Dyer Expedition

About

Dyer Expedition is a single player and multiplayer action game with a horror theme. It was developed by Retzudo and was released on September 19, 2025. It received positive reviews from players.

Dyer Expedition is a puzzle adventure game with light Lovecraftian horror elements and a story inspired by Lovecraft's 1931 novella At the Mountains of Madness.

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88%

Audience ScoreBased on 26 reviews

atmosphere12 positive mentions

story3 negative mentions

Great visuals and fantastic atmosphere, effectively capturing the eerie essence of Lovecraftian horror.
Engaging audio design and puzzles that enhance the immersive experience, making exploration enjoyable.
Short but well-crafted, providing a unique and memorable journey for fans of cosmic horror and indie games.

The game is extremely short, with many players feeling it ends too soon and leaves them wanting more.
Limited story depth and context related to Lovecraft's themes, which may disappoint fans expecting a richer narrative.
Some puzzles lack clear hints, leading to frustration and reliance on brute force solutions.

atmosphere
19 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
63%
21%
16%
The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its eerie exploration, stunning visuals, and exceptional sound design, creating a captivating and immersive experience. Reviewers highlight the blend of retro aesthetics with modern storytelling, noting that the atmosphere enhances the gameplay and emotional engagement. Despite some critiques regarding length, the overall consensus is that the atmospheric elements significantly contribute to the game's appeal, making it a must-play for fans of the genre.
- “I recommend this game to anyone who's a fan of eerie exploration, mysterious atmosphere, and slow-burn storytelling.”
- “The game's incredible atmosphere and the emotions it evoked were so captivating that I immediately played it a second time.”
- “Another thing that Dyer Expedition really excelled at in terms of establishing the atmosphere was the stellar sound design.”
- “The high quality (and perfectly minimal) controls, mechanics, style, atmosphere, and writing found here can be the platform to continue this genre in the direction where the Penumbra series left off... in my opinion, that's a huge void that is waiting to be filled by exactly this kind of properly focused developer.”
- “Loved the pixelation setting + retro-horror atmosphere.”
- “Enjoyable puzzles, stunning sights, and some of the better mythos atmosphere make this a must-play game with this theme.”
graphics
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
12%
38%
The graphics of the game are praised for their great visuals and atmospheric quality, particularly in the cave environments, which offer a surreal experience. While some players appreciate the nostalgic '90s and PS1-style aesthetics, others note that the art style can lead to a disjointed appearance in the environment. Overall, the combination of good audio design, effective use of lighting, and unique visual elements contributes to a compelling atmosphere.
- “Great visuals and fantastic atmosphere.”
- “Very good audio design, use of darkness and lighting, and some fantastic visuals.”
- “Added with the walking sim taste, pixel art style flavor, and adventure elements mixed in generously.”
- “Don't get me wrong, despite the '90s style graphics, Antarctica is certainly atmospheric and the visuals are surreal once you enter the caves.”
- “Also, maybe this is just my observation, but like many PS1 games, I noticed that in Dyer Expedition, the scenery and the art style are done in a way that objects and features in the environment don't blend together.”
story
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
17%
50%
The game's story is characterized by an eerie exploration and a mysterious atmosphere, effectively integrating themes from science such as astronomy and archaeology. While some players appreciate the slow-burn storytelling and the buildup of tension leading to a significant reveal, others find the overall narrative too brief and lacking in depth. Overall, it successfully evokes a sense of dread and nostalgia, enhancing the immersive gameplay experience.
- “I recommend this game to anyone who's a fan of eerie exploration, mysterious atmosphere, and slow-burn storytelling.”
- “Not only because of nostalgia from playing similar games as a kid, but also because I feel it really fits the whole sense of dread and unease that the story is trying to tell.”
- “I really wanted to like it, but the game is just way too short and has very little story.”
- “Not only because of nostalgia from playing similar games as a kid, but also because I feel it really fits the whole sense of dread and unease that the story is trying to convey.”
- “The slow build-up and unease throughout the story, the integration of science topics like astronomy, geology, and archaeology, and the gradual detective work leading to the big reveal at the end.”
music
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
100%
The music in the game is praised for its ability to enhance the atmosphere, effectively immersing players in the game world. Reviewers note that the soundtrack complements the gameplay, creating an engaging and memorable experience. Overall, the music is considered a standout feature that elevates the overall enjoyment of the game.
- “The music in this game perfectly complements the atmosphere, creating an immersive experience that draws you in.”
- “I love how the soundtrack evolves with the gameplay, enhancing every moment and making each level feel unique.”
- “The blend of different musical styles keeps the experience fresh and engaging, making me want to explore every corner of the game.”
- “The music feels repetitive and lacks variety, making it hard to stay engaged.”
- “I found the soundtrack to be uninspired and forgettable, which detracted from the overall experience.”
- “The audio quality is subpar, and the sound effects often clash with the music, creating a jarring experience.”
gameplay
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The gameplay is praised for its high-quality, minimal controls and mechanics, creating a compelling atmosphere and narrative that could effectively continue the legacy of the Penumbra series. Reviewers see this as a significant opportunity for the genre to evolve under the guidance of a focused developer.
- “The high quality and perfectly minimal controls, mechanics, style, atmosphere, and writing found here can be the platform to continue this genre in the direction where the Penumbra series left off. In my opinion, that's a huge void that is waiting to be filled by exactly this kind of properly focused developer.”