Draugen

 PC
User Score
6.7

Mixed or average reviews- based on 97 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 42 out of 97
  2. Mixed: 38 out of 97
  3. Negative: 17 out of 97

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  1. LoletinAlexis
    Jun 11, 2019
    6
    Draugen is a curious experience that I notice lack of work, with a doubtful and uninspiring ending.

    Draugen contains a very personal and emotional story, which emanates emotions and is intelligent. However, the end of this experience and the final null clarification affect the final set. Draugen contains an extremely simple and limited gameplay, which affects the general freedom in    Draugen is a curious experience that I notice lack of work, with a doubtful and uninspiring ending.

    Draugen contains a very personal and emotional story, which emanates emotions and is intelligent.
    However, the end of this experience and the final null clarification affect the final set.

    Draugen contains an extremely simple and limited gameplay, which affects the general freedom in Draugen.
    The abusive use of the "F" key (default setting) is impressive.    … Expand
  2. shinaaaaa
    Jun 12, 2019
    9
    I won't lie, I'm a small RTG fan so I was quite curious how this project would turn out. I was quite sceptical at first because of the first trailer but still had hopes for the game. I'm glad I did so, since it's quite stunning and the plot really got me caught in it. The music, visual presentations are so amazing and get such incredible atmosphere. The story really got unpredictable forI won't lie, I'm a small RTG fan so I was quite curious how this project would turn out. I was quite sceptical at first because of the first trailer but still had hopes for the game. I'm glad I did so, since it's quite stunning and the plot really got me caught in it. The music, visual presentations are so amazing and get such incredible atmosphere. The story really got unpredictable for me at least, which I didn't expect from a linear game. I'm quite a fan actually of good walking simulators (like Stanley Parable) because of the story they're telling. Oh and the details of the game, especially carpets and letters, I kept just looking at them to try to read them myself and see how much love and care the creators have put into this.
    While the game is short, I cannot say it's a minus. It's a good length for such game. What I actually have to give critique for is hair - which was already a problem for me in Dreamfall Chapters, this time, even on ultra settings and with anti-aliasing on, it looked weird. Also, the lighting in this game sometimes got way too wonky, and trying to repair it by playing with Gamma setting sometimes made it worse. Maybe the water also seemed a little weird compared to other textures but that's just me nitpicking.

    Overall, I know it's not a game for everybody. It has it pros and cons and like, while it's not perfect, what game is perfect really? Are we really going to try to catch an idea rather than try to find joy in what we already have?    … Expand
  3. daarribas
    Oct 10, 2020
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. NO SPOILERS HERE:

    Draugen is a short 3D point-and-click adventure game set in the early 1920s in the fictional Norwegian coastal village Graavik, likely based on the real city of Gravvik.

    The game is named after the mythological character Draugr - a man-like creature said to be able to pull people between life and death.

    The game's story places it within the crime & mystery genre. Edward, the main protagonist, is in search for his disappeared sister "Betty". He is accompanied by "Lissie", a 17-year old whose relationship to Edward initially remains mysterious. Arriving in Graavik by boat, they find an empty village. While Edwards key motivator remains finding his sister, they decide to investigate the local events that lead to everybody's disappearance.

    Overall, I found the story and characters interesting and engaging enough. Lissie was the most memorable for me. Breathing liveliness and often dancing around, she is made even more interesting by combining two opposing traits. Confident mature dialogue on one hand, if a bit bratty at times, even bossing Edward around on many occasions, but also remaining playful and childish especially in her physical stance and movement. She is an instance of an adult character that manages to be interesting, but remains entirely non-sexualized. The character is also hard to believe for many of the same reasons, which is later resolved as the story progresses.

    The game's biggest strength is it picturesque setting. This is exploited by the gameplay which encourages you at several points to stop and watch, or even draw - which then blends to in-game cutscenes. The visual design is charming and atmospheric and features lush nature and appealing vintage architecture, clothing, and artifacts referencing viking culture.

