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The Unfinished Swan

PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, PC (Microsoft Windows), iOS, Mac, PlayStation 4 • 2020

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Quick resume

From the creators of What Remains of Edith Finch. Enter the surreal world of The Unfinished Swan and explore a mysterious, hidden kingdom by splatting paint to reveal the world around you.

Global score

84/100

Genres

Adventure, Indie, Puzzle

Pros

  • Unique and creative gameplay mechanics
  • Beautiful art style and soundtrack
  • Relaxing and immersive atmosphere
  • Engaging narrative with emotional themes
  • Accessible puzzles with some challenge

Cons

  • Short game length
  • Some players experience motion sickness
  • Limited replay value beyond collectibles
  • Controls and camera sensitivity issues on pc
  • Some achievements can be frustrating

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    3

    "Players freely explore and interact with the environment by choosing where to throw paint and how to navigate, though the game is linear in progression."

  • Competence
    2

    "Puzzles are generally simple and accessible, with some minor challenges and achievements requiring skillful play."

  • Competition
    -5

    "No competitive elements or comparison with other players; focus is on personal exploration and story."

  • Continuation
    1

    "Some players replay to collect all balloons and achievements, but overall the game is short and not designed for long habitual play."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Entirely single-player experience with no cooperative or multiplayer features."

  • Creativity
    5

    "Highly creative mechanics involving painting to reveal the world and evolving gameplay elements; praised for originality."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No elements of exerting control or superiority over others; experience is personal and introspective."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Players use the game as a relaxing, artistic escape with a dreamlike narrative and immersive atmosphere."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily for intrinsic interest in the artistic and narrative experience."

  • Experimenting
    4

    "Game encourages trying new mechanics and exploring different ways to interact with the environment."

  • Exploration
    4

    "Core gameplay involves discovering new areas and secrets by revealing the environment with paint."

  • Expression
    3

    "Players express themselves through how and where they apply paint to shape their perception of the world."

  • Fantasy
    4

    "The game features a whimsical, fairy tale-like storybook world with imaginative and surreal elements."

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "No social or community features; the experience is solitary."

  • Growth
    2

    "Players learn new mechanics and improve puzzle-solving skills as the game progresses."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health-related features."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention and interaction; not designed for background or idle play."

  • Intimacy
    -5

    "No social or emotional relationship building; experience is individual and introspective."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management roles; single-player experience."

  • Progression
    2

    "Players collect balloons and unlock toys/upgrades, showing some progression but limited in scope."

  • Relaxation
    4

    "Many players describe the game as relaxing, calming, and therapeutic with a soothing soundtrack."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Visual and auditory aesthetics provide sensory enjoyment, though some players report motion sickness."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social recognition or status systems; achievements are personal."

  • Story
    4

    "Narrative is a key component, delivered through storybook pages and voice narration with emotional themes."

  • Strategy
    1

    "Puzzles require some problem solving but are generally straightforward and not deeply strategic."

  • Thrill
    -2

    "Game is mostly calm and relaxing with minimal suspense or risk; some sections introduce mild tension."

  • Value
    0

    "Mixed opinions on value due to short length; some find it worth the price especially on sale."

  • Violence
    -5

    "No violence; gameplay focuses on creation and exploration."

  • Survival
    -3

    "Some sections involve avoiding dangers but overall low risk and stable conditions."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026