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MONSTER

Call of the Sea

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Call of the Sea
Item: Call of the Sea
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2020

GenresAdventure, Indie, Puzzle and Logic, Casual, Single Player, First Person Perspective

AvailableDec 8, 2020

PlatformPlayStation 4, PC, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5

DeveloperOut of the Blue Games S.L.

Overview

Call of the Sea is a first-person adventure puzzle game set in the 1930's that tells the story of Norah, a woman on the trail of her missing husband's expedition. The search takes place on a strange but beautiful island in the South Pacific, filled with secrets waiting to be unearthed. It’s an otherworldly tale of mystery, adventure, and self-discovery.

Elsewhere

7.1

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Call of the Sea impresses critics with its captivating narrative and emotional depth, focusing on Norah's quest to find her missing husband amidst Lovecraftian themes. While praised for its character-driven mystery and immersive storytelling, the latter half suffers from predictability and a lack of emotional resonance, leading some to describe it as clichéd. Overall, despite its flaws, the game is lauded as a strong debut that effectively blends personal and supernatural elements, making it a worthy adventure title.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

73%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

25%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The story of Call of the Sea has garnered a generally positive reception among critics, who praise its engaging narrative and the emotional depth it brings to the protagonist, Norah Everheart. Many reviewers, including those from IGN and Eurogamer Italy, highlight the captivating nature of Norah's quest to find her missing husband on a mysterious island, with themes of love, self-discovery, and acceptance woven throughout. Critics like Digital Chumps and Critical Hit commend the strong character-driven mystery and the emotional resonance that the story achieves, while others, such as Game Informer, appreciate the tantalizing mystery and the well-developed bond between Norah and her husband, Harry. The Lovecraftian elements are noted for adding intrigue to the narrative, making it a unique experience that keeps players engaged. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the story's execution, particularly in its latter half. Reviewers from PlayStation Universe and Jeuxvideo.com point out that while the story starts strong, it loses impact and coherence as it progresses, with some feeling that the character interactions are lacking, which hampers emotional connections. Critics like Push Square and GameOver.gr express concerns about the predictability of the plot and the absence of deeper character development, suggesting that some narrative elements feel over-familiar or clichéd. This sentiment is echoed by Washington Post, which describes the story as a pastiche of genre clichés, indicating a lack of originality in certain aspects of the narrative. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Call of the Sea offers a compelling and immersive story that effectively blends Lovecraftian themes with personal narratives of love and self-discovery. While there are criticisms regarding predictability and emotional depth, many reviewers, including Hobby Consolas and GameSpew, find the storytelling engaging and well-integrated with gameplay mechanics. The game is generally regarded as a solid debut title that, despite its flaws, manages to captivate players with its rich atmosphere and intriguing plot, making it a noteworthy addition to the adventure genre.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Call of the Sea impresses with its engaging puzzle design that enhances its Lovecraftian narrative, earning praise for a well-crafted difficulty curve and immersive exploration. Critics highlight the satisfying challenge of interconnected puzzles, but frustrations arise from unclear designs and the inability to access notes, leading to confusion. While some puzzles may feel simplistic or lack depth, the overall experience remains rewarding for fans of narrative-driven adventures. Refinements in puzzle communication could elevate this otherwise captivating journey.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

35%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

63%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The gameplay of Call of the Sea has garnered a generally positive reception among critics, particularly for its puzzle design and integration with the narrative. Reviewers like PlayStation Universe and CGMagazine highlight the game's strongest asset as its puzzles, which start simple and progressively challenge players with more complex brain teasers. Critics such as Guardian and Hobby Consolas appreciate the carefully crafted difficulty curve that keeps players engaged, while Adventure Gamers and Digital Chumps note the satisfying sense of achievement that comes from solving interconnected puzzles. The exploration aspect of the game is also praised, with many critics acknowledging how it enhances the overall experience, allowing players to immerse themselves in the Lovecraftian story while solving environmental puzzles. However, several critics have pointed out notable frustrations with the gameplay. Push Square and GameCritics express concerns about the inability to access notes during puzzles and the occasional obtuseness of some puzzle designs, respectively. Critics like PC Invasion and Game Rant mention that certain puzzles can feel overly complex or poorly communicated, leading to moments of confusion and potential frustration. Additionally, some reviewers, including Gamer.nl and DualShockers, argue that while the puzzles are engaging, many lack depth and can feel trivial, detracting from the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Call of the Sea offers a rewarding puzzle-solving experience intertwined with exploration, though it is not without its flaws. Many critics, such as IGN and Game Informer, commend the clever design and variety of puzzles, which enhance the narrative and provide a satisfying challenge. However, the feedback regarding the occasional lack of clarity and the simplistic nature of some puzzles suggests that while the game succeeds in many areas, it could benefit from further refinement in puzzle communication and depth. Despite these criticisms, the game remains an enjoyable experience, particularly for fans of narrative-driven puzzle adventures.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Call of the Sea dazzles with its vibrant, hand-painted visuals and immersive environments that critics rave about. The lush jungles and underwater caverns evoke a unique 1930s charm blended with Lovecraftian themes, enhancing storytelling. However, technical hiccups like frame rate drops and pop-in issues, particularly on Xbox One and Nintendo Switch, mar the experience. Despite these flaws, the game's stunning artistry prevails, making it a standout indie title appreciated for its creativity and aesthetic appeal.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

