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MONSTER

DREDGE

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of DREDGE
Item: DREDGE
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2023

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, Open World, Simulation, RPG, Mystery, Single Player

AvailableMar 30, 2023

PlatformXbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5

DeveloperBlack Salt Games

Overview

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.

Elsewhere

8.3

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

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

Positive (80-100)

83%

Mixed (50-79)

17%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The Story of DREDGE has garnered praise from multiple critics for its strong Lovecraftian narrative, intriguing main questline, and dark, mysterious atmosphere. Critics like The Loadout and XboxAddict appreciate the compelling and sinister story with Lovecraftian vibes that unfold through exploration and interactions with various characters. The narrative is described as engaging, with elements of horror and societal themes adding depth to the gameplay, as noted by XboxEra. Additionally, critics such as GameSpot and GameOver.gr highlight the treacherous fishing expeditions, eldritch horror inspirations, and the central storyline revolving around finding mysterious relics, contributing to a structured and immersive experience. On the flip side, some critics express mixed feelings about the storytelling in DREDGE. While the game is lauded for its Lovecraftian elements and enigmatic characters, critics like Player 2 express frustration over the lack of information and answers in the story, feeling torn about the narrative presentation. Slant Magazine mentions that the story lacks rising tension and feels disconnected from the gameplay, which may impact the overall immersion and engagement for some players. The Indie Informer, on the other hand, praises the narrative as irresistible and compelling, showcasing a divide in opinions regarding the depth and coherence of the storytelling. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a positive reception of the Story of DREDGE. The game is commended for its unique blend of relaxing fishing gameplay with Lovecraftian horror elements, creating a captivating and immersive experience for players. Critics appreciate the mysterious and alluring world that begs to be explored, the engaging main questline, and the eerie atmosphere that permeates the narrative. While there are differing opinions on the depth and coherence of the storytelling, the majority of critics find DREDGE's narrative to be a standout feature that adds depth and intrigue to the overall gameplay experience.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

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

Positive (80-100)

63%

Mixed (50-79)

35%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of DREDGE has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the critics. Many reviewers praised the engaging and addictive gameplay loop centered around fishing, upgrading equipment, and exploring the world. The Loadout commended the depth in equipment and ship upgrades, while XboxEra highlighted the fun minigames and strategic ship upgrades. IGN Italia appreciated the mix of fishing, exploration, and resource management, creating a satisfying cycle of gameplay. Impulsegamer found the gameplay to be simple, fun, and addictive, with satisfying payoffs in catching fish and upgrading equipment. TheGamer also enjoyed the engaging fishing mechanics, upgrade system, and inventory management, emphasizing the overall positive experience of playing DREDGE. On the other hand, some critics pointed out a few negatives in the gameplay of DREDGE. Ragequit.gr mentioned that the gameplay felt simplistic and lacked engagement, indicating a potential lack of depth or complexity in the mechanics. Push Square noted that grinding for cash or specific items could become repetitive, suggesting a potential issue with pacing or variety in the gameplay loop. Games.cz highlighted some issues with city navigation and collision models, which could affect the overall immersion and polish of the gameplay experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the gameplay of DREDGE. The game's core loop of fishing, upgrading equipment, and exploring the world has been praised for its addictiveness, engaging mechanics, and variety of activities. Critics like Worth Playing, GameSpot, and GamingBolt appreciated the satisfying progression, risk-reward balance, and immersive gameplay elements that kept players invested in the experience. Despite some minor criticisms regarding engagement and repetition, the majority of reviewers found DREDGE to offer a unique and enjoyable gameplay experience that blends fishing, exploration, and strategic decision-making effectively.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

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

Positive (80-100)

64%

Mixed (50-79)

