| ACG |
Jeremy Penter |
Recommended |
04-15-2023 |
“Dredge is a fantstic smaller title. Take out a boat, hold off sanities death, and catch crooked fish” |
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| Attack of the Fanboy |
Noah Nelson |
4.5 / 5 stars |
03-30-2023 |
From the expertly interwoven gameplay loops to the horrifically charming story and art design, Dredge succeeds in creating a new genre blend that I desperately need more of. |
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| AusGamers |
Steve Farrelly |
8.5 / 10 |
03-24-2023 |
com/features/read/3646015″ target=”_blank”From Depths Unknown |
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| Checkpoint Gaming |
Elliot Attard |
8.5 / 10 |
04-03-2023 |
Never quite sure what’s lurking below the surface, Dredge captivates from the jump with a well-defined and engaging gameplay loop built atop the foundation of a creepy and beautifully atmospheric setting. The storytelling and questing push this fishing management game into new territory as you uncover just how deep this ocean runs. Some repeated quest archetypes aren’t enough to drag this gem down as Dredge continues to surprise and delight from the moment you first set sail to when you finally hang up your sailor’s hat. |
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| Destructoid |
Zoey Handley |
6 / 10 |
03-23-2023 |
I just don’t think Dredge is all that it could be. While the sea-harvesting foundation is solid and well thought out, nothing else around it has much depth. There’s a dearth of imagination surrounding it, which I found disappointing. The plot is lifeless, the gameplay is one-note, and it never really picks up speed. However, if you want a more relaxing take on horror, Dredge might be worth hauling up from the depths. |
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| Eurogamer |
Edwin Evans-Thirlwell |
Not Recommended |
03-23-2023 |
Blending fishing with Gothic horror and Lovecraft is a fine hook, but Dredge is too defined by simple loot-and-upgrade rhythms to reel you in. |
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| Expansive |
Sam Diglett |
Recommended |
05-08-2023 |
Dredge is that rare breed of video game that successfully blends a mixture of great titles and creates something quite different and special. From its stunning atmosphere, complete with an ominous soundtrack, to its rich, well-developed mechanics, varied quests, and compelling core loop. To date, it’s one of the best indie games of the year, both because it’s incredibly difficult to put down and forget about |
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| Explosion Network |
Buddy Watson |
10 / 10 |
03-24-2023 |
Dredge successfully blends a Lovecraftian fishing adventure RPG with a gorgeous vibrant art design and a subtle and powerful piano-led score. |
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| FingerGuns |
Joshua Thompson |
9 / 10 |
03-23-2023 |
DREDGE’s numerous gameplay systems that don’t overwhelm but invite players are a cloak and dagger for the true horrors that’ll keep you lost at sea. Phenomenal in its art direction and engrossing to play, it’s clear that Black Salt Games have dredged up a mystifying debut. |
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| Forbes |
Matt Gardner |
Recommended |
03-23-2023 |
For all its hidden delights, its strengths shine brightest when you just want to stare into the distance, admiring a beautiful view. When these moments inevitably occur, time stops. There’s no rush. But you will need to carry on, you’ll check your map, and find something else to explore–and you’ll feel rewarded once again. |
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| GameGrin |
Alana Dunitz |
9 / 10 |
03-23-2023 |
DREDGE is the perfect mix of an RPG, fishing, puzzle, and survival game. It combines all these elements with an interesting and creepy story that evokes feelings of horror from an H.P. Lovecraft tale. This is a must-play title, especially if you want something more unique to try out. |
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| GameSpew |
Kim Snaith |
9 / 10 |
03-23-2023 |
Dredge is one of those rare treasures: a game unlike anything else that completely captures your attention with its intriguing world and simple yet captivating gameplay. We could keep hunting for rare fish forever, and we only wish there were more secrets for us to uncover; new parts of the world for us to explore. But when our only complaint is “we want more of it”, it’s clear we have something rather special on our hands. |
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| GameSpot |
Alessandro Barbosa |
7 / 10 |
03-23-2023 |
Dredge’s engrossing gameplay loop and dark, Lovecraftian themes elevate a simple fishing game into something far more intricate and engrossing than its cheerful veneer may suggest. |
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| GamesRadar+ |
Ali Jones |
4.5 / 5 stars |
03-23-2023 |
Dredge makes sure to weave in gentle horrors that ensure you can never fully relax |
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| Gaming Nexus |
Jason Dailey |
8 / 10 |
03-23-2023 |
An oddly addicting fishing game that, at times, will make the hair on the back of your neck stand up. The story is merely a means to an end, but fishing in the dark has never been this much fun, or this creepy. |