    The game's biggest downfall is the linearity of its gameplay, which is far below what the medium is capable of. At every step of the way, it is easy to see the influence of film in the design. Everything is linear to the absolute extreme. None of the players choices seem to matter at all. This goes to the point where, if you don't do what the game wants you to do, it will do it for you anyway. It will prevent you from freely moving and even prevent access to places to which you could move before. Even dialogue choices seem to all lead to the same end, immediately. If you just decide as much as looking the other way during dialogue, Lissie will call you back immediately. It is as patronizing as a game can be. At many times, this gave me the feel of an interactive movie, executed as a game, rather than a proper game. Adding to this is the very short story. The game is beaten within two to three hours. Again, this is reminiscent of feature film. Relative to a price of (ostensibly) only $20, it would still be OK though. Ultimately, the game remains somewhere between an interactive movie and game, while not exploiting the possibilities of either medium in a satisfying way.

    It is not a difficult game at all. All relevant cues are marked for you to the point where it almost becomes spoonfeeding. This may strongly come down to personal taste. Personally, I had to laugh out in disbelief, when they found a collection of objects in a large box placed in plain view in a girl's room, and Edward commented "she wanted to keep them hidden". OTOH, its ease contributes to making the game quite relaxing.

    Though mostly stable, there are occasional glitches and I had to restart once.

    Purely on its merits as a game, I would rate the game a 7/10.

    SPOILERS FROM HERE:

    That being said, I cannot properly review this game without addressing the elephant in the room: As much as I would wish otherwise, this game is politicized. Buying a game, just to have EU propaganda waved in my face, is not the way I want my entertainment to be. Again, the EU has its hands in producing a propaganda game, paid for by EU taxpayer money. This time targeting Norway, a country that is not even part of the EU. "Why EU taxpayer money? Why Norway?" are the key questions to ask. The story takes a turn towards the surreal and messages such as "not being alone", "we are with you" are frequently preached by a big institutional-looking statue brought in for no apparent reason. Then, a European flag is flown during the end credits. This is subliminal influencing of public opinion, while attaching it to the context of Norway. Why EU taxpayer money should be squandered on this is beyond me, if not for manufacturing consent. It is also unfair to indie game creators, because it distorts the market. This game never had to compete on a level playing field with other game creators. Nothing was earned. Instead, taxpayer money was handed out. I have a strong conviction that governments should stay out of game development (and film). Much less should they politicize it, which inevitably happens due to how the incentives are stacked. This alone makes it a 3/10 for me - a clear "Don't buy".    … Expand
  4. krzysprzybylski
    May 31, 2019
    10
    I'm giving this game 10/10 just because people're giving this game 1 point because they still think this is a horror. Normally I'd give this game 9/10 but honestly. I can't leave metacritic with 4,5/10. This game deserves better
  5. Dairuna
    Jun 1, 2019
    10
    Totally loved it:
    - Great storytelling
    - Fantastic characters - Beautiful setting - Great character conversations - Brilliant voice acting (nice to hear you again, Kian Alvane!) Mostly linear, let's you make some choices in conversations, which will lead you through the game. You also get the chance to come to your own conclusions. My biggest advice: take your time. Really. Don't rush.    Totally loved it:
    - Great storytelling
    - Fantastic characters
    - Beautiful setting
    - Great character conversations
    - Brilliant voice acting (nice to hear you again, Kian Alvane!)

    Mostly linear, let's you make some choices in conversations, which will lead you through the game.
    You also get the chance to come to your own conclusions.

    My biggest advice: take your time. Really. Don't rush. Wander off as much as you can.

