Draugen didn’t make me a fan of walking simulators overall, as its excellent insight is more exceptional than a norm. However, it made me a fan of Edward and Lissie and the particular brand of storytelling designed around them. I was happy and most curious when the ending credits promised that the dynamic duo will return.
In summary, for anyone who is looking for a quick and easy game with beautiful Norwegian scenery, this is a must. I do hope that the developers add more aspects of the storyline down the track, but it was a good play overall and worth a try if you have a few hours to kill.
Fantastic story from author of Dreamfall Charpters with very beautiful views of Norwegian nature! Very pretty girl, walking with main character. Love this game
The interesting game with a short story from my favorite studio Red Thread Games.
The authors put a lot of effort into creating a feel of isolated Norwegian country of the beginning of the last century. They succeeded.
* Beautiful views of the fjords and the recreated life of an ebbing village.
* Neat work with the language. In the best traditions of walking simulators there will be a lot of notes, but they are not always in native language for the main character. So he will have some difficulties in understanding.
* Gorgeous music from Simon Poole.
* Cool weather effects
PS You shouldn’t expect much from story.
Whereas a more compelling introduction could have better grabbed the player’s attention, Draugen’s plot and design decisions are mostly done for good reason. Typically not one to rush through a game, I nonetheless eagerly consumed it in a single sitting. By the time the credits rolled, I had no regrets about letting myself be absorbed in this quaint rural locale and its captivating tale for a scant few hours of my time.
The idea of companion gives some personality in a genre that is not renowned by the inclusion of secondary characters. We miss more cohesion between the different plots, especially in the final part.
As with their previous work on Dreamfall Chapters, developers have provided players with a breathtaking, interesting world to explore that is set in a historical era and location that is little seen in games today. Wandering through the world is a visual and aural treat that is somewhat let down by two divergent mysteries that are never adequately explored or resolved.
Despite its narrative shortcomings, Draugen still has plenty to offer. Graavik has no shortage of beautiful views and stunningly detailed locations. In under three hours, Draugen pulls off a series of well-composed shots that are worth the entry price alone. Teddy and Lissie's story never reaches its full potential, but there are worse ways to spend a few hours than exploring a wind-swept fjord.
So atmospheric and moving, especially when you're a fan of Red thread and you've waited for this game for so long !
I had chills, i played a small bit every day to make the pleasure last... and still it was too short ;)
This game totally owes its place in my heart
Favorite Thing: The story wastes very little time getting interesting.
Least Favorite Thing: There's a twist halfway through that sort of spoils the ending. You can see it coming.
Date Completed: 2019-06-22
Playtime: 3.5h
Enjoyment: 7/10
Recommendation: It's a walking simulator but one buoyed with a good story.
Biggest disappointment ever. Most mysteries remain unsolved and the plot looks like the authors wanted to make the game so unusual that ended up plain, boring and unsatisfying. The gameplay is plain too - you don’t solve any puzzles or affect the story or at least shape the character’s personality (usually in adventures you do at least one of the three). You just keep walking round the location, reading letters and listening to the main characters’ conversations and that’s it. The visuals and music are beautiful but that’s the only two advantages.
SummaryDraugen is a single-player, first-person Fjord Noir mystery set in 1920s Norway. Explore a picturesque coastal community in your search for your missing sister, accompanied by your gregarious and enigmatic young ward.