Dredge Review: Dive Into the Dark Depths of Lovecraft-Inspired Fishing
The water is dark, murky, and inviting, and as you dip your toes into the virtual pool of Dredge, you’ll immediately feel the ominous presence lurking beneath. But don’t let that deter you, for this game is a unique and thrilling experience that shouldn’t be missed.
Developed by a small team of indie creators at Black Salt Games, Dredge is a dark, atmospheric exploration game that tells a harrowing tale of a fisherman who has found himself stranded in a mysterious and treacherous world filled with dark influences. The gameplay revolves around fishing, and you’ll quickly find yourself hooked as you attempt to catch a variety of aquatic creatures, each with its own unique traits and quirks.
One of the highlights of Dredge is undoubtedly its stunning art style. The game’s visuals are hauntingly beautiful, with the murky waters and eerie creatures creating a truly immersive atmosphere. From the dimly lit caves to the dark corners of the swamp, the attention to detail is impressive and helps to further immerse players in this dark and dangerous world. The gameplay itself is a mix of strategy and skill; simple, yet effective, as players must explore the dark seas, and each fish requires a different approach and strategy to catch.
One of Dredge’s standout features is its day-night cycle, which has a unique twist. Time only progresses when the player is moving or taking part in an action like fishing, creating a high-risk, high-reward scenario for night fishing. The player must keep an eye on their captain’s panic level and navigate through the dangerous waters while avoiding other creepy hazards.
However, the game is not without its flaws. The controls can sometimes be clunky, and the game’s pacing can feel slow and tedious. Additionally, the game’s focus on atmosphere and exploration means that the storyline can be difficult to follow and understand, which may not be to everyone’s taste.
Overall, Dredge plunges players into a world of Lovecraftian horror, making it a catch worth reeling in. Its stunning art style and engaging gameplay make it a standout title.
RATING: 4.0 out of 5.0
Dredge is now available for PC, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S digitally, and via retail on April 20th.
The Lovecraftian elements add a unique twist to the fishing. However, I wish the controls were a bit more intutive.
The Lovecraftian elements add a unique twist to the fishing genre. Love me my Fishmen fishing games!