SURF'S UP

SWORD OF THE SEA is a short but spectacular sword-surfing adventure

- By Sean Martin

Long story short: Sword of the Sea's surfing feels great. Whether it's blazing across rolling sand dunes with a pack of dolphins in tow, zooming down a snowy slope into a ski jump, or cresting the waves and leaving a foaming trail in your wake, I really feel like Giant Squid has achieved something special here. Though linear, each of the game's areas offer up big open spaces you can take time surfing around while also solving the puzzles needed to progress - not that any of the puzzles are particularly hard.

It’s very much an atmospheric surfing game, emphasis on the atmosphere, as you enjoy the scenery and soundtrack (both of which are stellar), and the freestyle way you can use movement to explore each space. This is further complemented with additional tricks you can purchase from vendors you'll find, while you'll also gain additional movement abilities through the story.