78%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

22%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding the graphics and visual design of Call of the Sea is overwhelmingly positive, with many critics praising its vibrant and engaging aesthetic. Reviewers from various platforms, including PlayStation Universe and Softpedia, highlight the game's stunning environments, such as lush jungles, underwater caverns, and impressive statues that create a rich atmosphere. Critics like Adventure Gamers and Game Rant commend the high-resolution graphics and diverse environments, emphasizing the immersive experience that the game's artistic design fosters. The vibrant color palette, reminiscent of a hand-painted style, has been noted by several reviewers, including Critical Hit and TheSixthAxis, who appreciate the game's ability to evoke a unique blend of 1930s charm and Lovecraftian themes. Overall, the visuals are described as gorgeous, captivating, and effective in enhancing the storytelling and atmosphere. However, not all feedback is entirely positive, as some critics point out technical issues and inconsistencies in the visual quality. For instance, GameOver.gr and Hardcore Gamer mention that the graphics can feel somewhat crude, with noticeable pop-in issues and frame rate drops, particularly on the Xbox One version. Additionally, while many reviewers appreciate the artistic direction, some, like Jeuxvideo.com, note that the visual design loses some charm in the latter parts of the game, suggesting a decline in impact as the story progresses. Critics like Impulsegamer also highlight that the Nintendo Switch version suffers from blurriness and pop-in problems, which diminishes the overall visual experience. Despite these criticisms, the consensus among critics is that Call of the Sea boasts a visually stunning and artistically rich design that significantly contributes to the game's appeal. The majority of reviewers express admiration for the vibrant colors, detailed environments, and the effective use of light and shadow, as noted by Digital Chumps and Wccftech. While some technical shortcomings exist, they do not overshadow the overall beauty and creativity of the game's visuals. As a result, Call of the Sea is regarded as one of the better-looking indie titles, with a strong emphasis on artistic expression that resonates well with players and critics alike.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Call of the Sea impresses critics with its immersive sound design and orchestral music, elevating the gaming experience. Highlights include exceptional voice acting from Cissy Jones and Yuri Lowenthal, praised for bringing characters to life. However, some reviewers noted inconsistencies in voice authenticity and average emotional impact of the music. Despite a few flaws, the overall consensus is that the game's audio elements are vital to its enchanting atmosphere, making it a standout title in sound design.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

78%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

22%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The sound design and music of Call of the Sea have garnered significant praise from a majority of critics, highlighting the game's ability to create an immersive and atmospheric experience. Adventure Gamers noted that the orchestral music punctuates key moments, adding a magical quality to the game, while Eurogamer Italy specifically lauded the exceptional voice acting of Cissy Jones and Yuri Lowenthal, which brings the characters to life authentically. Many reviewers, including Critical Hit and Ragequit.gr, emphasized the top-notch sound design that enhances immersion, with KeenGamer mentioning a memorable leitmotif in the soundtrack. Critics like Noisy Pixel pointed out the effective use of music, which, although subtle, stands out during key moments, significantly impacting the overall enjoyment of the game. However, not all feedback was entirely positive. Some critics expressed concerns regarding the occasional inconsistencies in the voice acting, particularly in terms of authenticity to the 1930s setting, as noted by God is a Geek. GameOver.gr felt that while the music was pleasant, it failed to enhance the emotional impact of the game, labeling the sound design as average. Additionally, while many praised the voice acting, a few reviews, such as that from Wccftech, mentioned instances where it could be immersion-breaking. Impulsegamer also pointed out that dialogue hiccups occasionally disrupted the experience, indicating that while the audio design was effective, it was not without its flaws. Overall, the consensus among critics is largely favorable, with the majority acknowledging the strong sound design and music as a critical component of Call of the Sea's immersive experience. The game’s orchestral score, atmospheric sound effects, and high-quality voice acting contribute significantly to its enchanting atmosphere, as highlighted by multiple reviewers. Critics like COGconnected and IGN emphasized the beautifully orchestrated soundtrack and engaging voice performances, reinforcing the sentiment that Call of the Sea excels in its audio presentation, making it a noteworthy title in terms of sound design and music. Despite some criticisms, the overall impression is that the audio elements play a vital role in enhancing the player's journey through the game.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Call of the Sea's voice acting shines, especially Cissy Jones as Norah, praised for her emotional range and depth. Critics laud her performance as "excellent" and "exceptional," enhancing the narrative. Yuri Lowenthal's portrayal of Harry also adds depth to their relationship. However, critiques highlight inconsistencies in dialogue delivery, describing it as sometimes "flat" or "mechanical," which can detract from immersion. Overall, while performances are strong, the writing and delivery could use refinement for a more impactful experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

