Dry Drowning

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

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  1. 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 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    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.    … Expand
  2. 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. Would love to see more content or a DLC in the future
  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 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:    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 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.    … Expand
  4. Gonjsimi
    Dec 6, 2019
    10
    Very impressive visual novel, mixing several mechanics from other genres and reinventing a bit the whole narration style making the game more like movies than classic visual novels, a real breath of fresh air for the genre.

    The choices you make are ones you really feel like they are decisive and that are going to turn against you in unpredictable ways, and in fact they do. Great    Very impressive visual novel, mixing several mechanics from other genres and reinventing a bit the whole narration style making the game more like movies than classic visual novels, a real breath of fresh air for the genre.

    The choices you make are ones you really feel like they are decisive and that are going to turn against you in unpredictable ways, and in fact they do.

    Great soundtrack, always in line with the mood, and superb atmosphere. The illustrations and the city of Nova Polemos keep you very immersed, quite like if you were one of its citizens.    … Expand
  5. Laputa97
    Dec 6, 2019
    9
    One of the best visual novels on the market. Great art style, story and music.
  6. pjun
    Jun 28, 2020
    9
    Amazing game. music is very good. Having different choice and ending. The story is cool. I like this game.
  7. MarkusCreed
    Jun 20, 2020
    8
    Dry Drowning è una visual-novel dai toni noir che pesca anche dai generi che vanno oltre la natura di videogioco, proponendo un comparto narrativo e anche estetico di ottima fattura. Insomma, anche se non esente da alcune sbavature, il videogioco riesce nel suo obbiettivo centrale: narrare una storia ed immergervi l’utente. Il giocatore verrà rapito da una sensazione continua di curiositàDry Drowning è una visual-novel dai toni noir che pesca anche dai generi che vanno oltre la natura di videogioco, proponendo un comparto narrativo e anche estetico di ottima fattura. Insomma, anche se non esente da alcune sbavature, il videogioco riesce nel suo obbiettivo centrale: narrare una storia ed immergervi l’utente. Il giocatore verrà rapito da una sensazione continua di curiosità mista a suspense, che lo spingerà a non abbandonare il videogioco fino ai titoli di coda. Mi sento di consigliare il prodotto a chi ricerca una narrativa interessante e non proprio scontata, mentre lo sconsiglio caldamente agli amanti dell’azione e dei gameplay più strutturati… Expand

Critic Reviews

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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. Adventure Gamers
    Feb 24, 2020
    70
    While Dry Drowning’s conclusion may be overly complicated, the visual novel-styled journey of tracking down a serial killer in a future dystopian city more than makes up for it.
    Read full review
  2. 4P.de
    Nov 13, 2019
    80
    Stylish noir thriller with an interesting story, but mechanical limitations – despite a variety of possible interactions.
    Read full review
  3. 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.
    Read full review
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