The Quarry

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.

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

Reviews

82%

Audience ScoreBased on 5,115 reviews

story1,009 positive mentions

optimization107 negative mentions

Engaging story with multiple endings that keeps players invested.
Stunning graphics and character animations that enhance the cinematic experience.
Strong voice acting and well-developed characters that players can connect with.

Gameplay is often overshadowed by long cutscenes, making it feel more like a movie than a game.
Limited interactivity and frustrating quick-time events that can lead to character deaths due to minor mistakes.
The ending lacks closure and is unsatisfying, with a long podcast instead of a proper conclusion.

story
2,217 mentions
46 % positive mentions
49 % neutral mentions
5 % negative mentions
The story of "The Quarry" has received a mix of praise and criticism from players. Many appreciate its engaging narrative, likable characters, and the ability to influence outcomes through choices, likening it to a cinematic experience reminiscent of classic horror films. However, some reviewers noted issues with pacing, predictability, and a lack of meaningful consequences for decisions, leading to a feeling of linearity despite the game's promise of multiple endings. Overall, while the story captivates many, it also leaves some players wanting more depth and resolution.
- “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 quarry is a triumph of interactive storytelling and horror.”
- “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.”
graphics
626 mentions
65 % positive mentions
32 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The graphics in "The Quarry" have received widespread acclaim for their stunning visuals and lifelike character models, often compared to a cinematic experience. While many players praise the attention to detail and atmospheric design, some report issues with graphical glitches, awkward facial animations, and performance problems, particularly on lower-end systems. Overall, the game is noted for its impressive graphical fidelity, though it may require a powerful PC to fully enjoy its visual potential.
- “The visuals are stunning, with highly detailed environments and lifelike character models that make every moment feel intensely real.”
- “The graphics are absolutely stunning.”
- “The graphics are insane, the facial animations are very well done and the characters are really interesting.”
- “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 so many graphical issues and bugs, along with audio de-sync and freezes.”
- “The graphics were not up to par, and I quite frequently had bugs with the character models.”
gameplay
458 mentions
22 % positive mentions
67 % neutral mentions
10 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "The Quarry" is characterized as heavily cinematic, often feeling more like an interactive movie than a traditional game, with minimal player input and a reliance on quick-time events (QTEs) and decision-making. While some players appreciate the engaging story and character development, many criticize the gameplay for being simplistic, repetitive, and lacking challenge, with a significant portion of the experience consisting of cutscenes rather than active gameplay. Overall, the game offers a unique blend of narrative and interactivity, but it may not satisfy those seeking a more traditional gaming experience.
- “The gameplay was easy and fun.”
- “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.”
- “It's mostly cinematics, which was okay for me, but others may be looking for more actual gameplay.”
- “Gameplay in this game 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.”
- “The gameplay is slow and agonizing, like wading through a swamp made of hand sanitizer and broken glass.”
optimization
265 mentions
20 % positive mentions
39 % neutral mentions
40 % negative 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 noted that the game runs well on high-end systems, others experienced severe lag and freezing even on recommended hardware, suggesting that it is poorly optimized for a wide range of PCs. Overall, the technical shortcomings detract from the otherwise engaging story and performances, leading many to recommend waiting for patches before playing.
- “The optimization gives you the opportunity to play at high resolution and graphics settings.”
- “Still, the game looks amazing and plays well; performance is good too.”
- “At the time of writing, there are performance issues that do bog the game down a bit and require you to turn your settings down to get a 'smooth' experience -- but it looks outstanding even with those reduced settings.”
- “The game isn't really that optimized.”
- “I couldn't even play the game until I bought a brand new computer because of how poorly it's optimized.”
- “This game is horrible in terms of optimization!”
music
251 mentions
48 % positive mentions
47 % neutral mentions
5 % negative mentions
The music in "The Quarry" has received mixed reviews, with many praising the soundtrack for its ability to enhance the game's atmosphere and complement its horror themes. While some players found the licensed tracks fitting and enjoyable, others criticized certain choices as jarring or out of place. Overall, the soundtrack is noted for its quality, with highlights including memorable original compositions and popular songs, though opinions vary on its effectiveness in relation to the game's narrative.
- “The soundtrack is perfect.”
- “The soundtrack for this game both streamer mode and licensed mode are amazing and definitely the best by far and they create the perfect atmosphere for the game.”
- “Reality: Gen Z teen drama with a depressing soundtrack that lamely fits.”
- “The music is lame AF.”
- “The music selection does not fit the vibe of the game.”
replayability
142 mentions
34 % positive mentions
63 % neutral mentions
4 % negative 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 some feel that replaying can be tedious. While some players find it highly replayable and engaging, others express frustration over the limitations that hinder their desire to replay the game multiple times.
- “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.”
- “Doesn't completely ruin the experience, but it really does hinder the game's replayability.”
- “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.”
stability
139 mentions
4 % positive mentions
1 % neutral mentions
95 % negative 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 persistent problems during cutscenes and quick time events. Overall, the game's technical issues have led to frustration among players, overshadowing its positive aspects.
