Draugen

Although a short and not providing all the answers to the questions it raises, Draugen, with its intoxicating atmosphere and the taste of Norwegian countryside, offers us a good time in the company of the protagonists with their charming relationships. Soaked with a soundtrack that seduces us from the very first notes, the story, in which our role will consist in following, without being able to influence it, like a spectator, has in any case kept us on our toes.

The idea of companion gives some personality in a genre that is not renowned by the inclusion of secondary characters. We miss more cohesion between the different plots, especially in the final part.

Draugen is a pleasant vacation from the world of mainstream gaming. Its protagonist is not a hero, but a man traumatized by his past. Its pacing is leisurely rather than hurried. Its mysteries court the mundane more than the spectacular.

Draugen's engaging story, wonderful characters, solid voice acting and beautiful environments could have made it an unforgettable experience, only if the developers have pushed harder through some limits and answered more story-related questions.

The puzzle pieces of the central mysteries you can slot together are satisfying, and the picture they begin to create is truly captivating, even if you are left wishing you could see just a bit more of it.

Simple mechanically, yet sophisticated in its story, Draugen is a brief exploration of grief, trauma, and mental illness wrapped in a compelling mystery that only occasionally drops the ball.

As with their previous work on Dreamfall Chapters, developers have provided players with a breathtaking, interesting world to explore that is set in a historical era and location that is little seen in games today. Wandering through the world is a visual and aural treat that is somewhat let down by two divergent mysteries that are never adequately explored or resolved.

Draugen weaves an interesting, short story about Edward and his ward, the young, energetic Lissie. The search for his little sister takes the pairing to Graavik, a remote village in rural Norway. But the mystery is far bigger than they know. It is a short, concentrated and well executed story based game.

I wanted to get behind Draugen so much, as someone who loves walking simulators, and loves Norway. But I just didn’t find it gripping — while the setting is unique and captures the beauty of Norway, what I experienced of the central mystery felt cliched, and the two central characters, especially Lissie, felt like 1920s caricatures. I think perhaps an opportunity was missed in giving the game Norwegian characters. If you like walking simulators, and mysteries, you may get a kick out of Draugen, worth a look-up in either case.

Draugen is a frustratingly creative attempt from Red Thread Games that some will appreciate, while others brush it aside without much thought.

While Draugen never reaches the promised story quality and world building we have come to expect from Ragnar Tornquist, there is still charm and beauty to be found is this secret Norwegian corner of the world.

Despite its narrative shortcomings, Draugen still has plenty to offer. Graavik has no shortage of beautiful views and stunningly detailed locations. In under three hours, Draugen pulls off a series of well-composed shots that are worth the entry price alone. Teddy and Lissie's story never reaches its full potential, but there are worse ways to spend a few hours than exploring a wind-swept fjord.

Draugen is a lovely walking sim about a mystery in a small Norwegian village. It has a cool atmosphere, though the story is too much about the twists that are just a bit too predictable.

This psychological “fjord-noir” adventure is well made, but let down by its overblown ambition, far too great for a short game of this nature.

Draugen is not bad, just disappointingly... mediocre-to-decent, when it could be so much more. The whole noir mystery narrated by an unreliable protagonist thing definitely manages to spark some interest, but this never really becomes the engrossing tale it wants to be. Forget the marvellously rendered Norwegian landscape, and the magical music that keeps it company. What lies underneath is just an okay-ish, walking simulator.

Draugen offers plenty of shocks and chills set against a unique, scenic backdrop of rural Norway, but is sadly let down by some jarring dialogue and a confusing conclusion.