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Sea of Thieves

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

2018

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, Open World, Simulation, Multiplayer, First Person Perspective

AvailableMar 20, 2018

PlatformPlayStation 5, PC, Xbox One

DeveloperRare Ltd.

Overview

Sea of Thieves offers the essential pirate experience, from sailing and fighting to exploring and looting – everything you need to live the pirate life and become a legend in your own right. With no set roles, you have complete freedom to approach the world, and other players, however you choose.

Elsewhere

6.7

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Critics praise Sea of Thieves for its player-driven storytelling and sandbox gameplay that fosters camaraderie and adventure. However, they overwhelmingly criticize its lack of a traditional narrative structure, describing quests as repetitive and unengaging. While the game promotes creativity, the absence of a compelling storyline limits its potential, leaving players wanting more depth and direction in their adventures.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

20%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

55%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

25%

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

The opinions of critics regarding the story of Sea of Thieves reveal a notable appreciation for the game's emphasis on player-driven experiences and emergent storytelling. Several reviewers, such as GamesRadar+ and Attack of the Fanboy, highlight how the game encourages players to create their own narratives through exploration and interactions with other players. This sandbox approach allows for unique and memorable moments, fostering a sense of camaraderie and adventure among players. Critics like GamingBolt and PlayStation Universe commend the inclusion of story-driven missions known as Tall Tales, which offer engaging quests that enhance the narrative experience, particularly with crossovers from popular franchises like Pirates of the Caribbean and Monkey Island. These elements contribute to a rich world that invites creativity and personal storytelling. However, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly critical of the game's lack of a traditional narrative structure. Many reviewers, including DarkStation and AusGamers, express disappointment in the absence of a compelling storyline, describing the quests as repetitive fetch tasks that fail to engage players meaningfully. Critics like Game Revolution and Critical Hit emphasize that the game feels empty without a clear narrative direction, limiting opportunities for discovery and engagement. The absence of a structured story or tutorial, as noted by GamePro Germany and Areajugones, can be particularly challenging for newcomers, leading to confusion and a lack of motivation to progress. Overall, the critics' sentiments reflect a divide between the game's innovative approach to storytelling and its shortcomings in delivering a cohesive narrative experience. While many appreciate the freedom and creativity afforded by the sandbox mechanics, the overwhelming consensus is that Sea of Thieves lacks a compelling or structured narrative, which detracts from its potential as an engaging adventure. Critics like Metro GameCentral and Hobby Consolas acknowledge the game's strengths in fostering player-driven stories but ultimately agree that the lack of a traditional narrative framework limits the overall storytelling experience. As such, while Sea of Thieves offers a unique playground for players, it struggles to provide the depth and direction that many critics feel is essential for a truly captivating narrative.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Sea of Thieves impresses with cooperative gameplay and thrilling pirate adventures, praised for its sailing and naval battles. However, many critics slam its repetitive fetch quests and shallow mission variety, leading to a lack of long-term engagement—especially in solo play. While the game shines with friends, its core gameplay loop risks becoming monotonous, casting doubt on its lasting appeal.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

29%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

61%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

10%

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

The gameplay of Sea of Thieves has garnered some praise from critics, particularly for its emphasis on cooperative play and the enjoyment derived from emergent moments during gameplay. Reviewers like God is a Geek highlight the fun of sailing and role-playing as a pirate, while GameSpot commends the unique mechanics of teamwork and naval battles. Critics such as PlayStation Universe and Push Square also note the engaging aspects of navigation, treasure hunting, and the risk-reward dynamics that enhance the overall experience. The intuitive controls and the thrill of ship-to-ship combat are frequently mentioned as standout features, contributing to a lively and dynamic pirate adventure. However, a significant number of critics express concerns about the repetitive nature of the gameplay. DarkStation and PC Games both point out that the core gameplay revolves around fetch quests with limited variety, leading to a sense of emptiness and a lack of long-term engagement. Many reviewers, including GamePro Germany and CGMagazine, criticize the shallow quest structure and the tediousness of activities, especially in solo play. Critics like IGN and Slant Magazine echo these sentiments, noting that while the sailing mechanics are enjoyable, the overall mission variety is lacking, resulting in a gameplay experience that can feel monotonous over time. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates a divide in the reception of Sea of Thieves gameplay. While many appreciate the social interactions and cooperative elements that enhance the experience, the repetitive quest structure and lack of depth in mission variety are recurring critiques. Critics such as Worth Playing and AusGamers emphasize that the game shines when played with friends, but can feel lacking when approached solo. This mixed sentiment suggests that while Sea of Thieves offers a fun and engaging pirate experience, its long-term appeal may be hindered by the repetitive nature of its core gameplay loop.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Sea of Thieves impresses with stunning water graphics and vibrant art, praised for creating an immersive, picturesque atmosphere. Critics highlight its beautiful environments and charming designs, but note issues like visual monotony, bland character/item designs, and technical glitches. Overall, while it shines visually, the game has room for improvement in variety and stability.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

