Call of the Sea

The story of Call of the Sea receives widespread praise for its engaging narrative, atmospheric depth, and unique blend of Lovecraftian themes with emotional resonance. Critics like Adventure Gamers and GameMAG highlight its mystery-driven plot, inspired by The Shape of Water and Lovecraft, while Softpedia and TheSixthAxis emphasize its focus on self-discovery and the protagonist’s journey of acceptance. The game’s use of environmental storytelling, journals, and puzzle-solving to unravel the mystery is frequently lauded, with Noisy Pixel and God is a Geek noting how Norah’s character and her relationship with her husband drive the narrative. Critical Hit and GameSpew commend the game’s immersive mystery and character-driven mystery, while IGN and Game Informer praise its emotional impact and well-written romance. The Lovecraftian elements are seen as a strength, with GameCritics and Game Rant appreciating its exploration of lesser-known aspects of the genre. Overall, the story is framed as a compelling, immersive experience that balances surrealism with heartfelt themes. However, several critics point to flaws in the narrative’s structure and depth. Push Square and Jeuxvideo.com criticize the story’s predictability and lack of character development, with the latter noting abrupt revelations in the second half that undermine emotional coherence. Areajugones and GameOver.gr argue that the characters feel forgettable, while PC Invasion and Destructoid describe the narrative as overfamiliar or slight, despite strong writing. Washington Post calls the story a “pastiche of genre clichés,” and DualShockers mentions loose ends and insufficient background explanations. PlayStation Universe and GameSpew also note that the fantastical turn in the latter half feels disconnected from the protagonist’s emotional arc. These critiques suggest that while the game’s premise is strong, its execution occasionally falters in maintaining narrative momentum and depth. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics leans positive, with many acknowledging the story’s strengths despite its flaws. While Push Square and Jeuxvideo.com express disappointment, the majority of reviews highlight the game’s atmospheric storytelling, emotional depth, and unique take on Lovecraftian themes. Adventure Gamers, GameMAG, and IGN praise its engaging mystery and thematic exploration, while Critical Hit and Xbox Tavern note its ability to keep players invested. The narrative’s balance of surrealism, self-discovery, and romance resonates with many, even if some find it lacking in originality or character development. Ultimately, Call of the Sea is seen as a memorable, if imperfect, story that succeeds in creating an immersive and emotionally impactful experience.

The gameplay of Call of the Sea is widely praised for its clever puzzle design and immersive exploration, with many critics highlighting its strengths. PlayStation Universe and Adventure Gamers emphasize that the puzzles are the game’s most compelling asset, starting simple and escalating into complex, brain-teasing challenges that reward players with a sense of accomplishment. Softpedia and GameMAG commend the seamless integration of puzzles into the narrative, noting that they require observation, logical thinking, and environmental storytelling to solve. TheSixthAxis and IGN draw comparisons to classics like Myst and The Witness, praising the hybrid approach of walking simulator elements combined with intricate environmental puzzles. Additionally, the game’s difficulty curve is seen as well-balanced, with critics like CGMagazine and Hobby Consolas appreciating the progressive complexity that keeps players engaged without overwhelming them. The use of Norah’s notebook, as mentioned by Guardian, is also highlighted as a helpful tool for tracking clues, enhancing the puzzle-solving experience. However, several critics point to notable flaws that detract from the gameplay. Push Square and Jeuxvideo.com (PC) criticize the lack of note-access during puzzles, which can frustrate players mid-solution. GameCritics and Destructoid describe certain puzzles as "annoying," "inexplicable," or "obtuse," with some requiring external help or feeling overly obscure. PC Invasion and Game Rant note that the puzzle design occasionally lacks clarity, with some challenges being unsolvable or overly complex, while Gamer.nl and DualShockers argue that the puzzles are too simplistic or repetitive. Backtracking is another recurring issue, with Digital Chumps and Adventure Gamers mentioning it as tedious, and the linear progression of environments, as noted by Areajugones and KeenGamer, sometimes limiting the sense of reward. Additionally, some reviewers, like Jeuxvideo.com (XBOX) and Hobby Consolas, point to inconsistencies in the gameplay’s coherence, particularly with character behavior and narrative integration, while others, such as Xbox Tavern, feel the puzzles are "laid on thick and fast," potentially overwhelming players. Overall, the consensus among critics leans positive, with the majority appreciating Call of the Sea as a thoughtfully crafted puzzle-adventure hybrid. While there are mixed reactions about the difficulty and puzzle clarity—some finding them challenging yet fair (IGN, Game Rant), others frustratingly obtuse (GameCritics, Destructoid)—the game’s emphasis on exploration and narrative-driven mechanics is consistently highlighted as its core appeal. The difficulty curve and variety of puzzle types, from symbolic matching to environmental manipulation, are seen as strengths by many, though a few note that the experience feels somewhat derivative or linear. Despite criticisms about backtracking, repetitive elements, or occasional unclear solutions, the game’s ability to blend atmospheric storytelling with engaging challenges resonates with most reviewers, making it a satisfying, if occasionally frustrating, journey for fans of the genre. The overall sentiment suggests that while not without flaws, Call of the Sea succeeds in delivering a cohesive and rewarding puzzle-focused experience.