75%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

16%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The voice acting in Call of the Sea has received a generally positive reception, particularly highlighting the performance of Cissy Jones as Norah Everheart. Critics such as PlayStation Country and Eurogamer Italy praised her portrayal, describing it as "excellent" and "exceptional," respectively. Many reviewers, including Noisy Pixel and God is a Geek, emphasized her ability to convey a wide range of emotions, which enhances the overall narrative experience. Yuri Lowenthal's performance as Harry has also garnered appreciation, with critics like Adventure Gamers noting his convincing delivery that adds depth to the relationship between the main characters. Overall, the voice acting has been recognized for its contribution to immersing players in the game's emotional landscape. However, not all feedback is uniformly positive. Some critics pointed out flaws in the voice acting, particularly in the dialogue delivery. For instance, Softpedia described the overall voice acting as varying from "flat to quite good," and noted that Norah's monologues can be repetitive and obvious. Critical Hit echoed this sentiment, suggesting that stilted dialogue might hinder the emotional impact of Cissy Jones's performance. Additionally, Jeuxvideo.com mentioned a "mechanical delivery" in the second half of the game, indicating a lack of emotional depth that detracted from the experience. Critics like GameOver.gr also felt that Norah's voice acting lacked variation, which could break immersion for players. In summary, while the voice acting in Call of the Sea is predominantly praised for its emotional depth and character portrayal, particularly by Cissy Jones, there are notable criticisms regarding dialogue quality and delivery. The consensus among critics leans towards a favorable view of the performances, especially highlighting the chemistry between Norah and Harry as a strong point. Nonetheless, the presence of mixed reviews regarding the dialogue's effectiveness suggests that while the performances are commendable, there is room for improvement in the writing and delivery to enhance player immersion further.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Call of the Sea impresses with stunning visuals on PC and Xbox Series X, praised for smooth performance and immersive environments. However, PC players report sluggish movement and annoying glitches, while Xbox One and Switch versions face serious performance issues like slow loading and frame rate drops. Overall, the game shines artistically but suffers from technical inconsistencies across platforms, emphasizing the need for updates to address these shortcomings, especially on older systems.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

14%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

71%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

14%

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

In analyzing the technical performance of Call of the Sea across various gaming platforms, there are notable positives that emerge from the reviews. On PC, critics like Adventure Gamers and Eurogamer Italy commend the game for its stunning visuals, largely attributed to the capabilities of Unreal Engine 4, which showcases the developers' skill in creating immersive environments. GamingTrend highlights a fully optimized and glitch-free experience, suggesting that many players may enjoy a smooth gameplay experience on this platform. For Xbox Series X, Game Rant notes that the game runs at a solid 4K resolution and 60 frames per second, with Meristation echoing the sentiment of a smooth experience with no major technical issues reported. This indicates that the game performs well on next-gen consoles, providing players with a visually appealing experience. However, there are also several negatives reported by critics across all platforms. On PC, Adventure Gamers mentions that Norah's movement can feel sluggish, potentially leading to tedium during exploration. GameSpew reports glitches that require restarting chapters, while GameMAG points out translation errors towards the end of the game. On Xbox Series X, while many reviews are positive, Worth Playing raises concerns about performance problems and graphical issues, suggesting that not all players may have the same experience. Gamer.nl notes occasional frame drops and the absence of HDR support, which can detract from the visual experience. The Xbox One version faces more significant challenges, with BaziCenter and Hardcore Gamer discussing slow loading times, unstable frame rates, and issues with textures and subtitles, indicating a less polished experience on this older hardware. The Nintendo Switch version, as noted by Impulsegamer, suffers from frame rate dips and visual downgrades that impact immersion, although the game remains playable. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that Call of the Sea offers a visually impressive experience across all platforms, particularly on PC and Xbox Series X, where performance is generally strong. However, the game is not without its technical issues, especially on Xbox One and Nintendo Switch, where critics have reported more significant performance drawbacks. The reviews indicate that while the game has been well-received for its artistic design and atmosphere, the technical performance varies considerably between platforms, with some players experiencing a smoother gameplay experience than others. This disparity highlights the importance of ongoing updates and patches to address the reported issues, especially for those playing on older hardware or less powerful systems.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Critics praise Call of the Sea for its engaging puzzles and stunning visuals, with some noting multiple endings as a reason to replay. However, many argue it has little to no replay value due to its linear story and predictable puzzles, leading to a consensus that while enjoyable, the game lacks substantial incentives for a second playthrough.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

