Gorgeous indie Sword of the Sea nets reviews rivaling 2025's heaviest hitters

In many ways, Sword of the Sea feels like a game over a decade in the making. It is an amalgam, a compilation of visionary director Matt Nava's creative outpourings that began with Journey back in 2012. Considering its impressive pedigree, it should come as no surprise that Sword of the Sea has been met with glowing reviews, rivaling those of GOTY contenders Clair Obscur Expedition 33 and Blue Prince.

Sword of the Sea effectively pours Nava's trilogy of Journey, Abzu, and The Pathless into a mixer and gives it a good shake. The decanted result is a cocktail of ocean, sand, and effervescent freneticism. Like a kid going to the beach for the first time, there's nothing but awe for miles around as you zoom about on a surfsword that has the power to revive the world. A surfsword that, more importantly, you can do cool tricks on (that merits an instant addition to our best indie games list, in my book).

However, you won't be able to swim with dolphins again just yet. You see, the land is initially broken and barren. Whereas Giant Squid's previous outings have loathed to offer up a staccato narrative beat, Sword of the Sea has you restore its biodiversity through environmental puzzles and speedy challenges. Effectively, you're saving the oceans one pop shove-it at a time.

Giant Squid's mastery over flow is on full display here, and, similarly to Elden Ring's Lands Between, there are plenty of topographical secrets to uncover. Exploration is as smooth as ever, seamlessly guiding you from zone to zone. All of this, alongside Sword of the Sea's stunning vistas and symphonious OST, has earned it a kick-flipping great 89 out of 100 on Metacritic.

While it doesn't quite break into the 90s where 2025 darlings Clair Obscur (93) and Blue Prince (92) proudly sit, I would not be surprised to see Sword of the Sea in discussions during award season.

Sword of the Sea is out now. You can check it out over on Steam here. It's also a day-one addition to the PS Plug catalog, so grab it for no extra cost if you're subbed.

If you're holding back for now, check out more of the best PC games you can play today. Or peep our list of the best relaxing games to kick back with.

If you're gassed to play Sword of the Sea, skate into our community Discord server and let us know.