Call of the Sea, by developer Out of the Blue and publisher Raw Fury for the Xbox One (and Xbox Series X|S), plays like a best selling adventure novel. From the amazing landscapes to its engaging puzzles, it’s a game that will grip you from start to finish. All of these aspects synergize into a deep and intriguing story filled with mystery, romance, and discovery.
Story
On this dreamlike isle found in the South Pacific Ocean, a famed explorer named Harry has embarked on a desperate quest to find a cure for the disease that threatens to claim the life of his wife, Nora. Harry regails Nora of his journey and exploits throughout the duration of his journey until, suddenly, his letters no longer arrive at her doorstep. Worried about the wellbeing of her husband, Nora sets out after Harry to discover what has happened to him on the mysterious island. This is where her story begins. Journey with Nora in this First-Person Adventure as she crosses the ocean, decipher ancient puzzles, and discover mysteries as old as time itself.
Masterfully written, there are few moments within the four to five hours of Call of the Sea that will not have you glued to the screen waiting for the next clue on the back of a letter or introspective flashback giving more weight to Nora’s internal struggles. While, at times, the story may do more telling than showing, these moments are few and far between one-another. Unfortunately, due to the higher quality of the writing and execution of Call of the Sea, whenever such moments present themselves, it becomes noticeable. You get the sense that Developer Out of the Blue Games has finely crafted a visual display of intrigue and mystery, but then some scenes attempt to explain away that which felt like it was meant to be left to the imagination. Not a terrible issue to have, but Call of the Sea suffers from its own success in these moments.
Gameplay & Mechanics
While I personally don’t seek out puzzle games for that sweet sweet dopamine fix, Out of the Blue Games have developed a system of progression that I cannot celebrate enough. While many of the early puzzles start out simple, it becomes immediately obvious that more challenging mechanics are on the horizon. Call of the Sea does not disappoint in this regard. Not only do the challenges become more intricate, they build off one-another in a way that gives each a deeper meaning. Every individual challenge prepares you for the next. And with each success, you are handsomely rewarded with an immaculate new discovery begging to be explored.
Aesthetics & Sound
Call of the Sea is nothing short of gorgeous. Even on base Xbox One the game runs at a buttery smooth framerate with next to no shakes or stutters. Masterfully optimized, Out of the Blue Games has spared no expense in giving you a visual display that will pamper your eyes like the royalty that they are. Each area feels like a moving painting with bright vivid colors or delirious blooms meant to engulf you in Call of the Sea’s mystifying reverie.
Call of the Sea is one of those games that you need to experience. Anyone who appreciates art, story, or a good mystery will quickly find themselves wrapped up in all the twists and turns Out of the Blue Games has in store. With a variety of challenges scaling in difficulty, Call of the Wild feels like a dynamic quest through a strange new land. Out of the Blue Games has done an amazing job with this masterfully crafted title. I can’t wait to see what they have planned for the future.
9 / 10
Check Out the Call of the Sea Trailer:
For more information, please visit: https://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/call-of-the-sea
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Xbox One Review
As the (self-proclaimed) King of Casuals, I'm always seeking out new titles to play and experience across all platforms. Eventually, I have ambitions to take the many different styles of this medium to create titles that will wow the masses in fresh, innovative ways.
More Stories
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Launch Trailer
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Review for PlayStation 5
Konami Announces DELIVER AT ALL COSTS Thrilling Action Game Heading Soon to PC and Console