36%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of DREDGE are overwhelmingly positive. Many critics praised the game for its unique art style, immersive atmosphere, and stunning visuals. XboxAddict highlighted the visually stunning animations that create a haunting and immersive world, while Attack of the Fanboy mentioned the haunting melodies, dark pastel palette, and Lovecraftian art design that create a mesmerizing experience. The use of painted waves, backdrops, and detailed water effects were also commended by critics like GameGrin and Gfinity, enhancing the overall visual experience. Despite the predominantly positive feedback, there were some criticisms regarding the visuals of DREDGE. Edge Magazine mentioned feeling disconnected and distant due to the abstract concept of being the boat and the lack of player presence in the game world. TheGamer noted inconsistent theming of fish and environments, which hindered the building of fear within the game. These critiques suggest that while the visual design of DREDGE is generally well-received, there are areas where improvements could be made to create a more cohesive and immersive experience for players. Overall, the consensus among critics is that DREDGE excels in its visual design, offering a unique and immersive world that effectively conveys the Lovecraftian atmosphere. Critics like AusGamers and GamingBolt praised the charming low-poly art style and colorful models, while Press Start Australia highlighted the eldritch art direction that captures the sinister scariness of the unknown. The balance between serene beauty and unsettling horror at sea, as mentioned by Worth Playing and Dexerto, contributes to the game's captivating atmosphere. Despite some minor critiques, the majority of critics found the graphics and visual design of DREDGE to be a standout feature that enhances the overall gameplay experience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

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

Positive (80-100)

87%

Mixed (50-79)

13%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of critics praised the Sound Design and Music of DREDGE, highlighting its effectiveness in setting the tone and enhancing the overall experience of the game. XboxAddict commended the game for excelling in music and sound design, noting how sounds of storms, waterspouts, and mysteries added to the suspense and immersion. Critics like Nintendo Life and Dexerto also appreciated the atmospheric elements such as slapping rain, eerie creaks, and well-timed sound effects that contributed to the horror atmosphere. Additionally, AusGamers described the game's score and audio design as perfection, enhancing the immersive experience, while GamingTrend and Gfinity highlighted the enchanting soundscape and haunting soundtrack that added suspense and emotion to the gameplay. On the downside, some critics mentioned the absence of voice acting in DREDGE. XboxAddict and XboxEra noted the lack of voice acting, but XboxEra still found the impactful music to compensate for this absence. While voice acting may have added another layer of depth to the narrative, the game's focus on music and sound design seemed to have successfully carried the atmospheric weight of the experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Sound Design and Music of DREDGE. Critics like Checkpoint Gaming and Impulsegamer appreciated how the audio design and music contributed to the horror and unsettling atmosphere of the game. The majority of reviewers found the soundtrack to be beautiful, impactful, and immersive, with elements like haunting melodies, minor piano trills, and a mix of instruments enhancing the overall experience. The atmospheric sounds, tender piano sequences, and eerie music were all highlighted as key strengths in creating a captivating and immersive gameplay experience. The unanimous praise from a wide range of critics indicates that the Sound Design and Music of DREDGE successfully resonated with players and significantly contributed to the game's overall appeal and atmosphere.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

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

Positive (80-100)

43%

Mixed (50-79)

57%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on different gaming platforms, DREDGE received positive feedback from several critics. XboxEra and AusGamers both praised the game's stability on Xbox Series X, with XboxEra specifically mentioning a stable framerate and resolution. AusGamers also highlighted the absence of reported issues across multiple playthroughs on both PC and Xbox Series X. NintendoWorldReport and Worth Playing commended the performance on the Nintendo Switch, with Worth Playing noting that any minor stutters were not distracting, indicating a generally stable experience on the platform. However, there were some negative aspects pointed out by critics regarding the technical performance of DREDGE on various platforms. The Loadout mentioned small issues with the dredging mechanic and camera behavior in built-up spaces on Xbox Series X, which could potentially impact the gameplay experience. Games.cz criticized issues with city navigation and collision models on PC, which they felt affected the overall gameplay experience negatively. Twinfinite reported occasional bugs and UI issues on the PS5, although they noted that these were compensated for with autosaves. Overall, the consensus among critics is that DREDGE generally delivers a solid technical performance across different gaming platforms, with minor issues present on some platforms. While there are occasional hiccups such as minor stutters on the Nintendo Switch and issues with city navigation on PC, the game is praised for its stability on Xbox Series X and PC by critics like XboxEra and AusGamers. Despite some criticisms regarding specific technical aspects, the majority of critics agree that DREDGE offers a technically sound gaming experience across multiple platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