88%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

13%

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

In analyzing the opinions of various critics regarding the replay value of Call of the Sea, several positive aspects emerge. Critics like Adventure Gamers and IGN highlight the game's engaging puzzles and beautiful environmental design, which contribute to a compelling experience. Adventure Gamers appreciates the varied puzzles and scenic island setting, suggesting that players seeking brain-teasing fun will find value in the game. Additionally, IGN points out that the presence of multiple endings can encourage some players to revisit the game to explore different narrative paths. Meristation also notes that while the game is linear, it offers collectibles and exploration opportunities that may entice players to return for a more complete experience. However, a significant number of critics express concerns about the game's replay value. Softpedia and Digital Chumps are particularly blunt, stating that the game has "zero replay value" and "little to no reason to go back," respectively. Many reviewers, including GameWatcher and Hobby Consolas, emphasize the linear nature of the story and predictable puzzle solutions, which diminish the incentive to replay. Critics like Ragequit.gr and BaziCenter acknowledge the limited replayability due to the game's short length and adventure genre, indicating that once players complete the narrative, they may feel little motivation to engage with it again. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a recognition of the game's limitations in terms of replay value. While some, like GameMAG and DarkStation, suggest that the engaging story and key choices might encourage a second playthrough, the majority of reviewers highlight the linearity and predictability as significant drawbacks. Critics such as Hobby Consolas and Impulsegamer reinforce the idea that despite the presence of collectibles and multiple endings, the game's design ultimately leads to a lack of substantial replay incentives. Thus, while Call of the Sea offers an enjoyable initial experience, its replay value appears to be limited for many players.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

58%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

41%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

In the reviews of "Call of the Sea," a consensus emerges regarding the game's strengths, particularly its captivating visuals and engaging puzzle design. Critics like Adventure Gamers and CGMagazine highlight the game's beautiful graphics and satisfying puzzles, noting that the overall experience is immersive and rewarding. The game's artistic design is frequently praised, with Eurogamer Italy calling it visually striking and memorable. Additionally, the narrative, while sometimes predictable, is often described as charming and emotionally resonant, as noted by Critical Hit and IGN. The voice acting also receives accolades, contributing to the game's overall appeal, as stated by PC Invasion and IGN. Overall, many reviewers agree that "Call of the Sea" offers a pleasant experience for fans of puzzle and adventure games. However, the reviews also point out several notable shortcomings that detract from the overall experience. Many critics express disappointment with the narrative's predictability and lack of depth, with PlayStation Universe and Push Square specifically mentioning that the story fails to leave a lasting impression. The game is criticized for its slow movement and some frustrating puzzles, as highlighted by COGconnected and Game Rant. Additionally, the lack of replay value and certain flat monologues are mentioned by Softpedia and GameOver.gr, indicating that while the game is enjoyable, it may not hold up to repeated playthroughs. Critics also note that the game does not fully embrace the Lovecraftian themes it draws from, leading to a less intense atmosphere than expected, as pointed out by Softpedia. Overall, the consensus among critics is that "Call of the Sea" is a well-crafted adventure game that excels in its visual presentation and puzzle mechanics, making it a worthwhile experience for genre enthusiasts. While many reviewers acknowledge its flaws, such as narrative predictability and pacing issues, the game is still recommended for those seeking a charming and engaging experience. Critics like Game Informer and Hardcore Gamer encapsulate this sentiment by emphasizing that despite its shortcomings, "Call of the Sea" is a journey worth embarking on, particularly for fans of narrative-driven puzzle adventures. The game’s unique blend of beautiful art, engaging gameplay, and emotional storytelling makes it a notable entry in the adventure genre, even if it doesn't fully realize its potential.

TL;DR

"Call of the Sea" wows with stunning visuals and engaging puzzles, earning praise for its charm and voice acting. However, critics slam its predictable narrative, slow pace, and lack of replay value, suggesting it falls short of its Lovecraftian potential. Overall, it's a worthwhile journey for puzzle and adventure game fans, blending beauty and emotional storytelling, despite notable flaws.

MONSTER

Reviews

109 reviews found

100

App Trigger

Xbox One

Jan 29, 2021