A Story That Promises More Than It Delivers
Call of the Sea presents itself as a first-person narrative adventure that, at first glance, seems to have all the right ingredients to captivate the player. We step into the role of Norah Everhart, a woman weakened by a mysterious illness who sets out on a journey to a remote island in search of her missing husband. The premise is intriguing: a personal quest wrapped in ancient secrets, exotic ruins, and clues pointing to a lost civilization.
However, as the story unfolds, the narrative never quite reaches the emotional impact one might expect. There are interesting revelations, especially regarding Norah’s condition and her past, but many of these discoveries lose their strength due to how they are presented. The game leaves several questions unanswered, which may appeal to some players, but can be frustrating for those looking for a more satisfying conclusion.
Puzzles That Challenge… but Frustrate
One of the core pillars of the experience is its puzzles, which take up a significant portion of the playtime. At first, they seem well integrated into both the environment and the narrative, but they soon reveal execution issues. Many puzzles are confusing not because of their logical complexity, but due to poorly communicated clues. Instead of delivering a sense of triumph upon solving an enigma, the player often feels lost, without a clear path forward.
This design choice ends up harming the pacing of the adventure, breaking immersion at several points. While it is positive that the puzzles demand attention, the unnecessary complexity and lack of intuition make progression more frustrating than rewarding.
Visual Beauty on a Mysterious Island
If there is one area where Call of the Sea truly shines, it is its visuals. The artistic direction is beautiful, with a vibrant color palette that conveys the feeling of being on an exotic, living island. Exploration leads through tropical landscapes, ancient ruins, and symbol-laden locations, creating a rich and engaging atmosphere.
Still, despite the strong aesthetic quality, the way these spaces are utilized leaves something to be desired. Many environments feel grand but offer little interaction or narrative significance. It is a kind of beauty that impresses at first glance, but does not always sustain the experience over time.
Wasted Potential
In the end, Call of the Sea leaves the impression that it could have been much more than it ultimately is. The premise is promising and the visual style has personality, but both the narrative and the puzzles fail to carry the experience through to the finish. Norah’s journey had the potential to be memorable, but is ultimately overshadowed by uninspired design choices.
It remains an interesting game for those who enjoy narrative-driven adventures and want to dive into a different kind of story, but it is hard not to feel that, with a few adjustments, it could have reached a much higher level.
Final Score: 6.0 / 10
Platform Reviewed: PC