The Quarry

The story of The Quarry receives praise for its engaging narrative structure, branching paths, and character-driven decisions. Critics highlight its use of classic horror tropes blended with interactive storytelling, allowing players to shape outcomes through choices. For instance, GameSpew notes the tension and twists that keep players invested, while Game Informer applauds the 186 potential endings and the "thrilling survival aspect." The game’s focus on character dynamics is another standout, with Cultured Vultures praising the "engaging character dynamics and decision-making," and Destructoid appreciating its "well-crafted narrative" with intertwined story threads. Additionally, Launcher (The Washington Post) and VG247 commend the game’s multiple paths and interactive elements, which enhance replayability. The narrative’s ability to balance humor, suspense, and horror—such as in VideoGamer’s mention of "humor and references"—further enriches its appeal. However, several critics critique the story for its pacing, predictability, and unresolved elements. IGN Japan and Gaming Nexus criticize the thin narrative and slow build-up, comparing it to a "stretched slasher film" with poor character decisions. Push Square laments the "long time to get going," calling the setup feel like a "slog," while Slant Magazine points out the abrupt ending and underdeveloped characters relegated to "collectible documents." Others, like VideoGamer and IGN Adria, note the lack of depth and reliance on clichés, with VideoGamer stating the story "lacks genuine scares" despite its humor. Stevivor also raises concerns about "queerbaiting," adding to the list of narrative flaws. These critiques often center on the game’s inability to fully capitalize on its potential, leaving some plot threads underexplored or unsatisfying. Overall, critics present a mixed but largely favorable view of The Quarry’s story, acknowledging its strengths in interactivity and horror homage while recognizing its shortcomings. The game is seen as a solid entry in Supermassive Games’ repertoire, with GameGrin praising its "strong narrative" and TierraGamer appreciating its 80s-inspired twists. However, the consensus leans toward it being an enjoyable but imperfect experience—celebrated for its branching choices and character engagement (Game Informer, VG247) yet critiqued for pacing issues and predictability (IGN Japan, Push Square). While some critics, like RPG Fan and ComicBook, highlight its emotional depth and mystery, others, such as Slant Magazine and Dexerto, note that the narrative’s ambition occasionally falls short. Ultimately, The Quarry is viewed as a compelling, if uneven, horror experience that balances innovation with familiar tropes.

The gameplay of The Quarry receives mixed but generally positive feedback, particularly in its emphasis on narrative-driven decision-making and interactive storytelling. Critics like GameSpot highlight the game’s focus on “choice and consequence,” where player decisions significantly impact character fates and story outcomes. The inclusion of mechanics such as the Death Rewind system (noted by GameGrin) and Tarot cards (mentioned by TheXboxHub) adds layers of strategy and replayability, while the “Hold Your Breath” minigame (cited by Gamers’ Temple) introduces tension in stealth scenarios. Additionally, TheXboxHub praises the exploration elements, noting that players can control multiple characters, gather clues, and engage with atmospheric environments. The game’s ability to balance scripted cutscenes with player agency—such as in Game Informer’s praise for “shocking twists” and “enjoyable” exploration—demonstrates its strengths in creating an immersive, story-focused experience. However, several critics criticize the gameplay for feeling repetitive or underdeveloped. Softpedia and Riot Pixels argue that the reliance on quick-time events (QTEs) is overly simplistic, with some QTEs described as “trivial” or “too easy,” diminishing tension. Games.cz and IGN Adria note that exploration is limited compared to previous titles like Until Dawn, while Gaming Nexus and Cubed3 describe the gameplay as “clunky” or “one-dimensional,” resembling an “interactive movie.” The lack of meaningful player control in certain sections, such as the inability to skip cutscenes (mentioned by PC Invasion) or sluggish movement mechanics (Wccftech), further detracts from engagement. Additionally, The Enemy and GamesRadar+ point out that the game’s reliance on dialogue choices and scripted sequences can feel formulaic, reducing the sense of urgency and fear central to its horror premise. Overall, while The Quarry is praised for its narrative depth and decision-making mechanics, it faces criticism for its overreliance on QTEs and lack of innovation. Game Informer and XboxEra highlight the game’s strengths in storytelling and character dynamics, but many critics, including Softpedia and Gaming Nexus, feel it fails to evolve beyond the formula established by Until Dawn. The consensus leans toward a middle ground: while the game offers engaging choices and atmospheric horror, its gameplay mechanics often feel derivative or underdeveloped. Despite this, the blend of exploration, dialogue, and QTEs—enhanced by features like Tarot cards (TheXboxHub) and Death Rewind (GameGrin)—ensures that The Quarry remains a compelling, if imperfect, entry in Supermassive Games’ catalog.