87%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

13%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The graphics and visual design of Sea of Thieves have garnered a predominantly positive reception from critics, highlighting the game's vibrant art style and impressive technical achievements. Many reviewers praised the stunning water graphics, often described as the best seen in video games, with dynamic waves that enhance immersion and gameplay. Critics like AusGamers and FANDOM emphasized the realistic ocean visuals and the captivating beauty of sunsets, contributing to a vacation-like atmosphere. The game’s colorful environments, filled with lush islands and charming character designs, were also noted by critics such as The Sydney Morning Herald and GameSpot, who appreciated the painterly and warm visual style that invites exploration. However, despite the acclaim for the water effects and overall aesthetic, several critics pointed out significant shortcomings in the game's visual design. Reviewers like Gameplanet and Slant Magazine criticized the world for feeling barren and lacking visual variety, with many islands appearing similar and devoid of interesting elements to explore. Additionally, some critics, including Game Informer and CGMagazine, expressed disappointment with the overall design of outfits and items, suggesting that the pirate theme led to a lack of distinctiveness in character and item designs. Technical issues, such as graphical glitches and texture loading problems, were also mentioned by PlaySense and GamingTrend, detracting from the otherwise immersive experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Sea of Thieves excels in its visual presentation, particularly with its breathtaking water effects and vibrant art style, which many found enchanting. While there are valid criticisms regarding the lack of variety in environments and some technical issues, the majority of reviewers agree that the game offers a visually stunning experience that stands out in the genre. As noted by COGconnected and Game Revolution, the combination of beautiful graphics and engaging aesthetics makes Sea of Thieves a visually appealing adventure that captivates players, despite its shortcomings.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Sea of Thieves boasts outstanding sound design and music, praised for its immersive audio that elevates the gaming experience. Critics celebrate the atmospheric effects and charming sea shanties that enhance social play, making players feel truly engaged. However, some note issues with repetitiveness and a lack of variety in music and sound effects. Overall, the consensus is that the audio elements are a key highlight, enriching pirate adventures despite minor flaws.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

72%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

28%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The sound design and music of Sea of Thieves have garnered widespread acclaim from critics, highlighting its immersive qualities and attention to detail. Reviewers like 3DJuegos and AusGamers praise the game for its ability to create an awe-inspiring atmosphere, with sound effects that bring the ocean and ship experience to life. Critics such as Gameblog.fr and Everyeye.it emphasize the high-quality audio design, noting how the ambient sounds, including the creaking of ships and the gentle lapping of waves, significantly enhance the overall gameplay experience. The inclusion of musical elements, particularly the ability to play sea shanties and harmonize with crewmates, is frequently mentioned as a charming and enjoyable aspect that adds to the social dynamics of the game, as pointed out by DualShockers and Game Informer. However, not all feedback is entirely positive. Some critics express concerns regarding the repetitiveness of the music and sound effects over time. For instance, Game Revolution notes that while the initial sound design is enjoyable, it can become monotonous, detracting from the overall experience. Additionally, COGconnected mentions that while the melodies are charming, the combat sounds and overall audio diversity could be improved. The lack of variety in sea shanties is also highlighted by TheSixthAxis, suggesting that the game could benefit from a broader musical repertoire to keep the experience fresh and engaging. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Sea of Thieves excels in creating an immersive auditory experience that enhances the gameplay. The majority of reviews reflect a strong appreciation for the sound design and music, with many citing it as one of the game's standout features. Critics like GamingTrend and God is a Geek underscore how the sound effects and music contribute to the game's adventurous atmosphere, making players feel truly immersed in their pirate escapades. While there are some valid criticisms regarding repetition and a desire for more variety, the overwhelming sentiment is that the audio elements of Sea of Thieves significantly enrich the player's journey across the high seas.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Sea of Thieves voice acting gets mixed reviews—some critics praise its immersive performances in story missions, enhancing the pirate atmosphere, while others slam the uninspired NPC dialogue, poor accents, and lack of localization. This divide highlights a potential weak spot in the game’s otherwise adventurous charm, leading to a varied player experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

