67
Even with a bit of open exploration, Saltsea Chronicles is essentially a visual novel – a character-driven, story you read on screens of charmingly beautiful backgrounds. It’s a stress-free piece of interactive media that invites players to help write the unfolding tale, but those looking for deeper gameplay won’t find any swashbuckling, seafaring action in these calm seas.
70
Saltsea Chronicles was a bizarre experience for me. I admired the quality of the writing, maturity in language, and world the developers sought to craft, but I was frequently bored and eager for something to happen. I couldn’t even call this game slice-of-life, which one could argue is a genre where nothing ever happens by definition, but at least slice-of-life stories are poignant and heartfelt. Saltsea Chronicles just felt flat to me, but I am certain this game will hit some beautiful notes for folks who are tired of melodrama and intensity.
80
This isn't a game about saving the world, but rather achieving some peace within it. [Issue#391, p.114]
5
The way text is presented in conversations with multiple participants felt too hard to parse, for such a text-heavy game. Using one big speech bubble for everyone, with only minor visual cues on who is speaking, was a fundamental problem.
10
Near the end of my first play through and already looking forward to my next one, where I’ll be aiming for different choices of islands and different teams onland. I realise you can branch out like this on one play through but it feels more honest and respectful of the story I’m creating now to save those choices for another. Still loving the chill vibe and the characters (including npcs) are all such good yet flawed people (apart, so far, from one person, and who knows, maybe his motives become a bit clearer towards the end? ), which is fleshed out through believable dialogue. A gentle, moving hymn to diversity, acceptance and kindness.
9
Saltsea Chronicles
Released On:
Oct 12, 2023
Metascore
Generally Favorable
81
User score
Mixed or Average
7.3
My Score
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Metascore
Generally Favorable
81
50% Positive
4 Reviews
4 Reviews
50% Mixed
4 Reviews
4 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Oct 12, 2023
100
A crew searches a watery world for a missing friend in this evocative game of exploration and conversation.
Nov 2, 2023
80
This isn't a game about saving the world, but rather achieving some peace within it. [Issue#391, p.114]
User score
Mixed or Average
7.3
67% Positive
8 Ratings
8 Ratings
17% Mixed
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
17% Negative
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
Nov 4, 2023
10
Near the end of my first play through and already looking forward to my next one, where I’ll be aiming for different choices of islands and different teams onland. I realise you can branch out like this on one play through but it feels more honest and respectful of the story I’m creating now to save those choices for another. Still loving the chill vibe and the characters (including npcs) are all such good yet flawed people (apart, so far, from one person, and who knows, maybe his motives become a bit clearer towards the end? ), which is fleshed out through believable dialogue. A gentle, moving hymn to diversity, acceptance and kindness.
Oct 15, 2023
9
Oct 12, 2023
80
Your search for your missing crew member will take you to some intriguing places in Saltsea Chronicles. This narrative-focused adventure will hook you with its gorgeous art and its expertly-written prose. Action-heavy this is not, but with the choices you make having real weight and the mystery of the story keeping you on your toes, there’s a good chance you’ll find it impossible to tear yourself away. And when you’re done, you’ll probably want to jump straight back in to experience it all again, seeing what other paths you could have gone down.
Dec 12, 2023
70
Saltsea Chronicles was a bizarre experience for me. I admired the quality of the writing, maturity in language, and world the developers sought to craft, but I was frequently bored and eager for something to happen. I couldn’t even call this game slice-of-life, which one could argue is a genre where nothing ever happens by definition, but at least slice-of-life stories are poignant and heartfelt. Saltsea Chronicles just felt flat to me, but I am certain this game will hit some beautiful notes for folks who are tired of melodrama and intensity.
Oct 12, 2023
70
Saltsea Chronicles is a poignant nautical adventure about the distances between us and what we gain from crossing them.
Oct 12, 2023
70
While I won't deny that Saltsea Chronicles has a slow pace that often leaves a little to be desired, this indie adventure game does have its moments.
Mar 18, 2024
67
Even with a bit of open exploration, Saltsea Chronicles is essentially a visual novel – a character-driven, story you read on screens of charmingly beautiful backgrounds. It’s a stress-free piece of interactive media that invites players to help write the unfolding tale, but those looking for deeper gameplay won’t find any swashbuckling, seafaring action in these calm seas.
Feb 22, 2024
5
The way text is presented in conversations with multiple participants felt too hard to parse, for such a text-heavy game. Using one big speech bubble for everyone, with only minor visual cues on who is speaking, was a fundamental problem.
SummarySaltsea Chronicles is a new story-driven adventure game from the award-winning indie studio Die Gute Fabrik (Mutazione, Sportsfriends). Captain Maja's misfit crew must heist their impounded ship and mount a rescue. Guide the crew across islands of a post-flood world known as 'Saltsea'. Explore strange and wonderful communities, uncove... Read More
Platforms:
- Nintendo Switch
- PC
- PlayStation 5
Initial Release Date:Oct 12, 2023
Developer:
Publisher:
