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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, Xbox Series X, 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

Sea of Thieves shines with player-driven storytelling and vibrant sandbox adventures, earning praise for its engaging Tall Tales and exploration. However, critics slam the lack of a cohesive narrative, labeling it repetitive and shallow. While some players revel in the creative freedom, many newcomers feel lost without a clear storyline or effective tutorials, leading to a mixed reception overall.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

23%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

51%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

26%

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

In reviewing the opinions of various critics regarding the story of Sea of Thieves, there are notable positives that emerge amidst the critiques. Many reviewers appreciate the game's emphasis on player-driven narratives and emergent storytelling. For instance, Game Informer highlights the jubilant and silly stories that players can create with their crews, while Windows Central commends the sandbox environment that allows for unique pirate tales. Critics like GamingBolt and But Why Tho? point out the engaging nature of the Tall Tales missions, which provide structured yet flexible storytelling opportunities that enhance the overall experience. Additionally, the game’s focus on exploration and adventure resonates positively with players who enjoy crafting their own stories through interactions and quests. However, the majority of critics express significant concerns regarding the lack of a traditional narrative structure in Sea of Thieves. Reviewers such as LevelUp and GameOver.gr emphasize the absence of a clear guiding storyline, which leads to feelings of repetitiveness and a lack of motivation. Critics like Slant Magazine and DarkStation point out that the game primarily consists of fetch quests that feel monotonous and devoid of depth. The absence of a compelling narrative or character development is a recurring theme, with many reviewers noting that the game feels empty despite its beautiful design, as highlighted by Critical Hit. This lack of direction and narrative context can be particularly challenging for newcomers, as noted by GamePro Germany and IGN Italia, who mention the absence of effective tutorials to help players navigate the experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Sea of Thieves offers a unique and engaging environment for player-driven storytelling, it suffers from a lack of structured narrative and depth. Many reviewers, including PC Gamer and Metro GameCentral, agree that the game’s reliance on sandbox mechanics and player creativity comes at the expense of a cohesive story, leading to a mixed reception. While some players may thrive in the freedom to create their own adventures, others may find the experience lacking in meaningful content and direction. This dichotomy highlights the game's appeal to a specific audience while simultaneously alienating those who seek a more traditional gaming narrative.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Sea of Thieves impresses with its cooperative gameplay and sailing mechanics, offering memorable moments through player interactions. However, it's bogged down by repetitive quests and a lackluster combat system, leading to frustration, especially for solo players. While best enjoyed with friends, critics warn that the limited mission variety and depth may cause long-term disengagement. It's a fun ride, but don't expect depth or variety to keep you hooked solo.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

31%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

59%

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 a mix of positive feedback from critics, particularly regarding its cooperative elements and sailing mechanics. Many reviewers, such as Game Informer and Push Square, highlight the satisfaction derived from working together to navigate ships, engage in treasure hunts, and participate in naval battles. Critics like GameCrate and AusGamers note that while the gameplay can be simplistic, the emergent moments that arise from player interactions often lead to memorable and enjoyable experiences. The game’s open-world design allows for a degree of freedom in how players approach quests, which is praised by critics like MondoXbox and Generación Xbox, emphasizing the potential for fun and creativity when playing with friends. However, a significant number of reviews point out the repetitive nature of the gameplay, which detracts from the overall experience. Critics such as Game Revolution and MMORPG.com express frustration with the limited quest variety, often describing the gameplay as a series of fetch quests that lack depth and meaningful progression. The combat system is frequently criticized for being lackluster, with many reviewers, including COGconnected and DarkStation, highlighting the monotony that sets in, especially for solo players. This sentiment is echoed by PC Games and Twinfinite, who note that the game can feel tedious over time, particularly when lacking a supportive crew. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Sea of Thieves offers enjoyable cooperative gameplay and exceptional sailing mechanics, it suffers from a lack of mission variety and depth. Critics like Windows Central and GamingBolt acknowledge the fun that can be had in multiplayer settings, but also caution that the repetitive quest structure and limited progression can lead to a sense of disengagement. The game is often described as best enjoyed with friends, as the social interactions can elevate the experience, but solo players may find it lacking. Thus, while Sea of Thieves has its strengths in emergent gameplay and teamwork, the repetitive mechanics and limited content remain significant drawbacks that could hinder long-term engagement for many players.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Sea of Thieves shines with stunning water effects and vibrant visuals, hailed by critics as a top-tier artistic achievement. Praise pours in for its immersive ocean depiction and charming aesthetic, especially on advanced hardware. However, some reviewers call out a lack of variety in environments and ship designs, noting that the islands can feel repetitive. While the graphics truly captivate, criticisms of generic character designs and limited visual diversity hold it back from perfection. Overall, the game's visuals stand out, enhancing the exploration of its beautifully crafted pirate world despite some shortcomings.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

