Rising from the ocean depths like a carved soapstone statue of Stygian, antediluvian horror comes Black Salt Games' Dredge! After a short delay, this captivating blend of eldritch horror and fishing simulation is now available on iOS and Android. Combining the terror of Lovecraft with the thrill of exploration and engaging fishing minigames, this nautical horror game is certainly one to keep an eye on.
In Dredge, you assume the role of a lone amnesiac fisherman in the small island chain of Greater Marrow. Your primary task is to catch fish and sell them to the local fishermen, which sounds straightforward, right? However, between the deranged locals, mutated fish, creepy artefacts, and terrifying sea monsters, this game puts Deadliest Catch to shame.
If you've ever played something like Sunless Sea, Dredge can be seen as a fully 3D spiritual successor. As the fisherman, you'll explore various island chains, upgrade your ship, and aim to bring in bigger and deadlier catches, along with salvage and more. But beware, as when the fog rolls in at night, the strange beings scratching at the edge of sanity are the least of your worries!
Dredge quickly became a fan favorite for obvious reasons. The realm of nautical horror encapsulates a vast array of exciting and terrifying themes, while simply navigating the waterways and watching your plucky fishing boat can be as relaxing as the rest of the game is stressful. The graphics strike a balance between stylized and surreal, and with the potential for future DLC, there's a wealth of content to anticipate.
Still not convinced? Perhaps Stephen's review of Dredge will sway you. He awarded it a certified gold rating, praising its atmosphere, performance, and the seamless way Black Salt Games has translated a myriad of mechanics and UI elements to the mobile platform.