- “The game isn't buggy for me at all and plays very smoothly.”
- “Runs great on my computer with a 3080ti at 4k.”
- “Runs great, 4k max settings solid 80+ fps.”
- “The most broken, buggy mess I've attempted since the Ultimate Alliance ports.”
- “There's so many graphical issues and bugs, along with audio de-sync and freezes.”
- “A buggy and broken mess with long loading screens and audio desync on every scene change.”
humor
115 mentions
99 % positive mentions
-2 % neutral mentions
3 % negative 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 funny character interactions that provide comic relief amidst the horror, others criticize the awkward writing and over-reliance on clichés. Overall, the humor adds a unique charm to the experience, making it enjoyable for those who appreciate a blend of laughs and scares.
- “The decision-making process becomes a communal event, with everyone chiming in on what to do next, leading to some heated debates and hilarious moments.”
- “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.”
- “Most (but not all) of the characters have amazing personality and character and I found myself laughing out loud more than I have in a long time.”
- “Dylan is not funny and is a terribly written character.”
- “The jokes fall flat and feel forced throughout the game.”
- “The humor attempts to be quirky but ends up being cringeworthy.”
atmosphere
97 mentions
63 % positive mentions
33 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its stunning graphics, eerie sound design, and immersive horror elements, effectively drawing players into a chilling narrative reminiscent of classic summer camp horror films. While many reviewers highlight the game's ability to create tension and suspense without relying heavily on cheap jump scares, some note inconsistencies in character expressions and moments that detract from the overall experience. Overall, the combination of well-developed characters, atmospheric lighting, and a compelling soundtrack contributes to a captivating and engaging horror atmosphere.
- “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 soundtrack for this game, both in streamer mode and licensed mode, is amazing and definitely the best by far, creating the perfect atmosphere for the game.”
- “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.”
- “Close-up facial expressions in dramatic moments enter the uncanny valley and ultimately distract from the game's atmosphere and mood.”
character development
38 mentions
61 % positive mentions
21 % neutral mentions
18 % negative mentions
Character development in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players praising the nuanced personalities and evolving relationships that enhance the gameplay experience, while others criticize the lack of depth and inconsistent pacing. Many highlight standout characters with significant growth, but some feel that certain characters remain underdeveloped or clichéd. Overall, the game is noted for its engaging character interactions, though opinions vary on the overall effectiveness of character arcs.
- “The game also excels in its character development, offering nuanced personalities and relationships that evolve based on your interactions.”
- “The characters grew on me; throughout the gameplay, most of them had surprising character development, breaking out of their initial stereotypical attributes.”
- “Not only does it offer some of the best character development I've seen in any recent game, it also features some of the best horror elements that will surely make you jump out of your seat.”
- “The story is pretty bad; character development and relationship development are 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.”
- “That said though, the story and characters aren't the best; there's little-to-no character development.”
grinding
36 mentions
3 % positive mentions
36 % neutral mentions
61 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game is widely criticized for being tedious and repetitive, with many players expressing frustration over the lack of a fast-forward option for cutscenes and the need to replay lengthy sections to achieve different outcomes or collectibles. While some appreciate the story and characters, the overall experience can feel laborious, especially for completionists, leading to a sentiment that players may need "a second life" to fully engage with the game.
- “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.”
- “Overall the game is an animated choose-your-own-adventure book, but the story sucks, the characters suck, the gameplay is tedious and unenjoyable, and there isn't really a single new idea expressed anywhere in the game.”
emotional
18 mentions
83 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
17 % negative 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 horror and humor that creates an engaging experience, others criticize the pacing and lack of impactful character development, leading to mixed feelings about the emotional depth. Overall, the game succeeds in creating moments of tension and connection, though opinions vary significantly on its effectiveness.
- “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.”
monetization
6 mentions
50 % positive mentions
-33 % neutral mentions
83 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the lack of manipulative practices typical in the industry, while others criticize the hidden costs associated with essential features, such as the three lives system locked behind a deluxe edition. Additionally, there are concerns about fairness in charging for cosmetic items like costumes and filters, leading to accusations of the game being a cash grab despite its otherwise straightforward approach. Overall, players feel conflicted about the balance between enjoying the game and the monetization tactics employed.
- “Overall, it's a great game, but it would be nice if they could reconsider the fairness of charging for costumes and filters, especially since the game is otherwise free from manipulative monetization tactics that are common in the industry.”
- “The game is enjoyable and free from the usual manipulative monetization strategies, but it raises questions about the fairness of charging for additional content like costumes and filters.”
- “While I love the game, I think they should evaluate the fairness of their monetization approach, particularly regarding the costs of costumes and filters, given that the game is otherwise straightforward and free from industry-standard manipulative tactics.”
- “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.”
- “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.”