The Quarry

78%
Game Brain Score Based on 10,643 reviews
  • story
  • graphics
  • gameplay
The Quarry Game Cover
The Quarry’s charming cast and eye-watering visual splendour are worth the price of entry alone, but its strong, varying plot is where it truly pops.
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"The Quarry" is a horror game where players navigate a group of camp counselors' desperate fight for survival through a terrifying night at a remote forest retreat. The Deluxe Edition offers bonus content including '80s-themed outfits, access to the Death Rewind system, Gorefest Movie Mode, andHorror History Visual Filter Pack. The game also includes a free trial featuring the Prologue chapter and online multiplayer options.

  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Cloud
  • Play​Station
  • Xbox
  • Xbox Game Pass
  • x_box_cloud_gaming
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

78%
Audience ScoreBased on 10,643 reviews
story2,117 positive mentions
optimization215 negative mentions
  • story4,649 mentions

    The story of "The Quarry" is widely praised for its engaging narrative and character development, drawing inspiration from classic 80s horror films while incorporating modern storytelling elements. Players appreciate the branching paths and choices that significantly impact character fates, although some critiques highlight a lack of depth in certain plot points and a somewhat predictable storyline. Overall, the game is recommended for its immersive experience, strong voice acting, and replayability, despite some technical issues and pacing concerns.

    • “A super engaging story line that keeps you on the edge of your seat.”
    • “Amazing story plot! The characters had their own amazing parts, funny scenes, some made me sad, some made me happy. It's an amazing game, definitely recommend.”
    • “The story is intriguing and for me it was a lot of fun to piece it all together.”
    • “The story is pretty bad, character development and relationship development is completely missing.”
    • “The pacing remains wildly inconsistent until the game abruptly ends, right after the narrator injects herself into the story, further shattering the fourth wall, and the game tries to make you feel bad for the original monster, who has had no character development anyway.”
    • “The story is marching in one direction and by god they may try to make it appear that you can make choices that change that direction but they'll pull the story right back on track within at most 5 minutes of said choice.”
  • graphics1,324 mentions

    The graphics in "The Quarry" have received widespread acclaim for their stunning visual fidelity, often described as almost photorealistic, with detailed character models and impressive lighting effects that enhance the cinematic experience. However, some players have reported issues with graphical glitches, awkward facial animations, and performance problems, particularly on lower-end systems, which can detract from the overall immersion. Despite these drawbacks, the game's visuals are generally considered a highlight, contributing significantly to its engaging narrative and atmosphere.

    • “The visuals are stunning, with highly detailed environments and lifelike character models that make every moment feel intensely real.”
    • “The graphics are absolutely stunning, making the game feel almost lifelike.”
    • “The quarry is a visual masterpiece, boasting stunning, cinematic graphics that completely immerse you in the eerie and atmospheric setting.”
    • “The water in the lake looks like black oil; the graphics here are a particular low point, particularly when the characters start splashing each other.”
    • “There's a bunch of graphical glitches that were never fixed, that really baffles me.”
    • “The graphics are pretty poor in some parts as well; for instance, water splashing looks god awful despite me running the game on pretty high graphical quality.”
  • gameplay962 mentions

    The gameplay of "The Quarry" is primarily cinematic, blending interactive movie elements with quick-time events and decision-making, which some players find engaging while others criticize for its minimal interactivity and predictability. Many reviews highlight the game's strong narrative and character development, but note that the gameplay can feel repetitive and lacks the depth found in previous titles like "Until Dawn." Overall, while the game offers a unique experience for fans of horror and narrative-driven gameplay, it may disappoint those seeking more traditional gaming mechanics.

    • “It has an awesome balance between gameplay and feeling like you're a part of this crazy horror movie.”
    • “Gameplay-wise, The Quarry balances exploration, quick-time events, and decision-making seamlessly.”
    • “What really kept me hooked was the seamless blend of cinematics and gameplay—it felt like I was part of an interactive movie; a unique aspect that made it both entertaining and memorable.”
    • “The gameplay is terrible not because it just is but because it's just so unpredictable, most of the time you'll think you're watching a cutscene and then a QTE plays out, and if you miss it, too bad you'll have to replay the same chapter again and waste half an hour if you wanted to keep this character alive.”
    • “In about 7 hours of gameplay, I think you have 10 minutes of actual interaction, the rest is cinematic.”
    • “The gameplay is slow and agonizing, like wading through a swamp made of hand sanitizer and broken glass.”
  • optimization546 mentions

    The game's optimization has received significant criticism, with many players reporting frequent stuttering, audio desynchronization, and performance issues, particularly when using the 2K launcher. While some users managed to improve performance by disabling the launcher or adjusting settings, the overall experience remains hampered by these technical flaws, making it challenging to enjoy the otherwise strong narrative and character performances. Many recommend waiting for patches or improvements before fully engaging with the game.

