81
MONSTER
Dredge is a fishing adventure with a sinister undercurrent. Sell your catch, upgrade your vessel and dredge the depths for long-buried relics. Explore the stories of the strange locals and discover why some things are best left forgotten.
Game analysis
Monster Scorecard
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Story and Narrative
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82
Critics praise DREDGE for its strong Lovecraftian narrative, engaging main questline, and dark atmosphere. Some express mixed feelings about storytelling depth, but overall, the game is commended for its unique blend of fishing gameplay with horror elements and immersive world exploration.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY
Story Score
82
Positive (80-100)
83%
Mixed (50-79)
17%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.
TL;DR
story and narrative
Critics praise DREDGE for its strong Lovecraftian narrative, engaging main questline, and dark atmosphere. Some express mixed feelings about storytelling depth, but overall, the game is commended for its unique blend of fishing gameplay with horror elements and immersive world exploration.
Gameplay Mechanics
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82
Critics rave about DREDGE's gameplay, praising its addictive loop of fishing, equipment upgrades, and exploration. Positive feedback highlights engaging mechanics, depth in upgrades, and fun minigames. While some critics mention issues with simplicity and repetition, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive for its unique blend of activities and satisfying progression.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY
Gameplay Score
82
Positive (80-100)
63%
Mixed (50-79)
35%
Negative (0-49)
2%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.
TL;DR
gameplay mechanics
Critics rave about DREDGE's gameplay, praising its addictive loop of fishing, equipment upgrades, and exploration. Positive feedback highlights engaging mechanics, depth in upgrades, and fun minigames. While some critics mention issues with simplicity and repetition, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive for its unique blend of activities and satisfying progression.
Graphics and Visual Design
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82
Critics rave about DREDGE's stunning graphics and unique visual design, praising its immersive atmosphere and Lovecraftian art style. Some minor criticisms include feeling disconnected from the game world and inconsistent theming. Overall, critics agree that DREDGE excels in visual design, offering a captivating and immersive experience that effectively conveys a sense of mystery and horror at sea.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS
Visual Score
82
Positive (80-100)
64%
Mixed (50-79)
36%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.
TL;DR
graphics and visual design
Critics rave about DREDGE's stunning graphics and unique visual design, praising its immersive atmosphere and Lovecraftian art style. Some minor criticisms include feeling disconnected from the game world and inconsistent theming. Overall, critics agree that DREDGE excels in visual design, offering a captivating and immersive experience that effectively conveys a sense of mystery and horror at sea.
Music and Sound Design
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85
Critics lauded DREDGE for its stellar sound design and music, with praise for its atmospheric elements like storms and eerie sounds. Although some mentioned the absence of voice acting, the focus on music successfully carried the game's immersive experience. Overall, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with reviewers highlighting the haunting soundtrack and captivating audio that enhanced the gameplay atmosphere.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN
Sound Score
85
Positive (80-100)
87%
Mixed (50-79)
13%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.
TL;DR
music and sound design
Critics lauded DREDGE for its stellar sound design and music, with praise for its atmospheric elements like storms and eerie sounds. Although some mentioned the absence of voice acting, the focus on music successfully carried the game's immersive experience. Overall, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with reviewers highlighting the haunting soundtrack and captivating audio that enhanced the gameplay atmosphere.
Voice Acting
NA
TL;DR
voice acting
Description unavailable
Technical Performance
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74
Critics generally praise DREDGE for its solid technical performance on various gaming platforms, highlighting stability on Xbox Series X and PC. Some minor issues were noted, such as small problems with mechanics and navigation on different platforms. Overall, DREDGE offers a stable gaming experience with occasional hiccups, according to critics.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE
Tech Score
74
Positive (80-100)
43%
Mixed (50-79)
57%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.
TL;DR
technical performance
Critics generally praise DREDGE for its solid technical performance on various gaming platforms, highlighting stability on Xbox Series X and PC. Some minor issues were noted, such as small problems with mechanics and navigation on different platforms. Overall, DREDGE offers a stable gaming experience with occasional hiccups, according to critics.
Replay Value
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77
DREDGE offers a wealth of replay value with its multiple endings, diverse content, and engaging gameplay loop, according to reviewers like XboxAddict and The Jimquisition. While some critics suggest improvements like more content and enhanced horror elements, the overall consensus is positive, highlighting the game's strengths in providing an immersive and varied experience that keeps players coming back for more.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE
Replay Score
77
Positive (80-100)
41%
Mixed (50-79)
59%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.
TL;DR
replay value
DREDGE offers a wealth of replay value with its multiple endings, diverse content, and engaging gameplay loop, according to reviewers like XboxAddict and The Jimquisition. While some critics suggest improvements like more content and enhanced horror elements, the overall consensus is positive, highlighting the game's strengths in providing an immersive and varied experience that keeps players coming back for more.
Overall Verdict
81
MONSTER
OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION
Monster Score
81
Positive (80-100)
84%
Mixed (50-79)
16%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.
TL;DR
Critics rave about DREDGE for its captivating blend of horror and fishing simulation, praising its immersive atmosphere and engaging gameplay loop. While some critics noted drawbacks like repetitive quests and undercooked horror elements, the majority agree that DREDGE offers a highly enjoyable and unique gaming experience. With its captivating atmosphere and immersive storytelling, DREDGE stands out as a standout title in the horror genre.
81
MONSTER
Reviews
126 reviews found100
GamingTrend
Aug 14, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Dredge is a distinct adventure game that successfully blends horror and mystery elements while maintaining a relaxing and charming nature, offering a deeply immersive experience with engaging gameplay and a compelling story, earning a perfect score of 100
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100
GamesHub
Mar 23, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The review praises DREDGE as a masterclass in atmosphere, worldbuilding, tactile mechanics, and game flow.
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95
The Indie Informer
Mar 23, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The game is a must-play with atmospheric mystery, engaging gameplay, and brilliant storytelling.
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94
Impulsegamer
Apr 14, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Dredge is a surprising indie game that excels in its simplicity and synchronization of its elements. While the quest designs may be simplistic, the other aspects of the game, especially the music, make up for it.
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90
Press Start Australia
Mar 23, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Dredge is a fresh take on the collect 'em all trope with an eldritch dressing. It is expected to make waves and be Game of the Year bait.
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90
XboxAddict
Apr 12, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
DREDGE is praised as a masterclass in worldbuilding, suspense, and fear, offering a unique and captivating experience that stands out as one of the best games of the year. It is commended for its execution and ability to maintain a consistent and engaging gameplay experience.
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90
GameSpew
Mar 23, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The game is described as a rare treasure that captures attention and is considered something special.
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90
GameGrin
Mar 23, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
DREDGE is a must-play title that successfully blends different genres into a compelling and creepy experience, highly recommended for fans of Lovecraftian horror.
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90
Hooked Gamers
Apr 17, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Engaging mystery worth experiencing, satisfying game mechanics
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90
Siliconera
Apr 11, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Dredge is a compelling fishing game with great ambiance and a balanced mix of horror elements. It is accessible and accommodating without compromising gameplay.
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