Dredge review

December 1, 2024 11 By Best Gamer

Dredge: A Fishing Adventure with a Sinister Undercurrent

Overall Game Characteristics

Dredge is an enigmatic fishing adventure game developed by Black Salt Games and published by Team17. Released on March 30, 2023, for PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, and PlayStation 4, this game has garnered a significant amount of attention from gamers and critics alike.

The game’s unique blend of fishing, exploration, puzzle-solving, and horror elements sets it apart from other titles in the genre. Players take on the role of a fisherman who must navigate the eerie waters of The Marrows, a group of islands shrouded in mystery. As they delve deeper into the world, they will encounter strange locals, unravel cryptic tales, and uncover the dark secrets that lie beneath the surface.

Target Group

Dredge appears to be targeted towards fans of fishing games, management simulations, and cosmic horror themes. The game’s relaxing gameplay experience, combined with its sense of mystery and discovery, makes it an excellent choice for players looking to unwind and explore a mysterious world.

Positive Feedback from Users

Users have praised the game’s atmosphere, lore, and soundtrack, calling it a “gem” and an “indie horror experience.” Many have enjoyed the relaxing experience of fishing, finding it to be a great way to unwind after a long day. Some users have also appreciated the game’s unique blend of gameplay mechanics, citing its ability to combine elements of Lovecraftian horror with seabound thrillers.

Gameplay Experience

One user, Vendetta_00, praised the game’s excellent story and mystery, stating that it is “an indie horror experience that will leave you sleeping with the lights on.” Another user, RedeemedRegrets, agreed, stating that the game is a “9/10 no doubt.” These comments highlight the game’s ability to create an immersive atmosphere and engage players in its narrative.

Exploration and Discovery

The game’s exploration mechanics have also been praised by users. GameGrin noted that Dredge combines elements of RPGs, fishing, puzzle-solving, and survival games, creating a unique experience that is both relaxing and thrilling. This sentiment is echoed by INVEN, who stated that the game offers “peaceful mind and thrill of an adventure at the same time.”

Negative Reviews

Not all users have been as enamored with Dredge. Some have criticized the game for its short length and lack of depth in certain areas. Decipher noted that the game’s basic gameplay mechanics are uninteresting, while ioxx stated that the mood and story promises but ultimately underwhelms.

Repetitive Gameplay

One user, decipher, criticized the game for its repetitive gameplay, stating that it is “not what I was expecting given the favorable reviews.” This sentiment is echoed by ioxx, who noted that the game’s special encounters are not interesting and that the mood and story promises but ultimately underwhelms.

Comparison to Other Competitors

Dredge has been compared to other fishing games, such as Dave the Diver. While Dave the Diver offers a more traditional fishing experience, Dredge sets itself apart with its unique blend of horror elements and exploration mechanics.

Competitor Comparison

New Game Network noted that DREDGE’s addictive fishing loop pairs well with its surface-level Lovecraftian horror, but ultimately falls short due to a missed opportunity to dive deeper. This sentiment highlights the game’s ability to create an immersive atmosphere, but also notes that it may not be as engaging as other titles in the genre.

Future of the Game

It is difficult to speculate about the future of Dredge, but based on user feedback and critic reviews, it appears that the game has a dedicated fan base. The developer, Black Salt Games, has shown a commitment to creating an immersive experience, and it will be interesting to see how they choose to expand upon the game’s mechanics in future updates.

Speculation

One possibility is that the developer may add new gameplay mechanics or exploration areas to the game, further expanding its depth and complexity. Another possibility is that the game may receive a sequel or spin-off title, building upon the world and narrative introduced in Dredge.

Ultimately, the future of Dredge will depend on the developer’s vision and commitment to creating an engaging experience for players. As it stands, the game has shown promise as a unique and immersive fishing adventure with a sinister undercurrent.