    I hope there will be more of Edward and Lissie in the future!



    s    … Expand
  6. sphair
    Jun 1, 2019
    10
    Absolutely loved it, fascinating story but the fun of character interactions is what drives the game. Short, but very nice to be able to finish it in a busy schedule. Not all games needs to be 100 hours. Embrace it as a movie.
  7. erw87
    May 31, 2019
    9
    I love this game. Not perfect but Lissie and Edward are great. BTW yeah i agree with krzysprzybylski 100%.
  8. EllenSomeone
    Jun 1, 2019
    1
    Biggest disappointment ever. Most mysteries remain unsolved and the plot looks like the authors wanted to make the game so unusual that ended up plain, boring and unsatisfying. The gameplay is plain too - you don’t solve any puzzles or affect the story or at least shape the character’s personality (usually in adventures you do at least one of the three). You just keep walking round theBiggest disappointment ever. Most mysteries remain unsolved and the plot looks like the authors wanted to make the game so unusual that ended up plain, boring and unsatisfying. The gameplay is plain too - you don’t solve any puzzles or affect the story or at least shape the character’s personality (usually in adventures you do at least one of the three). You just keep walking round the location, reading letters and listening to the main characters’ conversations and that’s it. The visuals and music are beautiful but that’s the only two advantages.… Expand
  9. Vasili_Agate
    May 31, 2019
    1
    Is this a horror game or walking simulator ? Terrible.. I just deleted the game before i finished it.. What a waste of time.. Stay away from this game!
  10. Niko-san
    May 31, 2019
    6
    Boring and too short, even for a walking simulator. The main plot mystery is not revealed at the end so the final is kinda disappointing.
  11. JAGUAR10
    Jun 13, 2019
    0
    Another Ragnar Tornquist dud! I watched gameplay on Youtube and had to turn it off after the first 20 minutes. That girl is so extremely annoying I winced every time she spoke! The protaganist is extremely boring and the plot is absolutely unrealistic. #1 I'd leave that brat, Lissie, at home!! #2 Why didn't he notify the Norwegian authorities if his sister has gone missing? PeopleAnother Ragnar Tornquist dud! I watched gameplay on Youtube and had to turn it off after the first 20 minutes. That girl is so extremely annoying I winced every time she spoke! The protaganist is extremely boring and the plot is absolutely unrealistic. #1 I'd leave that brat, Lissie, at home!! #2 Why didn't he notify the Norwegian authorities if his sister has gone missing? People who are giving this game a 10 are either brainwashed TLJ fans or absolutely nuts. Tornquists' games have gone increasingly downhill since TLJ & Dreamfall. He can't even make a game without getting funded by the government of Norway. Was hoping things had changed after the Dreamfall Chapters disaster but they have not! Don't waste your money.… Expand
  12. Mandulum
    Jun 26, 2019
    7
    Favorite Thing: The story wastes very little time getting interesting.
    Least Favorite Thing: There's a twist halfway through that sort of spoils the ending. You can see it coming.

    Date Completed: 2019-06-22
    Playtime: 3.5h
    Enjoyment: 7/10
    Recommendation: It's a walking simulator but one buoyed with a good story.
  13. uchiro
    Jun 5, 2019
    10
    The interesting game with a short story from my favorite studio Red Thread Games.

    The authors put a lot of effort into creating a feel of isolated Norwegian country of the beginning of the last century. They succeeded. * Beautiful views of the fjords and the recreated life of an ebbing village. * Neat work with the language. In the best traditions of walking simulators there will be a    The interesting game with a short story from my favorite studio Red Thread Games.

    The authors put a lot of effort into creating a feel of isolated Norwegian country of the beginning of the last century. They succeeded.
    * Beautiful views of the fjords and the recreated life of an ebbing village.
    * Neat work with the language. In the best traditions of walking simulators there will be a lot of notes, but they are not always in native language for the main character. So he will have some difficulties in understanding.
    * Gorgeous music from Simon Poole.
    * Cool weather effects

    PS You shouldn’t expect much from story.    … Expand
  14. Alexb1096
    Jul 24, 2020
    6
    ITALIAN: Breve recensione
    Nonostante le premesse fossero interessanti, questo gioco non mi ha colpito particolarmente.
    Sicuramente l'aspetto grafico è molto curato, anche per quanto riguarda i volti, così come quello sonoro. Il gameplay invece è quello standard del genere (avventura grafica in prima persona), con un personaggio piuttosto lento e pochi elementi con cui interagire.    ITALIAN: Breve recensione
    Nonostante le premesse fossero interessanti, questo gioco non mi ha colpito particolarmente.