The overwhelming consensus among critics is that The Quarry boasts impressive graphics and visual design, with many praising its cinematic quality, detailed environments, and atmospheric storytelling. Multiple reviewers highlight the game’s ability to evoke a horror movie aesthetic, with GameSpot noting its effective cinematography and atmospheric elements like fog and moonlight, while IGN Adria commends its capture of the “summer horror slasher movie atmosphere.” The character models and facial animations are frequently lauded for their realism, with RPG Fan describing them as some of the most convincing to date, despite minor quirks like an “unrealistically large mouth” on one character. VG247 and GameGrin emphasize the attention to detail in environments and animations, while Impulsegamer praises the “impeccable cinematography” that makes the experience feel like a movie. The use of Unreal Engine 4 is also noted as a technical achievement, with CGMagazine calling it Supermassive’s best-looking game yet. Despite these strengths, several critics point to notable flaws in the visuals. Issues with lighting and texture quality are recurring complaints, with Cubed3 citing “poor lighting and blurry textures” on PC, particularly on the Steam Deck, and Gamer.no noting that the game is often “too dark,” hindering exploration. New Game Network and XGN mention stiff animations and minor glitches, while VideoGamer criticizes the underwhelming werewolf transformations. Problems with physics, such as “rough hair physics” (PC Invasion) and “unrealistic water effects” (IGN Italia), also surface, alongside uncanny valley issues in facial expressions (Telegraph, Worth Playing). Additionally, some reviewers, like Dexerto, point to janky character movements and fixed camera angles that can disrupt immersion. These technical shortcomings, while not universally damning, are seen as detractors from the otherwise polished presentation. Overall, the majority of critics view The Quarry’s graphics and visual design as a significant step forward for Supermassive Games, with many calling it their most technically accomplished work to date. While issues like lighting inconsistencies, physics flaws, and uncanny valley moments are acknowledged, they are often framed as minor blemishes on an otherwise strong foundation. KeenGamer and GameGrin highlight the game’s immersive, film-like quality, while Destructoid notes scenes that “approach photo-realism.” Even critics who pointed out flaws, such as RPG Fan, acknowledged the game’s “astonishingly well-done” environments and character designs. The mixed feedback reflects a game that balances ambitious visual storytelling with technical imperfections, but the overall sentiment leans heavily toward admiration for its artistic and technical achievements.