    • “The optimization gives you the opportunity to play at high resolution and graphics settings.”
    • “Nevertheless, the main things that really shine in this game are facial animations and lighting effects that truly make this game a cinematic experience with authentic actors' performances and world settings.”
    • “Gameplay is smooth and I haven't encountered a lot of visual artifacts or any lag spikes, and in my opinion, game performance is great on maximum settings with an NVIDIA 3070.”
    • “This game is horrible in terms of optimization!”
    • “I couldn't even play the game until I bought a brand new computer because of how poorly it's optimized.”
    • “The game not only backtracks on the usual co-op play style that this series is usually known for but also the game is so poorly optimized that even with a PC well above the minimum requirements the game will stutter and drop in frame rate after every loading screen.”
  • music527 mentions

    The music in "The Quarry" has received mixed reviews, with many praising its atmospheric soundtrack that enhances the horror experience, while others found some licensed tracks to be jarring or out of place. The original score is noted for its chilling and immersive qualities, contributing to the game's overall aesthetic, though some players felt that certain music choices detracted from the intended mood. Overall, the soundtrack is generally regarded as a strong aspect of the game, with highlights including memorable original songs and effective sound design.

    • “The soundtrack is killer.”
    • “The soundtrack features eerie and suspenseful tunes that enhance the horror and tension of the game.”
    • “The music complements the game perfectly, setting the mood for each thrilling moment.”
    • “Reality: Gen Z teen drama with a depressing soundtrack that lamely fits.”
    • “They also had to put a needle drop in every chapter and the songs they had sucked and sometimes didn't even fit at all.”
    • “The music sucks, and the timing for it is odd.”
  • replayability304 mentions

    The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with many players appreciating the numerous branching paths and multiple endings that encourage revisiting the story. However, the inability to skip cutscenes and lengthy sequences detracts from the overall experience, making subsequent playthroughs feel tedious for some. While there is potential for high replay value, particularly for those interested in exploring different outcomes, the execution leaves room for improvement.

    • “This aspect not only increases the replay value but also keeps you deeply engaged, as you weigh each decision carefully, knowing it could impact the fate of your characters.”
    • “Great replayability with a wide variety of branching story possibilities.”
    • “The game is very replayable as there are so many endings and different paths to take.”
    • “The game was fun for our first playthrough and we made mistakes that we wanted to go back on in order to get a better/different ending, however the game is designed horribly for replay value, which is quite upsetting for a game with so many endings and choices that would have made it so exciting.”
    • “Unfortunately, much of the core story remains the same between playthroughs and there is no option to skip cutscenes, so I don't think there is much replayability beyond that.”
    • “The only real downside, I feel, is that there's not a lot of replay value once you beat it.”
  • stability282 mentions

    The game's stability has been widely criticized, with numerous players reporting frequent glitches, freezes, and audio desynchronization issues that significantly detract from the overall experience. While some users noted minor bugs that didn't heavily impact gameplay, many described the game as a "buggy mess," with serious performance problems during cutscenes and quick time events. Overall, the consensus suggests that the game requires substantial patches to address its stability issues before it can be recommended.

    • “I had no glitches.”
    • “The game isn't buggy for me at all and plays very smoothly.”
    • “Runs great on my computer with a 3080ti at 4k.”
    • “The most broken, buggy mess I've made an attempt at since the Ultimate Alliance ports.”
    • “This game is a buggy mess.”
    • “It freezes and loads in missing your moves, it skips and replays sounds without scenes on repeat till the game finally loads 3 minutes later... I paid an excessive amount for a game to be acting this way.”
  • humor255 mentions

    The humor in the game is a mixed bag, with many players finding it both entertaining and cringeworthy. While some appreciate the campy, self-aware dialogue and character interactions that elicit genuine laughter, others criticize the awkward writing and repetitive jokes that detract from the experience. Overall, the humor serves as a lighthearted counterbalance to the horror elements, making it enjoyable for those who embrace its quirky charm.

    • “This game had me laughing out loud one moment to being scared my favorite character was gonna die the next.”
    • “Hilarious dialogue and the many different outcomes allow you to play it over and over again.”
    • “The humor in the game was a great relief from the tension of the horror elements, but it also served as a way to cope with the anxiety that comes with existentialist thinking.”
    • “Emma is insufferable, Ryan has negative charisma but you're supposed to believe two characters want to be with him. Kaitlyn is a wannabe sarcastic girlboss, and Dylan is the most cringe-inducing, unfunny character alive.”
    • “Dylan is not funny and is a terribly written character.”
  • atmosphere208 mentions

    The atmosphere of "The Quarry" is widely praised for its stunning graphics, eerie sound design, and immersive lighting that effectively create a chilling horror experience reminiscent of classic slasher films. Players appreciate the well-developed characters and engaging story, which enhance the overall tension and suspense, although some note that certain moments can detract from the intended mood. Overall, the game successfully captures a captivating and unnerving atmosphere that keeps players on edge throughout their journey.

