REVIEW: Dredge

A Hauntingly Captivating Adventure

Dredge takes the indie gaming scene by storm as it introduces the player to an enigmatic fisherman who finds himself in a village reminiscent of a Stephen King novel. With a chilling atmosphere and a mysterious past, the village sets the stage for an unforgettable gaming experience.

Available on PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One consoles, Dredge demonstrates its ability to bridge the gap between faith and fandom in a truly unique way. Here at Checkpoint, we delve into the thought-provoking aspects of this eerie game.

Do Good:

Dredge's narrative intricately weaves themes of discovery, perseverance, decision-making, and stress throughout the gameplay. The innovative stress mechanic dynamically alters the game's visuals, reflecting the player's stress level and immersing them in the experience. As the story unfolds, the player faces challenging and thought-provoking decisions, fostering a deeper connection with the main character's journey.

Do No Harm:

Death is a profound subject in Dredge, and without revealing spoilers, the player's approach to accepting or denying death becomes a crucial turning point in the game. The ultimate choice in the game presents players with the moral dilemma of harm or acceptance, offering a rare opportunity to contemplate the consequences of our decisions in a hauntingly beautiful setting.

Strive to Grow:

Dredge invites players to engage in deep introspection on morality and challenging life choices. Although religion is portrayed in a somewhat negative light, with elements of cult-like magic woven into the darker side of the game, it serves as a backdrop for engaging conversations on the complexities of faith.

Experience:

Over 12.5 hours of immersive gameplay, Dredge captivated me with its unique low poly art style and a Resident Evil-inspired inventory system [where the player places items in a limited grid management system]. The game is a gripping combination of stressful, engaging, and fascinating elements. The addition of social and simulation aspects would have elevated the game to even greater heights.

Dredge surpasses the ever-present fishing minigame, redefining the mechanic as the main course. While the story sometimes feels limited by its binary choices, the intriguing characters and chilling atmosphere more than compensate for any shortcomings.

In conclusion, Dredge is a must-play for indie horror enthusiasts and those seeking a fresh take on fishing mechanics. This game offers a truly unique experience that will linger in players' minds long after the credits roll.

Remember - it doesn’t matter if you’re a fisherman, villager, or mysterious researcher…

God loves you.
We love you.
You matter.

Score: 9/10