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Sea of Thieves

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

2018

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

AvailableMar 20, 2018

PlatformXbox One, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, PC

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 are divided on Sea of Thieves: Some praise its player-driven narrative and character experiences, while others criticize its lack of traditional storytelling elements and depth. The game excels in allowing players to create their own pirate adventures, but some find its absence of a guided narrative to be a flaw.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

22%

Mixed (50-79)

72%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the Story of Sea of Thieves are quite varied. Some critics, such as Attack of the Fanboy and Cheat Code Central, appreciate the player-driven narrative and character-driven experiences that the game offers. They highlight the uniqueness of each player's story and the rare character-driven experiences in modern gaming. Additionally, Post Arcade praises the game for focusing on cooperation, socialization, friendship, and anecdotes, which contribute to a rich storytelling experience within the game. On the other hand, several critics express concerns about the lack of a traditional, guided narrative in Sea of Thieves. Critics like Hardcore Gamer and Metro GameCentral point out the lack of detailed world-building, depth, and variety in content, leading to a shallow experience for some players. IGN Italia and Slant Magazine criticize the game for lacking a proper story to follow, effective tutorials, end goals, or narrative through lines, leaving players with a sense of aimlessness and lack of context. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Sea of Thieves excels in providing a player-driven, emergent storytelling experience where players can create their own pirate adventures and narratives. While some critics appreciate the focus on player interactions and self-made stories, others find the lack of a traditional story or campaign to be a notable flaw. The game's emphasis on journey over destination, unique gameplay mechanics, and engaging concepts are highlighted positively by critics like Windows Central and Trusted Reviews. However, the absence of a structured narrative and meaningful guided content is a point of criticism for those seeking a more traditional storytelling experience in a video game.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Sea of Thieves' gameplay earns praise for its thrilling ship-to-ship combat and realistic sailing mechanics, emphasizing teamwork and player interaction. However, critics criticize the repetitive fetch quests, lackluster combat system, and limited progression options. While the game excels in creating dynamic experiences with a full crew, it falls short in mission variety and solo play. Overall, Sea of Thieves offers a unique pirate experience best enjoyed with friends, despite its flaws.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

38%

Mixed (50-79)

60%

Negative (0-49)

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

In analyzing the opinions of the critics regarding the Gameplay of Sea of Thieves, several positive aspects stand out. Critics such as FANDOM, Game Informer, and GameSpot praise the intense and engaging ship-to-ship combat, emphasizing the coordination and strategic decision-making required during battles. The sailing mechanics are highlighted as exceptional by COGconnected, GameCrate, and GameStar, with an intuitive feel and realistic portrayal of operating a ship. The cooperative nature of the gameplay, as mentioned by Attack of the Fanboy and TrueAchievements, underscores the importance of teamwork and player interaction in creating dynamic and memorable experiences. On the other hand, the negative aspects of the gameplay are also evident in the critics' opinions. Critics like COGconnected, DualShockers, and Slant Magazine criticize the repetitive nature of the fetch quests, highlighting a lack of depth and variety in the missions. IGN and Twinfinite point out the lackluster combat system and limited progression options beyond cosmetic items, which may lead to a sense of stagnation for players. Additionally, the solo play experience is often described as underdeveloped or lacking, as noted by GameCrate and Metro GameCentral, with challenges in managing larger ships alone. Overall, the consensus among the critics regarding the Gameplay of Sea of Thieves is mixed. While the game excels in providing moments of intense ship combat, engaging sailing mechanics, and fostering a sense of camaraderie through cooperative play, it falls short in terms of mission variety, progression depth, and solo gameplay experience. The repetitive nature of fetch quests and the lack of meaningful progression systems are recurring themes in the critiques. However, the game's potential for emergent experiences, especially when played with a full crew, is acknowledged as a significant strength. Despite its flaws, Sea of Thieves manages to offer a unique and fun pirate experience that shines brightest when shared with friends, as highlighted by Worth Playing and TheXboxHub.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Critics rave about Sea of Thieves' stunning visuals, especially the water effects and diverse environments, praising the attention to detail. Some critics note the game feels empty and lacks visual variety in certain areas. Overall, the majority of reviewers highly praise the game's graphics, finding them beautiful and immersive, despite some shortcomings. Sea of Thieves' graphics are a major strength, captivating players with a visually stunning and charming pirate world.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

86%

Mixed (50-79)

14%

Negative (0-49)