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| GamingBolt |
Mike Alexander |
9 / 10 |
03-28-2023 |
With its masterful mixing of cozy fishing gameplay and horror elements, Dredge is pretty much a slam dunk of a debut for Black Salt Games. The style in its presentation and gameplay shows competence and confidence, and I hope they follow Dredge up with something great very soon. |
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| GBAtemp |
Prans Dunn |
8 / 10 |
05-10-2023 |
Dredge offers a refreshing experience with an interesting mix of ambiance and gameplay. |
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| Generación Xbox |
Alejandro Serrador |
8.2 / 10 |
04-11-2023 |
DREDGE is an experience that shimmers amidst the swell of the unknown with a mesmerising light that induces both attraction and chills. |
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| God is a Geek |
Lyle Carr |
9 / 10 |
03-23-2023 |
DREDGE blends relaxing fishing and Lovecraftian horror to create a compelling and truly unique game |
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| Guardian |
Keza MacDonald |
4 / 5 stars |
03-23-2023 |
Plumbing the depths of our fear of the ocean, this clever and compelling video game will suck you in for hours at a time |
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| Hey Poor Player |
James Davies |
4 / 5 stars |
04-06-2023 |
Enriched lovingly with scenic qualities and bolstered by the delightful day/night contrast to which it excels at evoking a juicily contradictive atmosphere, Dredge may not look like a meaty steamboat-empowered expedition, but when you find yourself supplementing your vessel with new hulls and boosts, as well as interacting with the various personalities sequestered on each of the islands you visit, Dredge may look like shallow waters, but it’ll surprise at how quickly it can submerge you in its depths. No, Dredge did not need the horrors of the nighttime, and banging into suddenly-appearing rocks can prove a hassle, but Dredge is otherwise a splendid offering that’s certainly worth checking out. |
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| IGN |
Gabriel Moss |
8 / 10 |
04-21-2023 |
Dredge’s slow dive into Lovecraftian horror intermingles with its simple fishing and sailing mechanics to create an approachable boat management sim that’s as unsettling as it is relaxing. |
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| IGN Italy |
Damaso Scibetta |
8.7 / 10 |
03-23-2023 |
An extremely enjoyable and well-built solitary fishing experience, made of fears, mysteries, trips offshore and a past that, perhaps, is not the case to bring to light. |
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| Impulsegamer |
S. Masood Kazemi |
4.7 / 5 stars |
04-14-2023 |
Dredge is the first indie game of 2023 that will surprise you. The overall simplicity of this game will at first deceive you and afterward, you will appreciate this decision and how everything is synchronized with each other. Maybe the quest designs were too simplistic, but the other aspects of the game, especially the music is so good, that you would eventually forget about it. |
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| Metro GameCentral |
GameCentral |
6 / 10 |
03-30-2023 |
Part fishing simulator and part Lovecraftian adventure but while the two concepts work together surprisingly well, they both feel disappointingly undercooked. |
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| New Game Network |
Ben Thomas |
73 / 100 |
04-12-2023 |
DREDGE offers an addictive fishing loop that pairs well with its surface-level Lovecraftian horror, undone only by a missed opportunity to dive deeper. |
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| Nintendo Life |
Roland Ingram |
8 / 10 |
03-24-2023 |
With its encyclopaedia of over 125 fish, Dredge’s bounty is a boundless as the sea, its action RPG upgrade compulsion loop as deep. That said, you get out what you put in – during the first couple of hours, anyway. Once you achieve the sweet spot of an upgraded boat, manageable difficulty and a story in full flow, it’s magical. The excellent presentation of a terrifying ocean really hits home. The need to stretch the limits of safety to reach your next catch leads to edge-of-the-seat moments, while the slapping rain and eerie creaks of the sound design hardly help you to peace out. Interspersed with confidence-building angling in the sunshine and the fun of slotting oddly shaped creatures into your tight inventory, there’s just enough encouragement to keep enjoying the horrors. A wonderful first effort from Black Salt, Dredge is absolutely the kind of game you mount over the mantelpiece rather than throw back into the water. |
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| NintendoWorldReport |
Steven Green |
8.5 / 10 |
04-03-2023 |
The constant fear and impending sense of dread make sure you’re always uncomfortable, making Dredge a master class in the subtlety of horror. Even though the story never comes out and explains everything that’s happening, it does enough to make sure you can put it together, while relying on the journey you’ve made for yourself to stand tall. All in all, Dredge is one of those near-perfect indie games-it accomplishes everything it sets out to do, keeps the player entertained throughout, and manages to be innovative in an industry filled with games for us to play. |
