As a reviewer, it’s commonplace to play through a game for review, then immediately move on to the next project. It’s just part of the job. But in the case of Dredge, it does so much right that, despite my best efforts, I can’t help but keep on playing. I’m addicted to the gameplay loop. It is utterly satisfying, somewhat relaxing, and mixes in just enough terror and discomfort to keep me pushing forward to explore the next shipwreck or mysterious light in the darkness.
Do I recommend you buy Dredge? Absolutely!
But if you want a full-length review, keep on reading as to why I highly recommend Dredge!
A quick note before we dive into the review. I was provided with a copy of Dredge by the developer and publisher. This fact has, in no way, affected my perception of the game.
Addicting Gameplay Loops and Progression
The gameplay in Dredge appears overly simplified at first. Without ruining the exciting and captivating story, you find yourself aboard a fishing boat in an archipelago, tasked with paying off your meager vessel and bringing in nets filled with various types of fish.
At first, it’s a relaxing grind to earn a bit of cash. Once you do, once you’ve paid off your fishing boat in full, the world opens up a bit more. It’s a steady progression that, on the surface appears simple, and keeps you coming back for more and more. You want to fish for cash, which you can turn into ever-useful upgrades, like more space for cargo, better engines, and lights to illuminate the darkness.
Why do you need to illuminate the darkness?
Besides the usual catch of fish, you’ll eventually uncover secrets floating beneath the surface. At first, these secrets are nothing more than trinkets from shipwrecks. But eventually, those mysterious floating objects will move with purpose…in your direction.
But in time, you’ll have upgraded your ship. You’ll find your trusty vessel faster, stronger, and able to hold more fish and trinkets to sell off for a quick sum.
Before you know it, you’re facing off against leviathans instead of mackerel. And by then, you may feel worthy of the challenge as an expert fisherman.
Captivating Art Style
I’m a sucker for stylized art in video games. In one like Dredge, with Lovecraftian elements, it works tenfold.
The characters, as you can see in the screenshot below, are human yet strange. The towns, lighthouse, and even your boat; they’re all colorful and pleasant. You want to explore and see more of the sights.
But then you meet the various creatures lurking in the depths. They’re grotesque, and rightfully so.
And speaking of the grotesque, wait until your first night in the open ocean. It’s pitch black, extremely eerie, and yet a light calls to you. It’s red, with swirls of other colors mixed within, and it beckons you to come explore. That’s your downfall, though. It sucks you in with its enticing color palette, then doesn’t let go until you’ve docked and taken a quick rest to clear your mind.
Everything, from the art style and coloring, feeds into the atmosphere of Dredge!
Atmosphere in Droves
As you’ve likely witnessed firsthand in the marketing material, the world of Dredge isn’t filled with tuna and flounder. Something more sinister lurks beneath the surface, a slow-building dread that will creep aboard your vessel at night.
By day 20, I’d only caught a few random mutated fish, which quickly and enthusiastically sold to the Fishmonger. But out in the turbulent oceans, in the deep parts of the water, bigger fish lay in wait. They’re eager and hungry, and you’re pushing your luck by being out after dark.
At one point in my journey, upon returning home with my catch, the sun set and I was basked in darkness. I then noticed something trailing me. It was almost imperceptible. In the water, movement. It followed my fishing boat with such speed, that I feared I wouldn’t dock in time. I did, thankfully, and whatever creature hunted me as prey sunk back into the depths.
Despite such terrors growing in size and frequency, Dredge instills a wonderful sense of exploration. You want to move further away from your safe haven, to explore the other islands for useful resources, new types of fish, and upgrades.
The ocean is ever-mysterious. The waves pick up and smash against islands with gusto, and the wind whips past your captain’s cabin. Lying just beneath the surface, shapes bob in and out of view, indicating either a lucrative fishing spot or something more sinister.
No matter what lurks out there, it isn’t enough to calm the adventurous spirit within.
Of the many games I have reviewed over the past decade, few captivate me as Dredge has. As I previously said, even after this review goes live, I’m going to keep playing. I genuinely hope we see an expansion to introduce more or even a sequel in time. It deserves the best, as does the team at Black Salt Games and Team 17!
Dredge will release on March 30th on Steam! You can pre-order now.
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