adventure Gamers and Cultured Vultures. In conclusion, while there are some minor flaws in the voice acting department, the Sound Design and Music of Sea of Solitude are largely praised for their contribution to the overall immersive experience of the game.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics laud Sea of Solitude's sound design and music for setting a powerful emotional tone through a captivating soundtrack that enhances the game's atmosphere. While some voice acting flaws are noted, overall, the music by Guy Jackson is widely appreciated for complementing the narrative and conveying the game's themes effectively.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

16%

Mixed (50-79)

55%

Negative (0-49)

29%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Sea of Solitude has received a mix of opinions from critics, with some praising it for adding to the overall experience of the game. COGconnected commends the voice acting as immaculate, while We Got This Covered appreciates the heartfelt delivery that enhances certain story beats. Additionally, Adventure Gamers highlights how emotional voice-overs contribute to enhancing the storytelling and atmosphere of the game. On the other hand, several critics expressed negative views on the voice acting in Sea of Solitude. Daily Star and Game Informer mention clunky and stilted dialogue at times, impacting the immersion in the story. Gamer.nl criticizes the voice acting for being melodramatic and over-the-top, while Press Start Australia notes bad writing and line delivery affecting the narrative. CGMagazine specifically points out the main character's voice acting as bad, with a strong accent that is not explained, potentially hindering the player's connection to the character. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the voice acting in Sea of Solitude is divided. While some critics appreciate the emotional depth and impact brought by the voice performances, others criticize the inconsistent quality, awkward dialogue, and lack of believability in certain character portrayals. The varying opinions suggest that the voice acting in the game may resonate differently with players, with some finding it compelling and enhancing the storytelling experience, while others feel it falls short and detracts from the overall immersion and emotional engagement.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics are split on the voice acting in Sea of Solitude. Some praise it for enhancing the game's emotional depth and storytelling, while others criticize it for awkward dialogue and lack of believability. Overall, opinions vary on whether the voice acting adds to or detracts from the player's experience.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

33%

Mixed (50-79)

67%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance on PS4, the majority of critics had positive feedback. PlayStation LifeStyle mentioned that Sea of Solitude runs smoothly without any performance issues, even on PS4 Pro. God is a Geek also noted that while there were a few minor glitches involving the boat, they did not significantly impact the overall immersion in the story. However, GameSpew and IGN Spain highlighted some minor issues like clunkiness in gameplay, occasional falls, and imprecise controls, which could be immersion-breaking for some players. On the Xbox One platform, the feedback was mixed. Generación Xbox and Press Start Australia praised the stability and smooth performance of Sea of Solitude, with Generación Xbox mentioning that the game effectively conveys the emotional weight of the story without technical issues. DarkStation, on the other hand, pointed out technical issues such as confusion in the opening chapters and repetitive gameplay sections. They did mention that loading recent sections helped in navigating the game, and the overall stability seemed decent. For the PC platform, the critics generally had positive remarks regarding the technical performance of Sea of Solitude. CGMagazine and Cultured Vultures both highlighted the stability of the game, with CGMagazine stating that the game is sound and working. Cultured Vultures did mention some issues with camera control on the PC platform but overall found the technical performance to be stable, with visually stunning graphics and realistic wave physics. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Sea of Solitude delivers a relatively stable technical performance across all gaming platforms, with some minor issues present on each platform. While some critics experienced occasional glitches and control issues, the majority found the game to run smoothly and effectively convey the emotional depth of the story. It is worth noting that the technical performance may vary slightly depending on the platform, but the overall sentiment is positive, with the game being praised for its immersive experience and visual appeal.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics generally praised Sea of Solitude's stable technical performance on PS4 and PC, with some minor glitches noted. Xbox One reviews were mixed, with some highlighting smooth gameplay and others pointing out technical issues like confusion and repetitive gameplay. Overall, the game delivers an immersive experience with visually stunning graphics, though minor issues may affect gameplay immersion on different platforms.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

56%

Negative (0-49)