The sound design and music of The Quarry received widespread praise for their atmospheric depth, nostalgic flair, and ability to enhance the game’s horror elements. Many critics highlighted the eclectic mix of licensed tracks and original compositions that effectively set the tone for different scenarios. For instance, PlaySense commended the "atmospheric synth soundtrack and well-chosen pop songs" that "enhance the horror experience," while Meristation noted the "strong soundtrack with licensed tracks and atmospheric audio" contributing to a cinematic feel. The inclusion of retro 80s/90s-inspired music, such as Ariana Grande’s track in PSX Brasil and the "nostalgic nods to classic horror films" mentioned by IGN Spain, was frequently praised for evoking a sense of timelessness. Additionally, VG247 and Cultured Vultures emphasized how the soundtrack and sound design "effectively enhance the horror atmosphere," with haunting tones and environmental sounds that immerse players in the game’s tense narrative. However, several critics pointed out significant flaws that detracted from the experience. The use of pop music was criticized for being jarring or misplaced, with Windows Central noting that "distracting pop music playlist disrupts tense moments" and Riot Pixels calling the "music selection poorly executed and often feels out of place." Issues with audio consistency and synchronization were also recurring complaints, such as PSX Brasil’s mention of "audio consistency issues" and The Loadout’s observation of "dissonance between sound and visuals, including delayed audio." Additionally, Gaming Nexus found the ending’s music "inadequate," while Carole Quintaine and KeenGamer noted moments where the soundtrack "breaks the immersion" or felt "out of place." Some critics also highlighted technical shortcomings, like Games.cz’s reference to "audio out of sync at times" and The Enemy’s mention of "audio syncing during gameplay." Overall, while The Quarry faced criticism for specific audio issues and occasional missteps in music selection, the majority of reviewers lauded its sound design as a key strength. The blend of licensed tracks, retro influences, and atmospheric elements was widely seen as effective in amplifying the game’s horror themes, with DualShockers praising the "eclectic soundtrack that complements the theme" and GameGrin recommending the experience with "headphones or surround sound for maximum effect." Though technical flaws and occasional tonal mismatches were noted, the consensus leaned toward appreciation for the audio’s contribution to immersion, as seen in COGconnected’s praise for "masterful" use of licensed tracks and original scores. The mixed feedback reflects a game where sound design is largely successful but not without its imperfections.

The voice acting in The Quarry is widely praised as a standout element of the game, with numerous critics highlighting its strong performances and immersive qualities. Many reviewers lauded the star-studded cast, noting that recognizable actors like David Arquette, Ted Raimi, and Ariel Winter brought authenticity and emotional depth to their roles. For instance, GamesHub emphasized that the "notable cast" delivered empathetic and realistic performances, while IGN Spain praised the "cheesy dialogues that fit the genre," contributing to the game’s charm. Critics like Cultured Vultures and Vgames highlighted the "excellent" and "authentic" voice acting, with GameCritics specifically noting standout work from Siobhan Williams and Ted Raimi. The performances were frequently described as enhancing character engagement, with XboxEra calling it "better than many films" and Jeuxvideo.com deeming it "outstanding." Even the younger ensemble cast received acclaim for their relatable banter and emotional resonance, as noted by Game Informer, which called them "the show-stealers." Despite these positives, some critics pointed to specific flaws in the voice acting. Games.cz criticized the performances as "robotic" and "unconvincing," while The Enemy noted that character animations sometimes clashed with dialogue, creating a disjointed experience. GamePro Germany highlighted that the German version lacked the polish of the English cast, and Gaming Nexus and VideoGamer argued that weak writing undermined even strong vocal performances. Additionally, Comicbook.com mentioned issues with "performances feeling out of sync" due to branching narratives, while Slant Magazine observed that some high-profile actors felt like "cameos." Others, like But Why Tho?, noted minor editing hiccups but generally praised the cast’s dedication. These critiques, though varied, often focused on technical or narrative shortcomings rather than the voice acting itself. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with the majority agreeing that The Quarry’s voice acting elevates its storytelling and immersion. While a handful of reviewers pointed to isolated issues—such as uneven character engagement or minor technical flaws—the vast majority celebrated the performances as a key strength. GameCritics, Jeuxvideo.com, and XboxEra all emphasized the "stellar" and "top-notch" quality, while But Why Tho? called it the "best for a Supermassive game." Even critics who noted weaknesses acknowledged that the voice acting was largely effective, with GamesHub and Cultured Vultures highlighting how the cast brought characters to life. The combination of a talented ensemble, nuanced delivery, and emotional investment from actors created a cohesive and compelling experience, making the voice acting one of the game’s most praised aspects.