33%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

33%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

33%

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

The voice acting in Sea of Thieves has garnered a mix of praise from certain critics, particularly regarding its contribution to the game's immersive atmosphere. Critics like But Why Tho? and GamingBolt have highlighted the engaging performances during story missions, suggesting that these moments enhance the overall narrative experience. Additionally, PLAY! Zine commends the excellent voice acting for its role in creating an authentic pirate atmosphere, which is crucial for a game centered around exploration and adventure on the high seas. The integration of voice chat, noted by Digital Trends and XGN, also adds a layer of depth to player interactions, making the multiplayer experience more dynamic and engaging. However, there are significant criticisms regarding the voice acting that cannot be overlooked. Gameplanet points out that NPC dialogue is often unvoiced or poorly delivered, lacking the enthusiasm and character that players expect in a game of this nature. Game Revolution echoes this sentiment, criticizing the voice acting for being unbefitting of the setting, with accents that feel out of place. Furthermore, MondoXbox highlights the minimal voice acting present in the game, noting that dialogues are not localized, which may alienate non-English speaking players. InsideGamer.nl adds to this critique by mentioning that the pirate language used can make it difficult for players to understand the humor and character interactions, which are meant to be a core part of the game's charm. Overall, the consensus among critics reveals a divided opinion on the voice acting in Sea of Thieves. While some reviewers celebrate the engaging performances and the immersive quality they bring, others lament the lack of quality and depth in NPC interactions. Critics like But Why Tho? and GamingBolt find merit in the story missions and the overall atmosphere, while Gameplanet, Game Revolution, and MondoXbox highlight significant shortcomings that detract from the experience. This dichotomy suggests that while Sea of Thieves has the potential for strong voice acting, its execution varies widely, leading to a mixed reception that reflects the diverse experiences of players across different platforms.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Sea of Thieves shows solid technical performance across platforms, with Xbox One praised for optimization but plagued by server issues and crashes. PS5 benefits from DualSense features and smooth gameplay, though bugs persist. PC players face significant technical hurdles, including server problems and delayed rewards. Despite the varied criticisms, ongoing developer support hints at a brighter future for the game.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

22%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

71%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The technical performance of Sea of Thieves has garnered a range of opinions across different platforms, showcasing both strengths and weaknesses. On Xbox One, many reviewers, including 3DJuegos and DarkStation, noted that the game is well-optimized, providing a generally smooth experience with few major issues. Critics like BaziCenter and GamePro Germany highlighted the game's polished performance, while CGMagazine pointed out that it runs mostly smoothly despite occasional frame rate dips. On the PS5, the game benefits from enhancements such as DualSense features and crossplay, with Guardian praising its seamless integration and strong technical performance. Push Square noted that it runs at a buttery 60 frames-per-second, indicating a solid performance overall. On PC, Areajugones reported good performance with few bugs, and MMORPG.com mentioned that the game runs reasonably well, suggesting ongoing support from the developers. However, the negatives are notable across all platforms. On Xbox One, issues with server latency and connection problems were frequently mentioned, with critics like Critical Hit and Atomix highlighting stability issues, including crashes and server disconnects. The Xbox One X version faced specific challenges, such as image tearing, as noted by Eurogamer Italy and Generación Xbox. On PS5, while the experience is generally stable, some critics like Vandal pointed out bugs and stability issues that have arisen with recent updates. On PC, the situation is more complex, with multiple critics, including GameOver.gr and XGN, reporting significant technical issues, including server problems and delayed rewards, which detracted from the overall gameplay experience. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that while Sea of Thieves offers a solid technical foundation across platforms, it is marred by various issues that affect gameplay. The Xbox One version, while optimized, suffers from connection problems and occasional graphical issues, as highlighted by multiple reviewers. The PS5 version is praised for its performance but is not without its bugs, as noted by GamingBolt and Jeuxvideo.com. On PC, the game appears to have a more tumultuous experience, with several critics pointing out ongoing server issues and technical bugs that hinder the overall enjoyment. Despite these challenges, the developers' commitment to addressing these problems suggests a positive trajectory for the game, as noted by critics like XboxAddict and Digital Trends.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Sea of Thieves boasts strong replay value with emergent gameplay and social interactions, according to some critics. However, many reviewers warn that its repetitive missions, lack of content variety, and minimal progression systems can lead to boredom, undermining its long-term appeal. While the game shines in cooperative play and offers unique adventures, the consensus emphasizes a need for more depth to keep players engaged over time.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