The majority of critics overwhelmingly praised the graphics and visual design of Call of the Sea, highlighting its artistic merit and atmospheric appeal. Reviewers like PlayStation Universe and Softpedia emphasized the game’s visually stunning environments, from lush jungles and underwater caverns to striking statues and stormy cliffs, which effectively immerse players in its world. Adventure Gamers and GameSpew lauded the high-resolution details, diverse ecosystems, and the sense of scale that makes the island feel fully realized. The 1930s-era aesthetic, described as "pretty and evocative" by Push Square and "vibrant and cartoon-like" by CGMagazine, was a recurring highlight, blending nostalgic pulp magazine vibes with Lovecraftian undertones. Critical Hit and TheSixthAxis noted the game’s use of vivid color, light, and water effects, creating a dreamlike yet immersive experience. GameWatcher and Wccftech called it one of the better-looking indie games, with GameMAG drawing comparisons to The Witness and Meristation crediting its design for enhancing storytelling and exploration. These reviews collectively underscore the game’s ability to balance stylized visuals with environmental storytelling, making it a feast for the eyes. However, some critics pointed to technical and stylistic limitations. Digital Chumps described the graphics as "pretty and good, but not show-stopping," while Eurogamer Italy noted minor technical issues despite the vibrant visuals. BaziCenter and Hardcore Gamer criticized the Xbox One version for pop-in, blurry textures, and frame rate drops, particularly during underwater sequences, with Hardcore Gamer suggesting it felt inferior to other platforms. GameOver.gr called the graphics "somewhat crude," arguing they lacked organic integration across settings, and Jeuxvideo.com observed that the art direction lost some of its charm in the latter half of the game. Additionally, Worth Playing highlighted the absence of HDR support and performance hiccups on the Series X, while App Trigger noted the cartoonish style as a departure from typical Lovecraftian games. These critiques, though less frequent, focused on technical execution and pacing rather than the core visual design, which many still found compelling. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall consensus among critics was highly positive, with the majority agreeing that Call of the Sea’s visuals are a standout feature. While PlayStation Country acknowledged the lack of photorealism, they praised the effective atmosphere created through its stylized approach. Destructoid and Game Informer celebrated the game’s ability to blend beauty with unease, using lighting and weather to evoke both wonder and dread. The art direction’s uniqueness—reminiscent of hand-painted animations (TheSixthAxis) and era-appropriate pulp aesthetics (Wccftech)—was frequently cited as a strength. Even critics with reservations, like Jeuxvideo.com, conceded that the first half of the game was visually impressive. The technical issues, often platform-specific, were seen as secondary to the game’s creative vision, which many felt elevated it beyond conventional indie titles. Ultimately, the reviews reflect a strong appreciation for Call of the Sea’s visual identity, with its artistic choices and environmental storytelling resonating as its most memorable qualities.