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| NoobFeed |
Jay Claassen |
90 / 100 |
04-01-2023 |
DREDGE can come off as a bit underwhelming if you’ve never played it. The same can be said for most games with a Lovecraftian theme. It’s the type of game where you have to dive into the deep end and see for yourself just how much this game has to offer. The story might be a bit vague to follow unless you go out of your way to find everybody and see what they have to say, but this is well worth it. |
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| Oyungezer Online |
M.İhsan Tatari |
8 / 10 |
04-15-2023 |
It’s a delightful mix. It’s really fun to fish peacefully during the day and try to escape the monsters at night to reach the nearest harbor. Unfortunately, the sense of tension wears off quickly and once you figure out the monsters, you can easily escape them all. Still, it’s fun to try to catch all the fish species, solve the mystery of the islands and reach different endings. |
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| Paste Magazine |
Moises Taveras |
9 / 10 |
04-12-2023 |
I’ve rarely played a game with a more satisfying and simple loop in an intriguing and dubious world I just wish I could’ve seen more of. Between the cults (yep, this game has got those too) and the sort of unexplained nature of Why This Stretch Of Sea Is Like This™, I think it’s actually a world ripe for even more exploration. But even if nothing more should come out of it, Dredge is a wonderful experience in smooth sailing over choppy (maybe even supernaturally charged) waters. |
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| PC Gamer |
Mollie Taylor |
89 / 100 |
03-23-2023 |
Dredge is a fantastically twisted fishing horror full of charm. It snags in parts but still successfully reeled me in from start to finish. A beautifully dreary bite-sized mystery. |
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| PC Invasion |
Nathan Ball |
8 / 10 |
04-03-2023 |
Dredge delivers fish and fear in equal measure, providing an atmospheric escape, and a world you’ll want to thoroughly rinse for all it’s worth. |
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| PlayStation Universe |
Neil Bolt |
9 / 10 |
03-23-2023 |
Dredge is a dreadfully enticing horror experience draped in the skin of a fishing game. The way Black Salt Games executes its terrors of the deep should be respected because the developer has created a slow-burn dread that utilizes the best aspects of Lovecraft’s cosmic horror. |
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| Polygon |
Nicole Carpenter |
Recommended |
04-05-2023 |
Dredge parses out these moments of rewarding exploration without losing focus on its core conceits of fishing and discovering new creatures. But it also masterfully balances two distinct tones. It comprises the sort of dread and horror that sneaks in, eyes jittery, after too many nights with too little sleep. It’s not a boiling terror and panic, but more of a simmer. There’s enough daylight for something of a reprieve, but it never sticks around for too long. Dredge is the perfect sort of dark yet cozy game. It can be unsettling, yes, but it never swims too far into the abyss. |
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| Press Start |
Brodie Gibbons |
9 / 10 |
03-24-2023 |
To use fishing terms, Dredge isn’t one you’d kiss and throw back. It’s the definition of a trophy catch. Its series of elegantly simple systems interplay nicely, blending seamlessly with an eerily stunning eldritch style and a moreish checklist of sea life to catch. |
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| PSX Brasil |
Francisco Maia |
85 / 100 |
04-05-2023 |
Dredge promotes a strange fusion of genres and is proof that even outlandish ideas work when the project is well executed. Black Salt Games’ debut game is amazing and delivers an experience of extremes – from relaxing fishing to terrifying moments. |
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| Push Square |
Stephen Tailby |
7 / 10 |
03-23-2023 |
We will say the gameplay can become repetitive when you need to grind for cash or certain items. Additionally, managing the game’s grid-based menus can be pretty fiddly. The remedy for both things is those all-important upgrades, which smooth out frustrations with cramped inventories or limited fishing capabilities. Despite any rocky waters, though, Dredge’s rewarding progression and enjoyable premise keep it afloat. |
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| Rock, Paper, Shotgun |
Katharine Castle |
Recommended |
03-23-2023 |
Dripping with atmosphere and armed with several compelling story hooks, Dredge is an eldritch fishing tale that will have you hooked from the word go. |
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| Screen Rant |
Rob Gordon |
4.5 / 5 stars |
03-23-2023 |
Overall, Dredge is a fantastic horror-tinged adventure game. Flitting effortlessly between relaxing fishing in the day and a panic-laden rush to safety at night, its off-putting ambiance and varied mysteries help drive the player to the very end. A surprisingly thoughtful title that is dripping with atmosphere and salt water. |
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| Shacknews |
