DREDGE is a paradoxically calming and unnerving fishing adventure RPG where serene seas give way to creeping dread. Blending Lovecraftian mystery with psychological horror aspects, it creates a unique experience that really reels us in… *cough*.

Our journey begins with us washing up on the shores of a quiet fishing town after wrecking our boat on the rocks. From here, we settle into a cycle of fishing, selling, managing cargo space, upgrading our boat, completing pursuits, and uncovering the strange mysteries surrounding the islands.

To fish, we just tap at the right moment, with different fish appearing at different times of day. It’s simple and accessible but still satisfying - perfect for easing into the game’s cozy yet eerie atmosphere.

Time only moves while we fish or sail, but night creeps up fast - and that’s when the calmness is generally thrown out of the porthole.

The real terror comes from the fear of the unknown, so I’ll try to avoid spoilers, but when our character’s panic mechanics set in, things get, well, weird. Hallucinations, obstacles, and other primarily unwanted surprises increase the tension.

Sleeping helps manage panic, and our boat’s light becomes essential out at sea - though it might also attract… attention.

Also, yes, some pursuits do require us to head out after dark. Yay!

The graphics are simple but beautiful. I sometimes found myself changing the camera angle just to catch a sunset. However, the small text on mobile made me screenshot and zoom a few times, which broke the immersion. It’s probably best played on a tablet with a controller.

DREDGE is free to try, with a $24.99 iAP unlocking the base game, and a few optional DLCs for extra areas and content. Aside from the few small downsides, it’s a unique, exciting game that both horror and fishing fans can enjoy.