The game received positive reviews from critics. Joel Durham, Jr. of GameSpy claimed that "everything about "Cloud" is simply jaw-dropping", and cited its music, visuals, and sensation of flying as high points. William Usher of Game Tunnel also praised the visuals and audio: he believed that its graphics created a relaxing atmosphere, and that the "touching musical score" would emotionally move any player. A reviewer for "Game Informer" said that the game pointed "to a bright future" in which games would inspire a wider range of emotions; however, the writer called "Cloud" more of an "experience" than a game. Ron White of "PC World" similarly called it "the most relaxing experience I've ever had that involved a computer". Durham concluded that "Cloud" "would set your mind free".