Ozzie Mejia |
8 / 10 |
03-23-2023 |
Dredge is both relaxing and unnerving in the best ways. While the day/night cycle could be handled better, it’s still an exciting seafaring voyage and one that’s worth checking out. |
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| Slant Magazine |
Mitchell Demorest |
3 / 5 stars |
03-23-2023 |
It’s indicative of just how important a game’s moment-to-moment hooks are that even with its shortcomings, Dredge is by and large an enjoyable experience. There are games with bigger problems, but for Dredge, a few missteps and an eldritch twist that never goes anywhere make a solid foundation feel a little like a wasted opportunity. |
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| Softpedia |
Andrei Dumitrescu |
9 / 10 |
03-23-2023 |
DREDGE is both atmospheric and mechanically engaging. The story threads are very personal and, at times, heartbreaking. Even though I didn’t catch all the species featured in the encyclopedia, I had plenty of fun moving around the world, trying to identify the best spots for certain species and mastering mini-games. |
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| SpazioGames |
Gianluca Arena |
8.3 / 10 |
04-03-2023 |
It’s impossible not to get caught in Dredge’s clutches: supernatural horror, dry and fascinating narrative and an intoxicating gameplay loop make Black Salt Games’ first effort an indie to remember. |
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| TechRaptor |
Rutledge Daugette |
9.5 / 10 |
03-23-2023 |
Dredge is a delightfully dark game that gives you a well-sized world with danger lurking at every corner, and a satisfying fishing mechanic that doesn’t get tired. |
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| The Escapist |
Sebastian Ruiz |
Recommended |
03-24-2023 |
Dredge, in my opinion, is a humble superstar for those who want a small-scale thrill in dark waters for a weekend. |
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| The Games Machine |
Alessandro Alosi |
8.5 / 10 |
03-29-2023 |
Although fishing is an intrinsically repetitive activity, Dredge is proportioned so well that it is able to give you every virtual day a reason to take your boat and push your limits a bit further than yesterday, fighting against everything and everyone but above all against yourself. |
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| The Outerhaven Productions |
Andrew Agress |
4 / 5 stars |
04-04-2023 |
Mysteriousness proves tricky to sustain, but Dredge reels it in and mostly keeps it aboard through its run. Bolstered by beautiful music and visuals, the game features engaging episodic quests that promote exploration. With addicting fishing mechanics and the promise of something new on the horizon, the game sails full steam ahead with fish to catch and secrets to uncover. Dredge may have some dings in its hull, but this boat is more than seaworthy. |
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| TheSixthAxis |
Tuffcub |
8 / 10 |
05-08-2023 |
Dredge successfully balances a rather serene fishing game with something rather more dark and sinister lurking beneath the surface. Despite the spooky eyes, tentacles, and things going splash in the night, it’s really quite relaxing. |
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| TrueAchievements |
DetectivBananas |
4.5 / 5 stars |
04-04-2023 |
All in all, DREDGE not only met my expectations, but exceeded them. As of writing, this is now my most favorite fishing game of all time. If you want a game that is relaxing and fun, I highly recommend you give this game a try. |
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| Twinfinite |
Jake Su |
4 / 5 stars |
03-23-2023 |
On its surface, Dredge promises a fishing adventure and there is no doubt that there’s plenty of fish out there to be caught. However, the sinister undercurrents are truly what hooked me, like a voice in the fog that constantly calls me back to explore further, fish deeper, and embrace the madness of its twisting tale. This premise may not be for everyone, but for this new angler on the dock, Dredge is definitely one hell of a catch of the day. |
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| VGChartz |
Lee Mehr |
7.5 / 10 |
05-10-2023 |
Despite some nasty snags on the line, DREDGE is nevertheless a rare catch. |
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| WayTooManyGames |
Jordan Hawes |
9 / 10 |
04-14-2023 |
Dredge is a fantastic game that offers some laid back exploration, but enough depth and tense moments to not become boring in its simplistic at times design. The slow build of horror is perfectly balanced as you start to uncover the truth about what is going on, and who this ominous collector is. There were times I was taken aback as a revelation happened, and I understood certain characters. If you’re looking for something easy to sink your teeth in and like horror, but not jumpscare or gory horror, I highly recommend Dredge. |
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| WellPlayed |
Unknown |
9 / 10 |
03-24-2023 |
Dredge blends cosmic horror and local fishing economies into a robust but expertly paced adventure that rewards your investment with a strange tale, engaging mechanics and a unique, wonderful vibe. |
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