86%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

14%

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 significant praise from a majority of critics, who highlight the game's stunning water effects and vibrant art style. Reviewers from outlets like Twinfinite and GamesRadar+ commend the game's depiction of the ocean, describing it as "the best seen in games" and "visually stunning," respectively. Critics such as Press Start Australia and GamingTrend also emphasize the impressive lighting and dynamic weather effects that contribute to an immersive experience. The overall aesthetic is often described as charming and colorful, with many noting how the game effectively captures the essence of pirate life through its artistic design. For instance, Windows Central lauds the clean visuals and vibrant colors, particularly on enhanced hardware like the Xbox One X. Despite the overwhelming positivity, some critics have pointed out notable shortcomings in the game's visual design. Reviews from Gameplanet and Slant Magazine mention a lack of visual variety and interesting locations, suggesting that while the islands are beautifully rendered, they can feel empty and repetitive. Critics like GRYOnline.pl and PC Games echo these sentiments, highlighting the limited variety in ship designs and the overall content, which detracts from the richness of the visual experience. Furthermore, Game Informer critiques the character and item designs as lacking distinctiveness, feeling overly generic and "piratey." This sentiment is echoed by others who feel that the environments can sometimes appear generic, which diminishes the impact of the otherwise beautiful graphics. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Sea of Thieves offers a visually captivating experience, particularly through its water effects and vibrant art style, which many consider to be among the best in the industry. While there are valid criticisms regarding the repetitiveness of environments and a lack of visual variety, the majority of reviewers appreciate the game's charm and artistic achievements. Critics like IGN and Hobby Consolas encapsulate this sentiment, praising the game's ability to create a beautiful and immersive world that invites exploration. Thus, despite some noted flaws, the graphics and visual design of Sea of Thieves are largely regarded as a strong point, contributing significantly to the overall enjoyment of the game.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Sea of Thieves receives high praise for its immersive sound design and music, enhancing the pirate experience with detailed audio and interactive shanties. Critics celebrate its atmospheric quality but note some repetitiveness in music and sound effects, suggesting a need for greater variety. Overall, the audio elements are seen as standout features that significantly enrich gameplay.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

71%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

29%

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 various critics, who emphasize its immersive quality and attention to detail. Reviewers such as 3DJuegos and Attack of the Fanboy highlight the game's ability to create an engaging atmosphere through its detailed audio effects, including the sounds of wind, waves, and ship mechanics. Critics like AusGamers and Everyeye.it praise the atmospheric music and high-quality sound effects that contribute significantly to the overall experience, enhancing the sense of adventure as players sail the seas. Furthermore, the incorporation of musical instruments, as noted by Gameblog.fr and Trusted Reviews, adds a unique social element to the gameplay, allowing players to harmonize and create their own pirate shanties, which enriches the communal experience. However, not all reviews are entirely positive. Some critics, such as COGconnected and Game Revolution, express concerns regarding the lack of variety in the music and sound effects, suggesting that while the initial experience is enjoyable, it can become repetitive over time. TheSixthAxis echoes this sentiment, indicating that the game could benefit from a broader selection of sea shanties. Additionally, while many reviewers commend the immersive sound design, a few, like USgamer and PlayGround.ru, note that the sound design does not always engage players during combat or ship maintenance, indicating potential areas for improvement. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Sea of Thieves excels in creating an immersive and atmospheric audio experience that significantly enhances gameplay. The majority of reviewers, including GameCrate and GamingTrend, agree that the sound design and music are standout features of the game, contributing to its charm and appeal. While there are some criticisms regarding repetition and a desire for more variety, the positive feedback overwhelmingly highlights the game's ability to transport players into a vibrant pirate world, making it a noteworthy aspect of the overall gaming experience.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Voice acting in Sea of Thieves is a double-edged sword. While some reviewers praise the immersive performances and engaging story missions, others criticize the lackluster NPC dialogues and inconsistent accents. Critics highlight the strong player voice chat as a plus, but many agree that the overall quality is hit-or-miss, with significant room for improvement. The game showcases both commendable strengths and glaring weaknesses in its auditory experience, leaving players with mixed feelings.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

