Is Sword of the Sea Too Short? The Truth About Its 3-Hour Runtime

on

When Sword of the Sea launched, one question immediately split the community: is three hours enough for a full-priced game? Some players praise its concise design as “a meditative album you replay again and again,” while others argue it feels like the credits roll just as it’s hitting its stride.

Developed by Giant Squid, the studio behind Journey and Abzû, the game continues their tradition of playable poetry—experiences meant to be felt in one sitting. But does its short runtime enhance that vision or limit its potential? Let’s dive into both sides of the debate, from critical reviews to community perspectives.

1. The Case for a Short Runtime: A Focused, Impactful Experience

A. Quality Over Quantity

Fans of Giant Squid argue the brevity is intentional, stripping away filler to leave a distilled emotional journey. Much like Journey (2012), Sword of the Sea delivers a carefully curated experience where every moment—gliding through dunes, restoring oceans, surfing alongside leviathans—feels purposeful rather than padded.

Pros of the short runtime:

  • No repetitive puzzles or bloated open-world mechanics.

  • Emotional peaks hit harder when they’re not overused.

  • Perfect for a single sitting, “flow-state” playthrough.

B. Emotional Payoff vs. Narrative Depth

Critics note that while the game nails atmosphere and visual storytelling, some of its lore feels underdeveloped. Themes of renewal, cycles, and rebirth are there, but less fleshed out than in The Pathless.

  • Atmosphere-first players love the “show, don’t tell” approach.

  • Story-driven players sometimes feel the ending is abrupt. As one Steam reviewer wrote, “It winds down just as it hits its stride.”

Is Sword of the Sea Too Short?
2. Replayability: New Game+ and Speedrunning

A. New Game+ Features

To extend playtime, Sword of the Sea includes a New Game+ mode with a speedometer, trick counters, and combo boosts. These mechanics shift the focus from meditation to mastery.

  • Speedrunners praise the fluid physics and optimized routes.

  • Explorers enjoy combing for hidden Tetra currency and lore tablets, stretching the game closer to 5+ hours.

B. The Speed Surfer Trophy

A divisive achievement asks players to finish in under 2 hours. Some love the challenge; others point out it can be “cheesed” by replaying only the final boss, sparking debate about intent vs. loopholes.

C. Short but Sweet—or Over Too Soon?

  • Supporters call it a “perfect afternoon game”, refreshing compared to 100-hour RPGs.

  • Detractors feel the $30 price tag doesn’t match the runtime, especially when compared to The Pathless (6–8 hours).

3. Community Perspectives: How Players Engage With the Length

A. The Flow-State Crowd

For many, the runtime is a feature, not a flaw. The game’s forgiving physics and lack of fail states make it a stress-free, zen experience worth replaying.

“I’d rather replay a 3-hour masterpiece than slog through padding,” one Reddit user said.

B. The Completionist Dilemma

  • Seashells & Collectibles: Some players enjoy finding all 50 shells, while others dismiss them as “busywork.”

  • Trick Arenas: Optional skatepark-like challenges add variety, though reception is mixed—some see them as fun diversions, others as underdeveloped.

4. Developer Intent vs. Player Expectations

Giant Squid has been clear about their design philosophy: short, poetic adventures meant to leave an impression. But introducing extreme sports-inspired mechanics (tricks, scores, leaderboards) creates tension for some players.

  • Critics: The trick system feels tacked on for a game this short.

  • Fans: It adds replayability and gives the Hoversword depth beyond just traversal.

Conclusion: A Matter of Taste

Ultimately, Sword of the Sea’s length is a Rorschach test:

  • If you want a therapeutic, visually stunning escape, the short runtime works beautifully—something you can revisit like a favorite album.

  • If you’re looking for hours of deep lore and value-for-money gameplay, it may fall short.

Final Verdict:

  • ✅ Works if you embrace it as a meditative, artful journey best enjoyed in one sitting.

  • ❌ Falters if you expect an expansive adventure with dozens of hours of content.

What about you? Do you think Sword of the Sea’s 3-hour runtime is just right—or not enough? Share your thoughts in the comments! 

Community Links & Related Guide

Comments

Post a Comment