The majority of critics praised the sound design and music of Call of the Sea as a standout element that significantly enhances immersion and atmosphere. Adventure Gamers highlighted the “orchestral music punctuating key moments,” creating a “magical and mysterious atmosphere,” while Critical Hit and Digital Chumps emphasized the “top-notch sound design” and “solid voice-acting” that deepen the experience. Eurogamer Italy and KeenGamer specifically lauded the “exceptional voice acting” by Cissy Jones and Yuri Lowenthal, as well as a “special soundtrack with a memorable leitmotif.” Noisy Pixel noted the “subtle” use of music and “environmental sounds” that elevate the game’s eerie, immersive quality, and TheSixthAxis praised the “original music” for its seamless integration with the game’s setting. These reviews collectively underscore how the audio elements work in harmony to create a cohesive and engaging world. While the consensus was overwhelmingly positive, a few critics pointed to minor shortcomings. GameOver.gr described the music as “pleasant but fails to enhance emotional impact,” and Wccftech noted that “voice acting can be immersion-breaking at times.” God is a Geek critiqued occasional “missteps in the dialogue” when portraying a 1930s English woman, while Impulsegamer mentioned “dialogue hiccups” that occasionally disrupted the experience. Additionally, some reviewers, like PC Invasion, did not mention the music at all, focusing instead on voice acting. These critiques, however, were relatively rare and often framed as minor flaws in an otherwise strong audio design. Overall, the critical reception of Call of the Sea’s sound design and music was highly favorable, with the majority of reviewers celebrating its ability to immerse players in the game’s atmosphere. IGN and Eurogamer Italy emphasized the “excellent” voice acting and “complementary” soundtrack, while COGconnected and Meristation highlighted the “beautifully orchestrated” score and “ambient sounds” that enrich the experience. Even critics with minor reservations acknowledged the game’s auditory strengths, with many noting how the music and sound design “enhance the atmosphere” and “add to the overall immersion.” This strong consensus reflects a near-unanimous appreciation for the audio elements, which many regard as a key component of the game’s success.

The voice acting in Call of the Sea is predominantly praised for its emotional depth and strong performances, particularly by Cissy Jones as Norah Everheart and Yuri Lowenthal as Harry. Critics like PlayStation Country and Adventure Gamers highlight Jones’ "excellent and often touching" portrayal, noting her ability to convey the refined tones of a 1930s woman and the "powerful emotional effect" of the game. Eurogamer Italy and TheSixthAxis emphasize the authenticity of the relationship between Norah and Harry, with Jones and Lowenthal delivering "exceptional" and "compelling" performances that enhance storytelling. PC Invasion and IGN commend Jones for "wonderful" and "expertly done" work, respectively, while Game Rant and God is a Geek praise her for making Norah "endearing" and "believable." Worth Playing and BaziCenter also highlight her "outstanding" performance, with COGconnected and DualShockers noting her engaging narration and unique accent. These reviews collectively underscore the voice acting as a cornerstone of the game’s immersive and narrative-driven experience. However, some critics point to specific flaws, such as repetitive dialogue or mechanical delivery. Softpedia notes that the voice acting "varies from flat to quite good," criticizing Norah’s monologues for being "repetitive and obvious." Jeuxvideo.com (on both PC and Xbox Series X) mentions "mechanical delivery in the second half," lacking emotional depth, while GameOver.gr describes Norah’s voice acting as "typical and lacking variation," which detracts from immersion. Impulsegamer critiques Jones’ narration as "over-explanatory" and "out of sync with the tone," and Critical Hit suggests her performance feels "stilted" due to dialogue issues. Wccftech acknowledges that Norah’s voice acting can be "redundant and immersion-breaking," though they note it doesn’t significantly harm the game. These criticisms often focus on narrative pacing or script quality rather than the actors’ technical skill, indicating that the voice work itself is strong but occasionally undermined by writing or delivery choices. Overall, the consensus leans heavily positive, with most reviewers celebrating the voice acting as a standout element. While a few critics like Softpedia and Jeuxvideo.com highlight inconsistencies or flaws, the majority—such as PlayStation Universe, GameWatcher, and Meristation—emphasize the authenticity, emotional resonance, and skill of the performers. Cissy Jones’ portrayal of Norah is consistently lauded as "excellent," "captivating," or "outstanding," with Yuri Lowenthal’s work as Harry also receiving praise. The mixed feedback primarily stems from narrative elements rather than the voice acting itself, suggesting that the performances are a significant strength despite minor issues. This balance of acclaim and critique reflects a game where voice acting enhances the experience for many, even if it occasionally falters in execution.