40%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

30%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

30%

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 and criticism from various reviewers, with some highlighting the positive aspects of the performances. Critics like But Why Tho? and GamingBolt commend the voice acting in story missions, noting that it enhances the immersive experience and adds depth to the characters. PLAY! Zine also echoes this sentiment, emphasizing how the excellent voice acting contributes to the immersive pirate atmosphere and overall narrative. Furthermore, Multiplayer.it and Digital Trends point out the importance of player voice chat, which fosters interaction and engagement within the game, adding a layer of immersion that complements the voice acting. On the other hand, several reviewers have voiced concerns about the quality and delivery of the voice acting throughout the game. Gameplanet criticizes the NPC dialogue for being mostly unvoiced or poorly delivered, lacking the enthusiasm and character that players expect. Game Revolution adds to this critique by stating that the voice acting feels unbefitting of the game's setting, with accents that seem out of place. InsideGamer.nl raises a point about the pirate language used in the game, which can make understanding the dialogue challenging. MondoXbox further notes that the minimal voice acting and lack of localization detracts from the overall experience, relying heavily on written text instead. Overall, the consensus among critics reveals a divided opinion on the voice acting in Sea of Thieves. While some reviewers appreciate the engaging performances in story missions and the immersive player communication options, others are disappointed by the lack of quality in NPC dialogue and the inconsistency in accents. The positive remarks from critics like GamingBolt and But Why Tho? highlight that there are redeemable aspects to the voice acting, but the criticisms from Gameplanet and Game Revolution suggest that significant improvements are needed to fully realize the game's potential in this area. Ultimately, the voice acting in Sea of Thieves presents a mixed bag that reflects both the strengths and weaknesses of the game's auditory experience.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Sea of Thieves impresses with smooth performance and good optimization on Xbox One and PS5, earning praise for its cross-play and 60fps. However, technical issues plague the experience, particularly on Xbox One with server disconnects and matchmaking problems, and on PC, where bugs severely impact gameplay. While PS5 players report some stability concerns, overall, critics see potential for improvement with ongoing developer support.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

21%

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 variety of opinions across different gaming platforms, with many critics noting positive aspects. On Xbox One, reviewers like BaziCenter and DarkStation highlighted the game's smooth performance and good optimization, suggesting that it runs well on standard hardware. Critics such as GamePro Germany and Eurogamer Italy also noted the game’s impressive technical aspects, with GamePro emphasizing minimal stuttering and Eurogamer praising the performance on PC, while Everyeye.it mentioned smooth gameplay across various hardware. On PS5, the sentiment is similarly favorable, with critics like Guardian and Push Square commending the game for its seamless cross-play and a buttery 60 frames-per-second performance. MMORPG.com also reported good stability on this platform, indicating that the game has been well-received technically. However, the negatives cannot be overlooked. On Xbox One, several critics, including Critical Hit and USgamer, pointed out significant issues such as server disconnects and matchmaking problems that detract from the overall experience. Critics like GamesRadar+ and Gameplanet noted technical bugs, including issues with loading islands and lag in combat mechanics, which can frustrate players. On PS5, while the performance is generally strong, critics such as Vandal and Jeuxvideo.com reported bugs and stability issues that have arisen with recent updates, indicating that the game is not without its flaws. On PC, the situation appears more dire, with multiple critics like GameOver.gr and XGN reporting numerous technical issues, including server instability and delayed rewards, which significantly impact gameplay. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Sea of Thieves offers a polished and enjoyable experience across platforms, it is marred by various technical issues. Xbox One reviews present a mixed bag, with some praising optimization but many noting persistent server and connection problems. The PS5 version generally receives high marks for performance but is not immune to bugs. Meanwhile, the PC version struggles with significant technical challenges, as highlighted by critics like Gamer.no and GRYOnline.pl. Despite these shortcomings, there is a sense of optimism regarding ongoing developer support, as many reviews indicate that fixes and updates are being actively pursued to enhance the gaming experience.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Sea of Thieves offers a fun, replayable experience, especially in multiplayer settings, with emergent gameplay and ongoing updates. However, critics largely agree its repetitive quests and lack of meaningful progression lead to player boredom over time, hindering its long-term appeal. While it shines initially with friends, the game’s depth and content variety need significant improvement to keep players engaged in the long run.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

18%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

55%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

27%

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

The opinions regarding the replay value of Sea of Thieves present a mixed but predominantly positive sentiment when considering the game's social and cooperative aspects. Critics like PCGamesN and PlayStation Universe highlight the high replay value derived from the game's emergent gameplay and the unpredictability of player interactions. Multiplayer experiences are frequently noted as a significant draw, with critics such as But Why Tho? and TheXboxHub emphasizing the enjoyment found in returning to the game with friends. Additionally, some reviewers, like Hobby Consolas and Generación Xbox, point to the ongoing updates and a wealth of content that can provide hundreds of hours of gameplay, particularly in a cooperative setting. This suggests that the game can offer a rich and engaging experience for those who enjoy multiplayer dynamics. However, a substantial number of critics express concerns about the game's replay value being hampered by its repetitive nature and lack of meaningful progression. Reviewers such as DarkStation and PC Games argue that the limited variety in quests and the absence of a structured campaign lead to player boredom over time. Many critics, including COGconnected and Wccftech, echo this sentiment, noting that the grindy nature of the game and the lack of engaging content can make it difficult to justify returning after the initial excitement fades. The consensus among critics like GameSpot and Critical Hit is that while the game has its fun moments, the repetitive quests and lack of substantial rewards diminish its long-term appeal. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a recognition of Sea of Thieves as a game with potential for replayability, especially when played with friends. However, the overwhelming feedback points to significant shortcomings in content variety and progression systems that detract from its longevity. Critics such as Easy Allies and Eurogamer Italy summarize the experience as enjoyable initially but ultimately limited in depth, indicating that while the game may provide memorable moments, it struggles to maintain player engagement over time. The need for more diverse missions and a richer progression system is a recurring theme, suggesting that while the foundation for replay value exists, it requires further development to fully realize its potential.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

