On August 19, 2025, indie studio Giant Squid—the visionary team behind ABZÛ and The Pathless—released their latest creation: Sword of the Sea for PlayStation 5 and PC. Known for games that fuse emotional storytelling with breathtaking art, the studio has once again delivered a unique experience that feels equal parts meditative and exhilarating.
Latest News: A PS Plus Lifeline
The launch wasn’t just a creative milestone—it was also a lifeline for the studio. Creative director Matt Nava revealed that releasing Sword of the Sea as a day-one title in the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog was crucial for Giant Squid’s survival. With backing from Sony’s PlayStation Indies program, the game not only reached a global audience but also secured the studio’s future.
This partnership ensured that Sword of the Sea didn’t just arrive—it thrived, instantly becoming one of the year’s most talked-about indie releases.
Gameplay: Surfing on Sand and Beyond
At the heart of Sword of the Sea lies its most striking mechanic: the Hoversword. Blending elements of snowboarding, skateboarding, and surfing, it transforms movement into pure joy. Players step into the role of the Wraith, a mysterious figure tasked with reviving a barren world.
Gliding across rolling dunes and ancient ruins, you build speed, carve elegant lines, and even perform tricks as if the desert itself were a vast skate park. Collectible Ocean Seeds play a pivotal role—activating them unleashes waves of life that transform dead landscapes into vibrant, living seas. These moments not only alter the environment but also unlock new pathways, secrets, and a profound sense of purpose.
A Legacy of Emotion and Flow
Like Giant Squid’s earlier works, Sword of the Sea thrives on wordless storytelling, letting the world, the music, and the movement itself carry the narrative. The soundtrack, composed by Austin Wintory (known for Journey), heightens the game’s spiritual tone, weaving emotion into every glide and transformation.
Thematically, it’s about rebirth, connection, and the restorative power of nature—echoing Nava’s earlier masterpiece, Journey, while carving out its own identity.
Yet, it’s not just meditative. Fans of extreme sports games will find depth in its trick system, with combos and high-flying maneuvers scored in real-time. On PS5, the DualSense haptics make every surface—from sliding over sand to slicing through water—feel tangibly distinct.
A Must-Play Indie Adventure
In a world filled with massive, often overwhelming open-world titles, Sword of the Sea stands apart as a focused, artistic experience. It reminds us that games can be both exhilarating and reflective—an elegant dance of speed, serenity, and beauty.
Whether you’ve followed Giant Squid since ABZÛ or are just discovering them, this is a game that deserves a place on your must-play list. The waves of the desert are calling—time to ride.
