Why does the music in ABZU make the game?

Some games represent a real assault on the senses, and this was brought to the fore by Journey when it released on the Playstation . Several years later, we received a follow-up project by several members of the team (including legendary composer Austin Wintory) in the form of ABZU, an underwater adventure inspired by Sumerian mythology and the cosmic ocean myths.

Don’t get me wrong, ABZU is visually stunning, a wonderfully simplistic yet beautiful experience – but the music made it. The aforementioned Austin Wintory has proven himself time and again to be one of the masters of his domain through such titles as Flow, Absolver and The Banner Saga, with an incredible range of expertise across multiple genres.

Image: IGDB

ABZU is fundamentally all about player feedback as the player’s avatar, a humanoid diver, tumbles and sweeps through the depths of the ocean, crashing through shoals of fish and navigating caves. Everything you do is accompanied by a unique musical harmony, be it a tiny bell-like noise as you awaken a dormant anemone, or a raging crescendo that lifts and swells as the diver hurtles with a current.

A humanoid diver, tumbles and sweeps through the depths of the ocean, crashing through shoals of fish

At times, there’ll be nothing. Everything goes dark as you make your way into the murky blackness, and slowly an ominous hum will return as you discover that something is not quite right in this supposedly serene and peaceful environment. You’ll be put right on edge, believe me – the score is absolutely able to influence your mood, and will do quite happily for the entirety of the adventure.