31%

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 regarding Sea of Thieves, it is clear that many critics appreciate the game's visual aesthetics, cooperative gameplay, and the fun it can provide in multiplayer settings. Critics like Metro GameCentral and XboxEra highlight the engaging ship battles and the beautiful world that Sea of Thieves offers, emphasizing the potential for memorable experiences, particularly when played with friends. The game's charm and humor are also noted by Trusted Reviews, which praises it as a return to form for Rare. Many reviewers, such as GamingTrend and But Why Tho?, acknowledge that the game has evolved positively since its launch, particularly on newer consoles like the PS5, making it an excellent time for new players to dive in. However, the predominant critique across various reviews centers around the game's lack of depth and content. Critics like Slant Magazine and MMORPG.com express disappointment in the repetitive nature of gameplay and the feeling of an "empty playground," suggesting that the game requires too much investment for minimal return. The sentiment is echoed by PC Games and Game Revolution, who argue that while the game has a solid foundation, it feels unfinished and shallow, making it difficult to recommend at its price point. Many reviewers, including Impulsegamer and Digital Trends, emphasize that the game is enjoyable in the short term but lacks the necessary content and variety to maintain long-term engagement, leading to a sense of frustration among players. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Sea of Thieves presents a unique and visually stunning experience with strong social elements, yet it falls short in terms of substantial content and gameplay depth. While some reviewers, like GamingBolt and Windows Central, remain optimistic about the game's future with potential updates, many others caution potential players to wait for improvements or consider playing through services like Xbox Game Pass. The game is seen as a fun experience for specific audiences, particularly those who enjoy cooperative play, but its limitations in content and variety have led to a mixed reception overall, with many reviewers expressing a desire for more engaging and meaningful gameplay.

TL;DR

Sea of Thieves dazzles with stunning visuals and fun multiplayer gameplay, earning praise for its ship battles and humor. However, critics widely lament its lack of depth and repetitive content, describing it as an "empty playground." While it’s enjoyable for short bursts, many suggest waiting for updates or trying it on Xbox Game Pass due to its limitations. Overall, it’s a charming experience that needs more substance to keep players engaged long-term.

MONSTER

Reviews

195 reviews found

100

Guardian

PlayStation 5

May 2, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Sea of Thieves is described as a unique and enjoyable sandbox experience, filled with imaginative play and social fun.

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GamingTrend

PlayStation 5

May 6, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Sea of Thieves on PS5 is a great multiplayer experience with more content than at launch, making it an excellent time to play.

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Hooked Gamers

Mar 28, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer gives the game a fun score of 9.0 and expresses excitement for the future of the game.

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Push Square

PlayStation 5

Apr 29, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Sea of Thieves is a fun and immersive experience, especially with friends, and is well worth playing on PS5 after years of updates.

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Multiplayer.it

Xbox Series X

Nov 5, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Sea of Thieves has evolved into one of the best multiplayer experiences, offering diverse content and a strong community.

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Generación Xbox

Xbox One

Mar 23, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Sea of Thieves is a unique and innovative game that may not appeal to everyone, but offers memorable experiences and a new type of gameplay focused on social interaction and adventure.

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PLAY! Zine

Sep 5, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Sea of Thieves is praised for its captivating pirate atmosphere, engaging gameplay, stunning visuals, and immersive sound design. While it may have initial content issues, the continuous updates and free additions have significantly improved the game, making it one of the best multiplayer experiences available.

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Gameblog.fr

PlayStation 5

Jul 15, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Sea of Thieves has transformed into a rich and enjoyable multiplayer experience, maintaining its charm while expanding its content and gameplay mechanics.

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XboxEra

Xbox Series X

May 6, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Sea of Thieves remains an incredible experience, especially for new players, with its emergent gameplay and beautiful world, though it may feel repetitive for veterans.

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Hobby Consolas

PlayStation 5

Apr 29, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Sea of Thieves is a highly enjoyable cooperative pirate adventure that has evolved significantly since its launch, making it a must-try for new players.

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