Review for Abzu. Game for Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Network and Xbox One, the video game was released on 02/08/2016 The version for Nintendo Switch came out on 29/11/2018 The version for Xbox One came out on 06/12/2016
When Abzu went out for PlayStation 4 e PC in August two years ago, perfectly in keeping with the hot summer period, many people labeled it as a "Journey underwater"; most did so with a tone of appreciation, others with ironic sufficiency. After several years from the first exponents, in fact, there is still someone who questions the validity of this type of productions, whether they are called "artistic video games", walking simulator or other. Although few titles have earned a good number of sales, it is undeniable that the genre has carved out a slice of the niche market and is gradually evolving.
Upon its release ABZÛ was mostly received positively, but its sales did not make it through the long run; reason why the title dthe Giant Squid Studios it subsequently arrived on Xbox One and now finally arrives on Nintendo Switch.
The juxtaposition with Journey is definitely not far-fetched, given that the title boasts among the authors Matt Nava as art director and director e Austin Wintory as a composer, both from the work of thatgamecompany. Even with ABZÛ we are faced with a game that minimizes the gameplay mechanics to focus on the rest. A type of experience made up of other components, especially sensorial, which tells a symbolic and abstract story aimed at those who will be able to let themselves go to the suggestion of its silent narration.
The game is basically the same one that came out two years ago, so we refer you to our original review for details on its features, while below we will explain the differences of the Nintendo Switch version.
Although ABZÛ has a visual sector in its own way spectacular, it certainly cannot be said that it is among the most technically advanced productions on the market; indeed, despite the splendid views it offers, its intent to fascinate has always been clear, however, relying on a minimal graphic style. Despite this, its conversion for Nintendo Switch seems to have given the developers various difficulties, especially due to the large amount of fish and plants on the screen. The reason why Giant Squid was forced to make a slight downgrade from the original version.
We therefore find ourselves with a resolution of 720p on TVs that become 540p in portable mode, with a frame rate of 30 FPS that occasionally suffers some drop in situations of particular speed and crowding. Finally, the amount of aquatic creatures has been slightly scaled down to avoid excessive drops in stability. These differences place this Switch version on a lower technical level than its counterparts already on the market, but in this way the game's fluidity has remained on good levels with only some occasional barely perceptible hiccups. After all ABZÛ is not a title that aims to amaze for its technical virtuosity, but to which one should approach by letting oneself be involved in the phenomenal artistic direction, which in this sense has not been compromised.
Unfortunately, to the graphic downsizing, unfortunate but necessary, another is added sacrifice in the sound field. In fact, an audio compression was performed which unfortunately does not allow you to enjoy in the best way the enchanting soundtrack by Austin Wintory, a work of touching delicacy and poetic sensitivity that contributes immensely to the engaging atmosphere of the adventure. In this sense, the hardware quality limits of the console speakers in portable mode are certainly not beneficial, but in this case we are talking about an obstacle not dependent on the game itself.
The Nintendo hybrid console is now famous for hosting numerous indie titles in their "Definitive" form, including DLC and various updates. That's not the case with ABZÛ, as Giant Squid hasn't released any additional content for its title. While we're sure developers need to pay back the costs incurred for the Switch conversion, the $ 19,99 price tag may not be very encouraging considering it's been two years since the first release.
The added value of console portability has its weight as always, but not to the point of justifying a second expense if you have already purchased it on other platforms.
ABZÛ is definitely not a title for all palates. The approximately two hours needed to end the adventure will be able to fascinate and involve those players open to a sensory and mentally stimulating experience among its magical waves, while it will inevitably bore those who cannot give up a prevailing playful dimension. The work of Giant Squid Studios arrives on Switch with unchanged artistic vigor but with some technical sacrifices, so the purchase is recommended only if you play mainly on the Nintendo console.
► ABZÛ is an Adventure-indie game developed by Giant Squid Studios and published by 505 Games for Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Network and Xbox One, the video game was released on 02/08/2016 The version for Nintendo Switch came out on 29/11/2018 The version for Xbox One came out on 06/12/2016