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

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers on the Graphics and Visual Design of Sea of Thieves, it becomes evident that the majority of critics were highly impressed with the game's visuals. Many critics highlighted the stunning water effects, diverse environments, and attention to detail in the graphics. Attack of the Fanboy praised the "stunning visuals" and "impressive water effects," while COGconnected described the game as boasting "visually breathtaking worlds" with "stunning aesthetics" and "impressive lighting." The visuals were further lauded by GameCrate for their "unbelievable water graphics" and "immersive experience," and by TrueAchievements for being "beautiful and charming" with "gorgeous waves and islands." On the flip side, some critics did point out certain drawbacks in the visual design of Sea of Thieves. Gaming Age mentioned that while the world and water effects were visually appealing, the game felt "empty" and lacked visual variety. The Guardian noted that while the visual style was "painterly and warm" with moments of beauty, the islands felt "extremely similar" and empty. Slant Magazine also criticized the game for being "wide but barren," lacking in visual variety and interesting locations. These criticisms suggest that while the game excelled in certain aspects of its visual design, there were areas where it fell short in providing a truly immersive and varied experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans heavily towards the positive side when it comes to the Graphics and Visual Design of Sea of Thieves. The majority of reviewers were impressed by the game's visuals, particularly praising the stunning water effects, diverse environments, and attention to detail. Critics such as Game Informer, GameSpot, and VideoGamer all commended the impressive presentation and beauty of the visuals. Despite some criticisms regarding the lack of visual variety and emptiness in certain areas, the overall sentiment is that Sea of Thieves delivers a visually stunning and immersive experience that captivates players and brings the pirate world to life in a captivating manner. The blend of cartoony visuals with realistic water effects, as highlighted by TheSixthAxis and Vandal, further adds to the game's appeal and charm. In conclusion, the Graphics and Visual Design of Sea of Thieves were widely regarded as a major strength of the game, contributing significantly to its overall appeal and enjoyment for players.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics mostly praise Sea of Thieves' sound design and music for enhancing the pirate experience with immersive effects like wind and sea ambiance, as well as fun features like playing sea shanties and musical instruments. Some critics note a lack of diversity in the music and combat sounds, but overall agree that the audio elements greatly enrich the gameplay atmosphere and enjoyment.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

65%

Mixed (50-79)

35%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Sea of Thieves are largely positive. Critics like Attack of the Fanboy, Cheat Code Central, DualShockers, and God is a Geek praise the immersive sound design that enhances the pirate experience. They appreciate the detailed audio effects such as wind, ship sounds, and sea ambiance, which add depth and movement to the game world. The inclusion of sea shanties, playing musical instruments, and harmonizing with crew members is highlighted as a key feature that enhances the social and cooperative gameplay experience. GameCrate and Trusted Reviews specifically mention how the music adds a fun and memorable element to the game, with the ability for players to create music together, adding to the overall ambience and enjoyment of Sea of Thieves. However, there are some critics who express concerns about the lack of diversity and variety in the music and sound design of Sea of Thieves. Critics like COGconnected and TheSixthAxis note that while the melodies and music in the game are charming and add to the adventure, they find the combat and overall sound design to be lacking in engagement and diversity. TheSixthAxis specifically mentions the need for more musical content to enhance the experience further. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment from the critics is that the sound design and music of Sea of Thieves contribute significantly to the immersive pirate experience, with most reviewers acknowledging the positive impact of the audio elements on the gameplay atmosphere and overall enjoyment. In conclusion, the consensus among the critics is that the Sound Design and Music of Sea of Thieves are commendable, with the majority of reviewers praising the immersive and detailed audio effects that enhance the pirate-themed gameplay. Critics like Game Informer, Telegraph, and Worth Playing highlight the positive aspects of the sound design, such as the realistic ship sounds, atmospheric storm effects, and the ability to play music together with co-op partners. While there are some criticisms regarding the lack of diversity in sea shanties and combat sounds, the overall sentiment is that the sound design and music contribute significantly to making players feel like true pirates and add to the overall enjoyment and ambience of Sea of Thieves.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Critics praise Sea of Thieves for its stunning 4K visuals and smooth gameplay on Xbox One X, with efforts to fix technical issues. However, concerns arise about hackers on PC affecting stability, achievement glitches, and quest problems. Mixed reviews highlight ongoing technical challenges, but developers are dedicated to enhancing the gameplay experience for all platforms, promising a brighter future for players.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

100%

Negative (0-49)

