Dry Drowning

 PC
  • Publisher: VLG
  • Release Date: Aug 2, 2019
  • Also On: Switch
Metascore
68

Mixed or average reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. 4P.de
    Nov 13, 2019
    80
    Stylish noir thriller with an interesting story, but mechanical limitations – despite a variety of possible interactions.
  2. PLAY! Zine
    Oct 8, 2019
    80
    Dry Drowning is not a perfect game but successfully presents itself as a typical, but intriguing cyberpunk noir visual novel that will provide you with at least some fun time, despite its cliché tropes and translation issues.
  3. Multiplayer.it
    Aug 1, 2019
    75
    Based on dialogues and branching storyline, Dry Drowning offers a very limited but consistent gaming experience.
  5. SpazioGames
    Aug 1, 2019
    85
    Dry Drowning is a very good game with great narrative experience. Every relationship between the characters is layered to increase player involvement, and each choice has different consequences. A thriller game that deserves to be played.
  6. Cultured Vultures
    Aug 1, 2019
    80
    And even though it’s throwing a pack of quite disparate elements into one weird cocktail, the result doesn’t taste half bad.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 14 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 14
  3. Negative: 2 out of 14
  1. Falcodino
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    Amazing game. A deep and fantastic story, nice atmosphere, High quality soundtrack and 20h gameplay. Some puzzle could be more challanging.Amazing game. A deep and fantastic story, nice atmosphere, High quality soundtrack and 20h gameplay. Some puzzle could be more challanging. Would love to see more content or a DLC in the future… Full Review »
  2. Avenger875
    Oct 1, 2019
    10
    A wonderfully engaging neo-noir adventure set in a dystopian future. DEFINITELY WORTH IT:

    + Great story: explores the inherent dangers of    A wonderfully engaging neo-noir adventure set in a dystopian future. DEFINITELY WORTH IT:

    + Great story: explores the inherent dangers of revolutions, the morally constrained and self-interested nature of human beings, the AI revolution, and the value of integrity and compassion.

    + Engaging characters: they follow the standard template of film noir stocks--the morally grey detective with a dark past, AI researchers looking for the next breakthrough without pondering the philosophical and social consequences of their work, a kind-hearted cop who is forced to wear a hardened exterior to survive in a corrupt government regime, etc.

    All characters are self-interested, but most do what they believe to be the right thing -- some pursue their own vision of utopia regardless of cost, while others are more reasonable in their approach. Major characters all receive some development.

    + Excellent soundtrack. the piano pieces in particular are very well-written.

    + Fun mechanic: the masks, and proving your arguments/conclusions through evidence.

    Small complaints:
    - Several translation errors (grammar, homophones, spelling).
    - You are given little to no indication of the extent of the consequences of your choices. A few have HUGE impact, and basically determine the endings.

    EDIT: I created an account just to submit this review, because I really believe in supporting small developers who produce quality content! This is definitely quality.    … Full Review »
  3. Thilus
    Sep 10, 2020
    7
    While this visual novel has a good start to the story and a decent ending, everything in between is a jumbled mess. It seemed like theWhile this visual novel has a good start to the story and a decent ending, everything in between is a jumbled mess. It seemed like the developers had something much greater in mind, but their expectations fell short. All-in-all the novel holds out on its own, but just barely.

    PROS: Nice visuals; good music; interesting interrogation mechanics; strong start and an interesting end.
    CONS: The middle of the story is a jumbled mess with some inconsistencies; the characters are mostly paper cut-outs with an unbelievable development arc; some translation issues.    … Full Review »
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