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Dredge game review: fishing and horror combined

DREDGE Game Review | Players Voice Concerns on Gameplay and Horror Elements

By

Raj Patel

May 14, 2025, 01:50 AM

Edited By

Leo Zhang

Updated

May 16, 2025, 03:02 AM

2 minutes of duration

A fishing boat on dark waters under a moonlit sky, surrounded by mysterious shadows and fog.
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A growing discussion surrounds the indie game DREDGE, with many players expressing varied opinions on its unique blend of fishing and horror since its launch. While some players are captivated by the eerie atmosphere and engaging mechanics, others criticize its pacing and depth, leading to a divided player base.

Enthralling Narratives or Rushed Endings?

As players wrap up their journeys in DREDGE, several share mixed sentiments about the narrative and pacing. One comment noted the haunting effect of the Night Anglerโ€™s mimicry of the ship's horn, calling it a chilling moment. However, others echoed concerns of the game feeling rushed, with one player stating, "Ending was rushed but that's fine; I liked the journey and the lead-up to it."

Interestingly, a player mentioned that they expected more supernatural elements later in the game, sharing disappointment over its gradual progression. This highlights a desire for a deeper engagement in horror aspects as players move into later content.

Gameplay: Dissatisfaction with Variety

An ongoing theme in player discussions is the call for more gameplay variety. Frequent comments reveal frustration with the game's limited mechanics as it progresses. A user summarized this sentiment: "Honestly, it's hard to sustain that sensation of struggle/horror without introducing excessively punishing or grindy mechanics."

Players praised the aesthetics and calm soundtrack, stating it creates a relaxing, yet immersive experienceโ€”"Something about the game and the gameplay really reeled me in." But the desire for more dynamic elements remains strong.

Technical Aspects and Overall Sentiment

The technical performance remains a bright spot in conversations, with many praising the game for running smoothly across devices. The low-poly graphics and the overall art direction are well received, enriching the user experience during nighttime explorations.

As the discourse wraps around length and replayability, opinions still diverge; while some find the 10-hour playtime sufficient, others feel the game could benefit from extra content. One frequent player noted they felt the desire to earn achievements might extend playtime significantly.

Interestingly, comments reveal that hunting exotic fish in each region has been a highlight for players, drawing them into exploration elements.

Key Takeaways

  • ๐ŸŒŠ Players appreciate the unique blend of fishing and horror but crave more gameplay variety.

  • โณ Narrative pacing draws mixed reactions; many see the ending as rushed.

  • ๐ŸŽฎ Technical performance shines, enhancing the overall engagement of the experience.

  • ๐Ÿ‘ป Some players expected more supernatural encounters, leading to disappointment.

As DREDGE continues to gain traction, the community looks forward to potential updates that could address concerns about pacing and deliver a richer gameplay experience.