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

In terms of technical performance on Xbox One, there are some positive aspects highlighted by the critics. Attack of the Fanboy mentions that Sea of Thieves runs at 4K resolution on Xbox One X at 30 FPS, providing a visually appealing experience. Vandal also notes smooth gameplay on Xbox One X, indicating that the game performs well on the platform. Additionally, TheXboxHub acknowledges that Rare has addressed technical issues related to griefing and respawn mechanics, showcasing the developer's commitment to improving the gameplay experience on Xbox One. However, there are some negative points raised by the critics regarding the technical performance on Xbox One. GameSpot points out the presence of hackers on PC, which negatively impacts the game's stability and performance, potentially affecting the overall experience for players on Xbox One as well. TrueAchievements mentions technical issues with achievements not being available for some players during the first week of play, indicating initial problems that players may encounter. Trusted Reviews also highlights problems with logging on and quest-related issues, although the reviewer personally had a smooth experience, suggesting that technical issues may vary among players on Xbox One. Overall, the consensus among the critics regarding the technical performance of Sea of Thieves on both Xbox One and PC is mixed. While there are positive aspects such as smooth gameplay on Xbox One X and efforts by Rare to address technical issues, there are also concerns raised about hackers affecting stability, occasional game errors, and server instability on PC. Easy Allies and GRYOnline.pl specifically mention encountering technical issues on PC, indicating that there are areas where improvements could be made. Despite these challenges, the overall sentiment seems to be that the developers are actively working to improve the technical performance of the game, as noted by TheXboxHub and Trusted Reviews, which may lead to a more polished experience for players across all platforms in the future.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Critics have mixed opinions on Sea of Thieves' replay value. Some praise its potential for player interactions and creativity, while others criticize its repetitive quests and lack of meaningful progression. The game offers cooperative gameplay and endless adventure opportunities, but struggles with limited content variety and rewards. Overall, Sea of Thieves may need more variety and depth to maintain long-term engagement for a wider audience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

64%

Negative (0-49)

30%

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

In terms of positives, several critics highlighted the potential for player interactions and creativity in Sea of Thieves, which adds replay value. Critics like TheXboxHub and Trusted Reviews noted that the game encourages spontaneity and offers endless opportunities for adventure, rewarding players for exploring its world. Vandal also mentioned the diverse and personalized experience the game provides, along with the potential for future updates to enhance the gameplay experience. Additionally, critics such as Post Arcade and TrueAchievements acknowledged the cooperative gameplay and multiplayer interactions as factors that contribute to the game's replayability. On the negative side, many critics pointed out various aspects that hinder the replay value of Sea of Thieves. Issues such as repetitive quests, lack of diverse content, limited progression system, and purely cosmetic rewards were commonly mentioned. Critics like COGconnected, GameCrate, and Metro GameCentral highlighted the lack of meaningful advancement, bland progression system, and extremely repetitive gameplay as factors that limit long-term engagement. Additionally, critics such as ZTGD and Easy Allies noted the lack of genuine progression, incentives, and depth in the game, which may lead to players getting tired of the experience quickly. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards Sea of Thieves having mixed opinions regarding its replay value. While some critics appreciate the game's potential for player interactions, creativity, and cooperative gameplay, others express concerns about the repetitive nature of quests, lack of meaningful progression, and limited content variety. Critics like Game Informer and GameSpot emphasize the need for more variety, progression, and rewards to enhance the replayability of the game. Despite some positive aspects, the general sentiment suggests that Sea of Thieves may struggle to maintain long-term engagement for a broader audience due to its current limitations in content depth and progression system.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

30%

Mixed (50-79)

66%

Negative (0-49)

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

In analyzing the opinions of various critics on the videogame Sea of Thieves, several positive aspects stand out. Critics such as COGconnected and TheXboxHub praise the visually stunning world and engaging ship mechanics of the game. The cooperative play with friends is highlighted as a fun and immersive experience by multiple reviewers, including GameCrate and TrueAchievements. The unique sandbox experience and the potential for player interactions are also commended by Twinfinite and Vandal, emphasizing the charm and ambition of the game. On the flip side, the criticisms of Sea of Thieves are predominantly focused on its lack of depth and content. Many reviewers, like Attack of the Fanboy and DualShockers, point out the repetitive quests and limited progression as major drawbacks. The game's underdeveloped solo play, lack of content variety, and limited customization options are highlighted by critics such as GameCrate and Metro GameCentral. The lack of long-term engagement due to content limitations at launch and the need for post-launch content updates are also mentioned by Windows Central and Worth Playing. Overall, the consensus among the critics regarding Sea of Thieves is that while the game has its merits in terms of visuals, cooperative play, and unique gameplay experience, it falls short in providing substantial content and long-term engagement. Critics like Game Informer and Guardian acknowledge the moments of joy and hilarity the game offers but express a desire for more content and depth. The potential for future improvements and evolution of the game is recognized by COGconnected and Impulsegamer, indicating optimism for the game's future. However, the general sentiment leans towards Sea of Thieves being a promising concept that may require additional updates and content to fully realize its potential and appeal to a broader audience.

TL;DR

Sea of Thieves impresses with stunning visuals and engaging ship mechanics, praised by critics. Cooperative play is fun and immersive, but the game lacks depth and content variety, drawing criticism. While offering charm and ambition, the game falls short in providing substantial long-term engagement due to content limitations. Critics see potential in future updates but agree that Sea of Thieves needs more content to reach its full potential.

MONSTER

Reviews

194 reviews found

Hooked Gamers

Mar 28, 2018