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Drowning

Drowning's story starts boring, if relatable, and ends on a note that left me baffled. I don't know what the intent was, but this isn't going anywhere good.
Drowning Game Cover
36%Game Brain Score
story, music
graphics, gameplay
57% User Score Based on 14 reviews
Critic Score 35%Based on 2 reviews

Platforms

Nintendo SwitchLinuxPCPlaystation 5Mac OSPlaystation 4WindowsPlayStationPlaystation Vita
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Drowning Game Cover

About

Drowning is a single player simulation game. It was developed by Polygonal Wolf and was released on November 7, 2018. It received negative reviews from critics and neutral reviews from players.

Walk in the shoes of this teenage boy who learns to live with his inner demon.

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Drowning screenshot
Drowning screenshot
Drowning screenshot
Drowning screenshot
Drowning screenshot
Drowning screenshot
Drowning screenshot
Drowning screenshot
Drowning screenshot
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57%
Audience ScoreBased on 14 reviews
story4 positive mentions
graphics3 negative mentions
  • The game effectively conveys the theme of depression through its narrative and atmosphere, making it relatable for those who have experienced similar feelings.
  • The story is well-written and thought-provoking, providing a captivating journey through the protagonist's formative years.
  • The game features multiple endings and secrets, adding a layer of exploration for players who enjoy narrative-driven experiences.
  • The gameplay is tedious, with a very slow walking speed and a lack of engaging mechanics, making the experience feel monotonous.
  • There are several technical issues, such as typos and a persistent mouse cursor on the screen, which detract from the overall immersion.
  • The visuals and audio are often described as generic and uninteresting, failing to enhance the emotional impact of the story.
  • story
    20 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story of the game centers on a teenager grappling with depression, exploring themes of isolation and maturity through a narrative that some players find relatable and well-written. However, the storytelling is criticized for its slow pace, reliance on text over voice acting, and occasional typos, which detract from the overall experience. While the atmosphere and music align well with the theme, the execution leaves some players feeling that the narrative could have been more engaging and cohesive.

    • “This has already been outlined, but this is basically the story of a teen coping with depression while alienating himself from friends and life in general.”
    • “A truly amazing take on depression and a well-written storyline created by Polygonal Wolf.”
    • “The atmosphere, the music, and the story fit perfectly with the theme of depression.”
    • “Boring story told in a very slow way.”
    • “This game tries to tell the story by putting walls of text in front of your face, which should have been done with a voice actor; I mean, you only needed one person.”
    • “Drowning's story starts boring, if relatable, and ends on a note that left me baffled.”
  • graphics
    6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics received mixed reviews, with some users finding them ugly and monotonous due to a lack of visual variety throughout the game. In contrast, others appreciated the simple, water-colored aesthetic, suggesting that while the visuals may not be dynamic, they possess a certain charm.

    • “The graphics were nice in a simple, almost water-colored fashion.”
    • “Ugly and boring graphics.”
    • “There is little to no visual variance, and the only thing that happens as you walk is you unlock more autobiographical dialogue.”
    • “In my estimation, simply changing the visuals more often within each year while also working on the game's pacing issues would fix this and make it a game I personally would enjoy playing through.”
  • gameplay
    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of this title has been met with skepticism, as some users suggest that it may not be engaging enough on its own, relying instead on narrative or psychological elements to maintain player interest. Reviewers recommend that developers ensure a compelling gameplay experience or find alternative ways to keep players engaged.

    • “This is definitely one of those titles you look for a gameplay video of if you're not sure you want to get into it or not.”
    • “Just as constructive advice for anyone that makes these - if you're not making a game with gameplay, find a way to keep the player engaged.”
  • emotional
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of the game is polarizing; while some find the story slow and boring, others appreciate it as a profound emotional experience that effectively addresses serious themes through the medium of gaming.

    • “This wasn't just a game; it was an emotional experience that provided a serious perspective that needs to be addressed and discussed more. I appreciate that it was conveyed through this medium, the gaming industry.”
    • “The story is boring and unfolds at a painfully slow pace.”
    • “The emotional depth is lacking, making it hard to connect with the characters.”
    • “I felt no emotional engagement; the narrative failed to resonate with me.”
  • music
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game has been described as repetitive and uninspired, resembling generic background tunes often heard in mundane settings. While it effectively conveys a sense of depression and complements the game's atmosphere, many reviewers feel it lacks depth and originality, making it ultimately unremarkable.

    • “The atmosphere, the music, and the story fit perfectly with the theme of depression.”
    • “Repetitive and boring piano music.”
  • atmosphere
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of the game is highly praised for its seamless integration of music and story, effectively conveying themes of depression. Players feel that the immersive experience justifies their investment in the game.

    • “The atmosphere, the music, and the story fit perfectly with the theme of depression.”
    • “If you appreciate atmosphere, your money will be well invested.”
  • grinding
    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and overly self-indulgent, suggesting it detracts from the overall experience.

    • “Well, that's tedious and self-indulgent.”
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35%Critics’ scoreBased on 2 critic reviews
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Frequently Asked Questions

Drowning is a simulation game.

Drowning is available on Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 5, Mac OS and others.

Drowning was released on November 7, 2018.

Drowning was developed by Polygonal Wolf.

Drowning has received negative reviews from players and negative reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its story but disliked it for its graphics.

Drowning is a single player game.

Similar games include Gone In November, Home is Where One Starts..., This Strange Realm Of Mine, Bottle, Cloud Climber and others.