44%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The positive aspects of Sea of Solitude's replay value, as highlighted by some critics, include the presence of collectibles and hidden elements that encourage exploration beyond the main story. Critics like PlayStation Universe and GameSpew note that the game offers opportunities to replay chapters to collect everything, adding to the overall replay value. Additionally, the narrative depth and emotional storytelling, as praised by TheSixthAxis, provide a compelling and relatable experience that may entice some players to revisit the game for its themes. On the other hand, several critics point out the limitations and negatives affecting the replay value of Sea of Solitude. The game's short length, averaging around 4-5 hours, is a common concern among critics like Press Start Australia, Cultured Vultures, and PC Gamer, who feel that the brevity hinders its replayability. The lack of depth in gameplay mechanics, as criticized by Areajugones, Jeuxvideo.com, and PC Games, further diminishes the incentive for players to engage with the game beyond the initial playthrough. Additionally, the repetitive gameplay, diluted story, and familiar gameplay mechanics, as mentioned by IGN and Quarter to Three, contribute to the limited replay value of the game. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards Sea of Solitude having limited replay value. While the game offers collectibles and hidden elements to discover, as acknowledged by some critics, the short length, simplistic gameplay, and lack of depth in mechanics seem to outweigh these positive aspects. Critics like COGconnected and Wccftech emphasize the impactful and worthwhile experience of the game but highlight the lack of replay value as a notable drawback. Ultimately, the majority of critics agree that while Sea of Solitude may offer a compelling narrative and emotional journey, its replay value is somewhat hindered by its brevity and lack of substantial gameplay enhancements.

TL;DR

replay value

Sea of Solitude receives mixed reviews on replay value. Critics praise its collectibles and emotional storytelling for encouraging exploration, but criticize its short length of 4-5 hours and lack of depth in gameplay mechanics. While some find the narrative compelling, many agree that the limited replay value is a drawback due to repetitive gameplay and familiar mechanics. Overall, critics highlight the game's emotional impact but note its shortcomings in terms of replayability.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

29%

Mixed (50-79)

66%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Sea of Solitude has garnered praise for its powerful storytelling, emotional depth, and stunning visuals. Critics like Areajugones and Critical Hit commend the game for its impactful narrative that resonates with players dealing with mental health themes. The Sydney Morning Herald and Guardian highlight the game's ability to effectively convey emotions like sadness and loneliness, creating a personal and cathartic experience. Additionally, Digital Chumps and GameSpace appreciate the game's importance in shedding light on mental health issues and creating empathy and awareness among players. On the flip side, Sea of Solitude has faced criticism for its gameplay shortcomings, lack of innovation, and repetitive mechanics. Critics like Quarter to Three and Game Over Online point out the lackluster gameplay and storytelling, with Quarter to Three describing it as self-indulgent and lacking in excitement. Some critics, such as GameStar and VideoGamer, mention issues with voice acting and narrative subtlety, detracting from the emotional impact of the game. Furthermore, IGN notes the monotonous gameplay and lack of variety, while Gamer.nl and Metro GameCentral highlight the game's failure to fully engage players and deliver on its promise of tackling mental health issues effectively. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed regarding Sea of Solitude. While the game is praised for its emotional depth, impactful storytelling, and stunning visuals, it is also criticized for its gameplay limitations, lack of innovation, and narrative shortcomings. Critics like COGconnected and Generación Xbox find the game to be a memorable and thought-provoking experience despite its basic gameplay and lack of depth. However, critics like PC Games and GameSpot feel that the game falls short in delivering a consistently engaging experience and may not appeal to everyone. In conclusion, Sea of Solitude offers a unique and emotional journey that resonates with some players but may not fully meet the expectations of others due to its mixed reception among critics.

TL;DR

Sea of Solitude is lauded for its powerful storytelling and emotional depth, resonating with players on mental health themes. Critics praise its visuals and emotional impact, but criticize its gameplay limitations and lack of innovation. While some find it thought-provoking and memorable, others feel it falls short in engagement and narrative subtlety. Overall, the game offers a unique emotional journey that divides critics, leaving players with a mixed reception.

CRITIK

Reviews

129 reviews found

God is a Geek

PlayStation 4

Jul 5, 2019