The technical performance of Call of the Sea receives mixed but generally favorable feedback across platforms, with notable strengths. On PC, reviewers like Adventure Gamers highlight that initial motion sickness issues were resolved post-launch, while Eurogamer Italy praises the Unreal Engine 4 for delivering visually stunning environments. GamingTrend commends the PC version as "fully optimized and glitch-free," and GameSpew acknowledges minor glitches that may be patched, suggesting a generally stable base. For Xbox Series X, Game Rant notes solid 4K/60fps performance, with Gamer.nl and Hobby Consolas describing it as "technically well-made" and "smooth" despite occasional frame drops. Meristation also reports a "stable experience," and Worth Playing mentions that while issues exist, the game's core is functional. On Nintendo Switch, Impulsegamer admits performance hiccups but stresses they don’t make the game unplayable, indicating a tolerable experience for the platform. However, technical challenges are more pronounced on certain platforms. On PC, Adventure Gamers criticizes Norah’s sluggish movement, which can make backtracking tedious, while GameSpew and GameMAG point to glitches and translation errors, respectively. For Xbox Series X, Worth Playing highlights performance and graphical issues, and Gamer.nl laments the absence of HDR support, a notable oversight. Xbox One versions face steeper hurdles: BaziCenter reports slow loading times and unstable frame rates, GameOver.gr notes rough textures and motion sickness from blurring, and Hardcore Gamer mentions pop-in and subtitle mismatches. The Switch version, as per Impulsegamer, struggles with frame rate dips and visual downgrades, which, while not crippling, detract from immersion. These issues suggest that while the game is technically competent, platform-specific optimization remains a concern. Overall, the critics agree that Call of the Sea is a technically sound title with room for improvement. The PC and Xbox Series X versions are largely praised for their visual fidelity and performance, though both have minor bugs or inconsistencies. The Xbox One and Switch versions, however, face more significant technical hurdles, with the former suffering from hardware limitations and the latter struggling to maintain consistent frame rates. While Worth Playing and GameSpew note that developers are addressing some issues, the consensus leans toward the game being a solid experience with platform-specific caveats. The overall sentiment reflects a balance between appreciation for the game’s artistry and frustration with its technical execution, particularly on older or less powerful hardware.

The reviews of Call of the Sea highlight several elements that could potentially enhance its replay value, despite its short runtime and linear structure. Adventure Gamers and Wccftech praise the game’s "fantastic environmental design" and "intelligent puzzle designs," suggesting that the immersive world and clever challenges might entice players to revisit for a deeper appreciation of its artistry. PC Invasion and Game Rant note the presence of two distinct endings, which adds a layer of narrative variety, while Meristation and GameMAG point to collectibles and exploration opportunities that could encourage players to seek out hidden details or lore. IGN specifically emphasizes that the "well-crafted puzzles and engaging story" provide "incentive for players to revisit the game," even if its length is brief. These positives indicate that the game’s strengths in storytelling, atmosphere, and design may offer enough appeal for some players to play through again, particularly those who value its unique setting and intellectual challenges. However, the majority of critics express concerns about the game’s limited replay value, primarily due to its linear narrative and lack of branching paths. Softpedia and Digital Chumps outright state that the game has "zero replay value" or "little to no reason to go back," citing its forgettable story and absence of twists. GameWatcher and Hobby Consolas criticize the "predictable story" and "puzzle solutions that may become predictable," which could diminish the experience on subsequent playthroughs. BaziCenter and DarkStation also note that the adventure-style structure and "key choices" (though limited) don’t significantly alter the core experience, making it less compelling for veterans. The game’s brevity, while acknowledged as a strength by some, is often seen as a barrier to replayability, as it doesn’t offer enough content to justify multiple sessions for most players. These critiques suggest that the game’s design prioritizes a focused, one-time experience over extended engagement. The overall consensus among critics is that Call of the Sea has limited replay value, but with some exceptions. While the game’s short length (around five to seven hours) and linear progression are frequently cited as drawbacks, its narrative depth, environmental storytelling, and puzzle mechanics are seen as potential draws for a second playthrough. Critics like PC Invasion, Game Rant, and IGN acknowledge that multiple endings and collectibles can add some incentive, though these are often described as minor. Conversely, reviewers such as Softpedia, Digital Chumps, and Hobby Consolas argue that the lack of alternative paths, predictable structure, and forgettable story make it unlikely to be revisited. The game’s appeal seems to hinge on its ability to captivate players during the first run, with its replayability depending on individual preferences for exploration, lore, and narrative variety. For many, the experience is more about savoring its unique atmosphere and puzzles than re-engaging with the same content.