Dread Nautical

 Switch
Metascore
71

Mixed or average reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. Gaming Nexus
    May 5, 2020
    85
    Dread Nautical is a solid tactics strategy game with a very unique story. Though the game was developed originally for mobile devices, it makes the transition to consoles cleanly. With tons of character customization options and non-irritating procedurally-generated level design, Dread Nautical has enough meat on it to justify several playthroughs. Tactics fans shouldn't hesitate to pick this one up.
  2. NintendoWorldReport
    Apr 30, 2020
    85
    The indie scene on Switch in 2020 has been pretty hit-or-miss so far with no clear standouts as of yet. With its engaging story and enjoyable combat mechanics, Dread Nautical has the potential to make a splash on the Nintendo handheld. Even after making it through the demonic ship, there’s enough variety and a strong enough combat system to encourage multiple playthroughs.
  3. God is a Geek
    Apr 29, 2020
    75
    Dread Nautical does a lot of things well but it feels a bit unpolished on Nintendo Switch.
  5. Pure Nintendo
    Apr 29, 2020
    70
    Dread Nautical provides a very good turn-based adventure underneath an unfortunately cartoonish presentation. It can’t quite figure out if it wants to be scary or goofy, but the gameplay and level designs are deep enough to keep players engaged throughout.
  6. Cubed3
    May 4, 2020
    50
    In a sea of mediocre, mobile-born, turn-based tactical RPGs, it's easy to find something even more lifeless than Dread Nautical, but that doesn't say much. Zen Studios' creation lacks the depth usually expected from the genre, is way too repetitive, and even seems uncertain of what kind of atmosphere it wants to have. The only dread players will feel here is from the lengthy loading times.
  7. Nintendo Life
    May 1, 2020
    50
    Performance issues could be (at least, partially) ironed over with likeable, interesting characters and a compelling mystery, but Dread Nautical just doesn't deliver one. It's all rather trite and lacking in atmosphere. Yet despite the generally negative tone of this review, there is fun to be had here. It doesn't seem to do anything new whatsoever, and even Mario + Rabbids (ostensibly a game for children) has more tactical depth to it – nonetheless, it's occasionally fun to nip onto one of the bite-sized decks and wail on some Thralls. We just wish it was a little deeper; this kind of thing is acceptable on Dread Nautical's original home of Apple Arcade, but not on Switch, where the likes of Mutant Year Zero vie for the same audience.

User Reviews

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User Score
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User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. quetzalcube
    Oct 5, 2020
    6
    Dread Nautical is low-budget XCOM type game. XCOM type game means it is a turn base strategy game, fighting against some monstruous creatures,Dread Nautical is low-budget XCOM type game. XCOM type game means it is a turn base strategy game, fighting against some monstruous creatures, featuring character and weapon development as well as strong irreversable choinces all rounded with fun goofy style graphics. Low-budget means that sound and graphics will be repetitive, some features are not polyshed (translation is awful, surely done with an automated free translator) and some mechanics are either totally overpowered (like armor and ranged & root weapons) or completelye underpowered. Also, you will find glitches and bugs, some minor like few app crashes not particularly disturbing because the automated save, others somehow annoying like the fact that they forgot to port a diary recording all miniquest so you don't forget them.

    However, the bright side is that Dread Nautical is actually a true game, not just some time-consuming app. There are certainly some novelties and nice mechanics and the developers really putted some great ideas in the game (like the character recruiting). The set up is alse really nice and the weapons, descriptions and character comments are very hylarious (it is great to nock out an enemy with a cd machine while your characters comment "knock out, punk!"). However, the game certainly lacks more time and money invested on it and one would have like it to see it fully developed.

    All in all, Dread Nautical is a fair option for XCOM lovers. However, if you missed the original certainly choose XCOM before Dread Nautica    … Full Review »
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