Abzû is an underwater experience that evokes the dream of diving where you will be immersed in a vibrant ocean world full of mystery and bursting with color and life.Perform fluid acrobatics as the Diver, using graceful swimming controls. Discover hundreds of unique species based on real creatures and form a powerful connection with the abundant sea life. Interact with schools of thousands of fish that procedurally respond to you, each other, and predators. Linger in epic seascapes and explore aquatic ecosystems modelled with unprecedented detail. Descend into the heart of the ocean where ancient secrets lie forgotten. But beware, dangers lurk in the depths.
ABZÛ is from the oldest mythologies; AB, meaning water, and ZÛ, meaning to know. ABZÛ is the ocean of wisdom.
ABZÛ will be available on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One at retail in January 2017.
ABZÛ is not a scuba sim. There are no air gauges or weight belts. Instead, the focus is on the sense of majesty and awe inspired by exploring underwater environments and encountering wildlife. To achieve that, ABZÛ is designed to create a completely fluid experience. There is no fail state that breaks the flow of gameplay. The unique swimming controls are also fluid: we allow the diver to pitch freely in the water, allowing complete freedom of movement.
The world of ABZÛ is populated by tens of thousands of dynamic fish. These fish are all aware of each other and the diver. They follow rules that govern real fish behavior, which causes emergent schooling and darting. ABZÛ also features a food chain simulation with predators eating smaller fish and others grazing on corals and algae. This is all possible due to unique animation and rendering techniques that Giant Squid has developed.
Many games that feature animals offer limited interaction with them, usually "shoot them with a gun for upgrades." ABZÛ captures meaningful and respectful interactions with creatures. The diver can reach out and touch creatures, allowing her to ride and school with them. These mechanics will allow the player to form a more genuine connection with sealife they encounter.
ABZÛ, rated E for Everyone, is available as digital download on PS4 and PC/Steam for $19.99.
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