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

Positive (80-100)

41%

Mixed (50-79)

59%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers regarding the replay value of DREDGE, it is evident that the game offers a plethora of positive aspects that contribute to its replayability. Critics such as XboxAddict and Siliconera highlight the multiple endings, upgrade paths, and diverse fish variants that provide players with ample content to explore through multiple playthroughs. The engaging core gameplay loop, intriguing horror elements, and absorbing gameplay, as emphasized by The Jimquisition, create a compelling experience that encourages players to spend more time within the game world. Additionally, the variety of pursuits, tasks, and upgrades, as noted by GameGrin and GamesRadar+, enhances the replay value by offering players different avenues to explore and progress through the game. On the other hand, some critics express concerns or suggestions for improvements that could potentially hinder the game's replay value. For instance, AusGamers mentions the need for more Pursuits and upgrades to fill potential content gaps, while Edge Magazine points out the underdeveloped horror elements that may limit long-term engagement for players. Ragequit.gr goes as far as stating that the game lacks replay value and could benefit from additional modes, indicating a lack of depth or variety in gameplay that may deter players from revisiting the game multiple times. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards the positive side, with many acknowledging the game's strengths in providing replay value through its diverse content, engaging gameplay loop, and multiple paths to explore. The variety of secrets, upgrades, side quests, and different gameplay mechanics contribute to a rich gaming experience that entices players to return for more. While there are some areas for improvement highlighted by critics like Edge Magazine and Ragequit.gr, the general sentiment is that DREDGE succeeds in offering a compelling and replayable experience for players across different platforms, as seen in the positive feedback from critics such as GamingBolt and Player 2.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

84%

Mixed (50-79)

16%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The majority of critics praised DREDGE for its captivating gameplay, immersive atmosphere, and unique blend of fishing simulation with horror elements. Critics like XboxAddict and GameSpot commended the game for its engaging gameplay, captivating story, and satisfying progression loop. The game was lauded for its excellent presentation, tension-filled gameplay, and sense of mystery by Nintendo Life, showcasing a successful combination of worldbuilding and tactile mechanics as highlighted by GamesHub. The captivating atmosphere, engaging gameplay loop, and atmospheric presentation were also highlighted by critics like Dexerto and Gfinity, making DREDGE a standout title in the horror genre. Despite the overwhelmingly positive reception, some critics pointed out certain drawbacks in DREDGE. NME criticized the repetitive quest design, dull fishing mechanics, and uninteresting traversal before upgrades. Edge Magazine noted undercooked horror elements and simplistic fishing mechanics as areas where the game fell short. However, these criticisms were relatively minor compared to the overall positive sentiment expressed by the majority of reviewers. The game's uneven gameplay, as mentioned by Ragequit.gr, was also a point of contention, but it did not overshadow the overall positive reception of DREDGE. Overall, the consensus among critics is that DREDGE is a highly enjoyable and unique gaming experience that successfully combines elements of horror, exploration, and fishing simulation. The game was praised for its captivating atmosphere, engaging gameplay mechanics, and immersive storytelling, with critics like GamingTrend even awarding it a perfect score of 100. Despite some minor flaws and criticisms, the majority of reviewers found DREDGE to be a must-play title that excels in delivering a fresh and intriguing gaming experience. The game's ability to blend Lovecraftian horror with relaxing fishing gameplay was highlighted as a key strength, making it a standout choice for fans of the genre.

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.

MONSTER

Reviews

126 reviews found

100

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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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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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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Press Start Australia

PlayStation 5

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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XboxAddict

Xbox Series X

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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GameSpew

PlayStation 5

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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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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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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Siliconera

Nintendo Switch

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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