The experience improves to a degree within its more linear environments as a couple more one-time mechanics present themselves. Because of that, it all feels a little too mindless. Just hold back on your jump for a handful of seconds to give them a chance to swim by and you’ll have more than enough time to reach the next structure.

Following the ever-present orb means you’ll always know where to go, but the monsters that stand in your way offer very little in the way of challenge. It’s a little too basic and not in the least bit thrilling. As such, you’ll need to follow a sort of ball of light across the tops of buildings to make it to your next objective, all the while avoiding staying in the water for too long. That’s because the aforementioned monsters would love nothing more than to have a nibble on some human flesh. You’ll navigate its waves via a rowing boat, but there are times where you’ll need to make it to land. While it can’t be considered an open-world, Kay’s journey is a mixture of linear sequences broken up by fairly open-ended exploration of the ocean. Such messages will resonate with some more than others, but it's done clumsily at even the best of times. Certain sequences touch on bullying, the consequences of your actions, depression, and self-loathing, but rather than approaching them with an ounce of subtlety, the game more or less beats you over the head with it. Ham-fisted dialogue fails to do the game’s themes justice, while poor voice acting will have you wincing and cringing one too many times. Sea of Solitude is a commendably personal project, but it comes across as far too on the nose. It’s an exploration of problems and issues that were right there before her very eyes, but were never picked up on due to the protagonist’s inconsequential battle with young love. They hit a lot closer to home than you might think, though, as those beasts of the deep inherit the voices and personalities of Kay’s family members and closest friends.

As Kay, you’ll explore a vast stretch of sea aboard a rowing boat - with the kicker being that these waters are inhabited by monsters. It’s just sort of okay.Ĭorneila Geppert and her team set out to create a game based on loneliness, and it shows. Sea of Solitude, from German developer Jo-Mei Games, has something to say, but its message drowns amongst an ocean of indifference. It’s a positive initiative, but it looks like we’ve stumbled upon its first dud. As its most high profile release, A Way Out was a fairly major success thanks to its unique take on co-operative gameplay, while smaller titles such as Fe and Unravel have helped to somewhat diversify EA’s portfolio beyond sports titles and Battlefield. The EA Originals program has been going strong these past couple of years.

Sea of solitude ps4