DREDGE
Jan 16th, 2024
Dredge Review Blog
"Dredge" is a unique blend of fishing and horror elements, set in the eerie and mysterious archipelago of 'The Marrows'. Here's a detailed breakdown of the game:
Gameplay Mechanics:
The gameplay starts off with basic fishing tasks. You'll fish using a button-tapping mini-game, which varies depending on what you're trying to catch. Time management is crucial as it only moves when your boat is active or during fishing. Mistakes in the fishing mini-game can cost precious time, affecting your ability to return before nightfall.
Atmosphere and Setting:
"Dredge" excels in creating an unsettling atmosphere, especially as night falls. Initially, the reasons for avoiding being out late are unclear, but a sense of dread builds up, hinting at something ominous lurking in the darkness. This contributes to an immersive and suspenseful experience.
Progression and Exploration:
As you pay off your debt and start interacting with various town characters, the game expands beyond mere fishing. You'll need to upgrade your boat for better capabilities and to handle challenges of exploring further into the mysterious waters. Upgrading requires balancing the need for space between the fish you catch and the materials needed for upgrades.
Horror Elements and Lovecraftian Influence:
As you progress, you encounter increasingly strange and horrifying elements, including monstrous creatures and other signs of ancient mysteries. The game effectively uses Lovecraftian themes, not just in the presence of monstrous entities but also in the growing paranoia and dread associated with being an outsider in a strange land.
Critical Reception:
"Dredge" has been well-received critically, with a Metascore of 81, indicating generally favorable reviews. It is praised for its successful combination of fishing and horror, with a slow-burn dread that effectively utilizes Lovecraftian cosmic horror.
Overall, "Dredge" is more than just a fishing game; it's a deeply immersive horror experience that gradually unfolds its terrors. Its unique combination of simple gameplay mechanics with a progressively dark and unsettling atmosphere makes it an intriguing title, especially for those interested in horror and mystery genres.
Please support our site by using the Amazon Affiliate Links below. Thank you for your support!