The technical performance of The Quarry varies across platforms, with notable positives for each. On PS5, critics like Push Square and MeuPlayStation praised its smooth gameplay, quick loading times, and overall stability despite minor glitches. PSX Extreme noted impressive stability on last-gen hardware, while Merlin'in Kazanı highlighted smooth performance on both PS5 and PS4. For PC, several reviewers, including PC Invasion and GamesHub, acknowledged the game’s technical strengths, such as stable frame rates (e.g., Impulsegamer) and a well-implemented “death rewind” system. On Xbox Series X, MGG and MondoXbox highlighted solid performance with high resolution and frame rates, while XboxEra praised seamless transitions between gameplay and cutscenes. These platforms generally received praise for their technical execution, though not without caveats. However, the negatives are more pronounced across all platforms. PC faced widespread criticism: Cubed3 noted issues on Steam Deck, PC Invasion cited unskippable cutscenes and motion blur, while GamingTrend and Oyungezer reported performance drops, stuttering, and graphical glitches. PS5 critics like Push Square and PSX Brasil mentioned camera angle problems and audio inconsistencies, though these were less severe than PC’s issues. Xbox Series X saw complaints about bugs disrupting immersion (IGN Portugal) and lighting problems (Movies Games and Tech). Even positive reviews acknowledged flaws: for example, PC Gamer noted minor juddering on lower settings, while IGN Spain criticized slow character movement. These technical hiccups, though varied in severity, were a recurring theme across platforms. Overall, the consensus among critics is that The Quarry has a technically solid foundation but struggles with polish and optimization. While PC received the most mixed reviews—ranging from “smooth” (GameSpew) to “resource-intensive” (IGN France)—PS5 and Xbox Series X were generally more forgiving, with fewer critical issues. Critics like PC Invasion and IGN Portugal highlighted persistent technical flaws, but others, such as GamesHub and XboxEra, praised the game’s stability and polish. The disparities in performance suggest that while The Quarry is a technically competent title, its execution varies significantly depending on hardware and platform, leaving room for improvement in future updates or patches.

The Quarry’s replay value is largely praised for its branching narratives, multiple endings, and unique mechanics that encourage exploration of different choices. Critics like GamesRadar+ and DualShockers highlight the game’s complex character dynamics and diverging paths, while Digital Chumps lauds it as Supermassive Games’ most replayable title to date, citing the "Death Rewind" system as a key feature that lets players experiment without starting over. The inclusion of Movie Mode, co-op play, and collectibles (noted by Jeuxvideo.com and Gamer.nl) further enhances replayability, allowing players to experience different character fates or explore alternative scenarios. Additionally, the game’s 186 unique endings (mentioned by Inverse and The Enemy) and the ability to unlock new modes like Movie Night (as noted by Hardcore Gamer) provide substantial incentives for multiple playthroughs. Many critics, including GamesHub and XGN, emphasize that the game’s narrative depth and decision-driven outcomes create a compelling reason to revisit its story. However, several reviewers criticize the game’s replay value as being undermined by repetitive mechanics and lackluster execution. Cubed3 and Riot Pixels argue that the repetitive cutscenes and minimal impact of choices make replaying feel tedious, while Inverse points out that playthroughs often lack differentiation despite the high number of endings. GamingAge and IGN Japan note pacing issues and slow storytelling, which diminish the appeal of revisiting the game. Others, like Worth Playing and Finger Guns, highlight that dialogue and scenes remain largely unchanged across playthroughs, reducing the incentive to explore different paths. Additionally, Infinite Gaming and GamingTrend mention cumbersome systems like chapter select mechanics or a lack of traditional save options, which hinder experimentation. These critiques suggest that while the game’s structure supports replayability, its execution falls short for many players. The overall consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward acknowledging the game’s potential for replayability despite significant flaws. While GamesRadar+, DualShockers, and Digital Chumps celebrate the branching narratives and mechanics like "Death Rewind" as strong positives, others like Cubed3, Riot Pixels, and Inverse argue that the repetitive nature of gameplay and lack of meaningful choices limit its appeal. The game’s high number of endings (186, per Inverse) and features like Movie Mode are seen as redeeming qualities by many, but critics also agree that the experience may not justify multiple playthroughs for all players. Ultimately, The Quarry is viewed as a title with strong replayability potential for fans of narrative-driven experiences, though its execution and pacing issues create a divide in critical reception.