    • “The atmospheric lighting and eerie sound design further enhance the suspense, drawing you into the chilling story of a group of camp counselors who find themselves stranded in a remote area with sinister forces at play.”
    • “The graphics and atmosphere are top-notch, drawing us into the eerie setting of Hackett's Quarry.”
    • “The quarry is a visual masterpiece, boasting stunning, cinematic graphics that completely immerse you in the eerie and atmospheric setting.”
    • “The gameplay was decent and the whole atmosphere was somewhat messy in my opinion.”
    • “The voice acting, responses, and animation of the characters also made the game less scary; it did not make me feel like they were scared of whatever was going on in the game, which kind of ruined the whole atmosphere.”
    • “There is literally nothing to play with; where is the action/suspense or thrilling atmosphere?”
  • grinding81 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game is widely criticized for being tedious and repetitive, with many players expressing frustration over the lack of options to skip cutscenes or fast-forward through scenes when replaying for different outcomes. This leads to a drawn-out experience that can detract from the overall enjoyment, making it feel like a chore rather than a fun challenge, especially for completionists aiming to unlock all achievements. Overall, while the game has its merits, the grinding elements significantly impact the pacing and enjoyment for many players.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “A bit grindy sometimes.”
    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “Getting achievements or even just trying to see all the possible options is incredibly tedious and frustrating, especially if you make one small mistake and realize you have to play the game all the way through again just to be able to correct your mistake and reattempt your run.”
    • “Yet, the tension and scares faded quickly and the game became more and more tedious hours after hours with a pathetically cheap ending (I mean literally, I expected better for this price).”
    • “Frankly, the game started getting quite tedious a bit more than halfway through, which is saying something for a game that can be beaten in under 15 hours.”
  • character development80 mentions

    Character development in the game receives mixed reviews, with some praising the nuanced personalities and evolving relationships that enhance the gameplay experience, while others criticize the lack of depth and inconsistent pacing. Many players appreciate the humor and interactions among characters, though some feel that certain characters lack significant development. Overall, while there are standout moments of character growth, several reviews indicate that improvements could be made for a more cohesive narrative.

    • “The game also excels in its character development, offering nuanced personalities and relationships that evolve based on your interactions.”
    • “The character development throughout the story is phenomenal.”
    • “Not only does it offer some of the best character development I've seen in any recent game -- it also offers some of the best horror elements too that'll surely make you wanna jump out of your seat.”
    • “The story and characters aren't the best; there's little-to-no character development.”
    • “The pacing remains wildly inconsistent until the game abruptly ends, right after the narrator injects herself into the story, further shattering the fourth wall, and the game tries to make you feel bad for the original monster, who has had no character development anyway.”
    • “All the 'couples' split off and do their own things and nobody really has much character development after that.”
  • emotional38 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game elicits a wide range of responses, with many players forming strong attachments to the characters and feeling genuine concern for their fates. While some praise the storytelling and the balance of humor and horror, others criticize the lack of impactful character development and the overall pacing of the narrative. Overall, the game is described as an emotional roller coaster, with moments of both heartbreak and humor, though opinions vary significantly on its effectiveness in delivering a compelling emotional experience.

    • “I started getting emotionally attached to the characters and the depth of their stories very quickly, although I unfortunately sent most of them to the afterlife with my questionable choices.”
    • “This is one of the only games I can truthfully say kept me at the edge of my seat, scared me a couple of times, and made me feel a mixture of emotions.”
    • “I found many of these characters likable enough to save (one of whom I saved twice), and it was heartbreaking to end my initial playthrough with the deaths of two of my favorite characters in the last chapter.”
    • “Boring story, it had great potential but they messed it up with the excessively long prison scenes and the constant pointless talking. It's also just not scary, not to mention how your choices mean absolutely nothing half the time.”
    • “It got better to where I did not fall asleep, but overall it dragged and was a very boring story.”
    • “Shit game, boring story.”
  • monetization12 mentions

    The monetization strategy of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the lack of manipulative practices typically seen in the industry, while others criticize the hidden costs associated with the deluxe edition and additional cosmetic purchases. Many feel that essential features, like the three lives system, should not be locked behind a paywall, labeling it as a disappointing cash grab. Overall, the monetization approach has sparked debate about fairness and transparency in pricing.

    • “Other than that, it's all good, but next time they should perhaps discuss if charging money for costumes and filters is fair, considering it's such a scheme-free game otherwise, being short and to the point, unmarred from the manipulative monetization and retention tendencies seen elsewhere in the industry.”
    • “Other than that it's all good, but next time they should perhaps discuss if charging money for costumes and filters is fair, considering it's such a scheme-free game otherwise, being short and to the point, unmarred from the manipulative monetization and retention tendencies seen elsewhere in the industry.”
    • “Disappointing cash grab.”
    • “[minor correction: the three lives system is only given to you if you buy the deluxe edition, which is not mentioned on the product page at all. This is a terrible marketing practice. Unlocking it in the normal edition is pointless because you're already familiar enough with the game and can start from any chapter. They are literally hiding a much-needed quality of life feature behind a paid deluxe edition. That is disgusting monetization.]”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

74% average critic score

Buy The Quarry

Play time

10hMedian play time
9hAverage play time
9hMain story
31hCompletionist
7-10hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 85 analyzed playthroughs

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