Back in February, we highlighted an upcoming Xbox release called DREDGE that we thought looked pretty cool, and based on most of the reviews that have been dropping this week, it sounds like it's going to live up to the hype.
At the time of writing, DREDGE doesn't have enough reviews to generate an average on Metacritic for Xbox Series X, but the PS5 version is sitting at an impressive 85, and the PC version is slightly lower at 80.
Here's a quick look at some of those impressions:
God Is A Geek (9/10)
"DREDGE is a fishing game that breaks all the rules, and is all the better for it. The combination of relaxing fishing and Lovecraftian horror is a match made in heaven (or maybe hell) and the loop of catching sea creatures and selling them for upgrades is consistently compelling. If you think you can handle the horrors that lie beneath, you’ll find a fantastic game that’s unlike anything else."
GamesRadar (4.5/5)
"It's not often you see a game deliver on its elevator pitch with such perfection, and while Dredge's progression systems hinder the impact of its final act, 'wholesome fishing game meets Lovecraftian horror' remains an expertly-realised idea."
Shacknews (8/10)
"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."
The Guardian (4/5)
"Dredge never says too much, which is why it works so well as a chiller. It’s creepy, but never explicitly grotesque – and it can be beautiful and calming, too. It’s mostly up to you whether you tempt fate out in the dark or stick to the daytimes and keep to the shores. The way that its mood can turn so quickly and the intrigue of its sparingly told story kept me hooked."
Push Square (7/10)
"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."
TheGamer (3/5)
"Overall, Dredge is a nice, enjoyable fishing game with a low-fat horror coating. The mechanics, upgradability, and weird fish variety are enough to make for a lightweight and engaging time. But if your primary interest is in the narrative or atmosphere, you may find yourselves disappointed."
There are a few grumbles here and there (6/10 seems to be the lowest score any critic has given the game so far), but on the whole, it sounds like DREDGE is definitely going to be worth your time if you like the look of it.
The game is available to pre-order right now on the Xbox Store at a launch price of £21.99 / $24.99, and you'll be able to play it in a week's time on Thursday, March 30th. You can check out some screenshots below.
DREDGE is a single-player fishing adventure with a sinister undercurrent. Sell your catch, upgrade your boat, and dredge the depths for long-buried secrets. Explore a mysterious archipelago and discover why some things are best left forgotten.