    Sicuramente l'aspetto grafico è molto curato, anche per quanto riguarda i volti, così come quello sonoro.

    Il gameplay invece è quello standard del genere (avventura grafica in prima persona), con un personaggio piuttosto lento e pochi elementi con cui interagire. Piacevole invece la possibilità di interagire con la figlia del protagonista in qualsiasi momento del gioco, oltre che nei video.

    La storia infine, nonostante un'atmosfera e delle premesse davvero ottime, secondo me degenera troppo finendo per rendere tutto confuso. Partendo dalla stessa base avrei preferito una trama più profonda e meno confusa.

    In conclusione, il gioco è breve e l'atmosfera interessante può far piacere il titolo ma la lentezza e la trama confusa potrebbero non farlo apprezzare fino in fondo.

    VOTO: 6.5/10    … Expand
  15. bancandrei
    May 22, 2020
    5
    Not the best in its genre. Gets a bonus point for pacing, but is quite predictable and doesn't bring much to the table
  16. Ky3mi4_raider71
    Nov 3, 2019
    10
    Fantastic story from author of Dreamfall Charpters with very beautiful views of Norwegian nature! Very pretty girl, walking with main character. Love this game
  17. Anastasyah
    Jun 6, 2019
    7
    Nice game and nice story. Very interesting story really. Almost from start i have realized things about Lissie and i wondering about what will happen with the main heroes. 7/10 only for short game, sorry
  18. MyOnlyEye
    Jun 4, 2019
    9
    A brilliant game. Ignore the stiff lip sync and enjoy the mood, the story, the music, the graphics and a really good description of a Norwegian village stuck by disaster...
  19. joujou_tdj
    Jun 4, 2019
    10
    So atmospheric and moving, especially when you're a fan of Red thread and you've waited for this game for so long !

    I had chills, i played a small bit every day to make the pleasure last... and still it was too short ;)

    This game totally owes its place in my heart
  20. UnimportantHero
    Mar 1, 2020
    9
    Draugen may not be for everyone - it is primarily an interactive linear narrative with limited opportunities for choices that impact your emotional experience of the story rather than the story itself - but those who have are happy to spend a few hours on a compelling story will find it engaging and suspenseful. These players (players like myself) should consider this game highlyDraugen may not be for everyone - it is primarily an interactive linear narrative with limited opportunities for choices that impact your emotional experience of the story rather than the story itself - but those who have are happy to spend a few hours on a compelling story will find it engaging and suspenseful. These players (players like myself) should consider this game highly recommended.

    I do feel the game could have been given slightly more length, but this is because I wanted the story of Edward and Alice to breathe a little more, not because the story is too short. By the end, as the credits rolled, I was happy to learn that these characters will return. Hopefully with a little more choice, hopefully with a little more breathing room for their relationship (and their understanding of themselves) to develop, but otherwise just as they are.    … Expand
  21. JoelArpal
    Jan 5, 2021
    7
    Me parecio muy interesante su historia y su forma de contarla. No obstante, recuerdo que al final perdia bastante.
  22. Umur
    Jul 25, 2023
    6
    It is not the worst examples of this kind of game but there is no ending the story line is just left unknown and i was curious at first but at the end im still curious.

Awards & Rankings

27
#27 Most Shared PC Game of 2019

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
73

Mixed or average reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 32
  3. Negative: 0 out of 32
  1. TrueGaming
    Jul 9, 2019
    75
    Draugen may not be the best game of this type but it's actually a beautiful experience that has it's own charm. you can definitely fall in love with this game.
    Read full review
  2. PLAY! Zine
    Jul 8, 2019
    80
    A psychological mystery meets the scenic fjords of Norway to bring you a new genre of fjord noir. Join Edward Charles Harden and his ward Lissie in their search for Edward's lost sister and unravel the mystery of the village of Graavik.
    Read full review
  3. Gamers' Temple
    Jun 28, 2019
    84
    A haunting game that will haunt you for a while after you finish it.
    Read full review
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