17%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

55%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

28%

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

The opinions of critics regarding the replay value of Sea of Thieves reveal a nuanced perspective that highlights both its strengths and weaknesses. Several reviewers, including PlayStation Universe and Vandal, emphasize the game's potential for high replay value, particularly through its emergent gameplay and social interactions. Critics like GamingTrend and TheXboxHub also note that the multiplayer experience and player-driven narratives can create unique adventures, encouraging players to return for new interactions and explorations. The open-ended nature of the game, as mentioned by Atomix and MondoXbox, allows players to engage in diverse activities, making each session feel fresh and unpredictable. However, a significant number of critics point out the game's shortcomings that detract from its overall replay value. Reviewers such as DarkStation, Easy Allies, and PlayGround.ru express concerns about the lack of content variety and meaningful progression systems, which can lead to monotony and boredom over time. The repetitive nature of missions and the absence of engaging quests are recurring themes in reviews from Critical Hit, Wccftech, and GamePro Germany, who argue that these factors make it difficult for players to justify returning to the game frequently. Additionally, the high price relative to the limited content offered is highlighted by critics like GRYOnline.pl, further questioning the game's long-term appeal. Overall, the consensus among critics appears to lean towards a cautious acknowledgment of Sea of Thieves' potential, tempered by concerns regarding its current state. While some reviewers, such as God is a Geek and Digital Trends, recognize the game's capacity for fun and creativity, they also caution that the lack of depth and engaging content can hinder long-term replayability. The mixed sentiments suggest that while the game offers enjoyable moments, particularly in cooperative play, its repetitive mechanics and limited progression systems may ultimately restrict its appeal for players seeking a more robust and varied gaming experience.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

30%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

66%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

In analyzing the overall sentiment towards "Sea of Thieves," it is evident that many critics appreciate the game's stunning visuals, engaging ship mechanics, and the fun that can be had in cooperative multiplayer settings. Critics like COGconnected and Digital Chumps highlight the game's beautiful world and strong multiplayer elements, which can create memorable experiences, especially when played with friends. The cooperative gameplay is often praised as a major draw, with several reviewers, including GRYOnline.pl and GameStar, noting that the game shines when players work together. Additionally, some critics, such as Trusted Reviews and PlayStation Universe, recognize the charm and humor embedded in the game, suggesting it has the potential to evolve into something truly special. However, despite these positives, the overwhelming consensus among critics is that "Sea of Thieves" suffers from significant shortcomings. Many reviews, including those from MMORPG.com, CGMagazine, and Slant Magazine, criticize the game for its lack of content and depth, describing it as feeling shallow and repetitive. Critics like Gamer.no and Impulsegamer echo this sentiment, pointing out that while the game can be enjoyable in short bursts, it ultimately lacks the variety and long-term engagement necessary to keep players invested. The reliance on player-driven experiences is seen as a double-edged sword, making it difficult for those seeking structured gameplay to find satisfaction. Overall, the consensus among critics is that "Sea of Thieves" is a game with great potential that is currently hindered by its content limitations and repetitive gameplay. While many reviewers, such as GameSpot and Digital Trends, express hope for future improvements and updates, they also caution potential players about the game's current state, suggesting that it may be best enjoyed through Xbox Game Pass or after significant content expansions. The mixed reception indicates that while the game has a solid foundation and offers enjoyable moments, it may not yet be worth the full price for many players, as highlighted by critics like App Trigger and Wccftech.

TL;DR

"Sea of Thieves" impresses with stunning visuals and cooperative multiplayer fun, earning praise for its charm and potential. However, critics universally agree it suffers from a lack of content and depth, making the gameplay feel shallow and repetitive. While it shines in short bursts with friends, many suggest waiting for major updates or trying it via Xbox Game Pass, as its current state may not justify the full price.

MONSTER

Reviews

194 reviews found

100

Guardian

PlayStation 5

May 2, 2024