Dry Drowning – Steam Review

Dry Drowning is a noir, thriller visual novel with a dystopian cyberpunk setting. The choice effected story is engaging, the mysteries are well constructed and the art design is beautiful. However, the game shoots itself in the foot almost instantly with an unlikably evil protagonist that I can never quite support.

The story follows Mordred Foley, a detective, who has been thrust into the spotlight due to their investigation of the serial killer Pandora. The murderer has returned and Foley must solve their puzzles, interrogate persons of interest and make decision which will rock the foundations of the game’s world in order to bring Pandora to justice. Foley and his partner Hera Kairis are particularly keen to investigate as they previously framed two innocent civilians for Pandora’s crimes, resulting in their execution. 

The engaging mystery did keep me playing

This bold decision by Studio V, to establish Foley as plain evil, is interesting but equally jarring when it comes in the opening five minutes. I instantly had no care for Foley and was not interested in seeing him be redeemed.

However, the engaging mystery did keep me playing. I loved solving the puzzles, even if they were quite easy, and the choices we are faced with can have huge ramifications on the world. I rarely replay games but I feel I must go back through Dry Drowning to see what the different options lead to and how the story is effected.

This grounded the game in a convincing reality and made the stakes feel just a little bit higher

Inspiration for Pandora and their killings obviously came from Greek mythology, place and character names do as well. Though, despite the ancient themes present, developer Studio V tie in modern political discussion as well. Nova Polemos, its own city state, separated from its country due to beliefs it would be better on its own. Communication with the outside world is impossible for the majority of residents and immigration does not exist. Politicians and the police are unafraid to use violence and force to bring citizens in line, imprisoning or executing those who question the status quo. Discriminatory ideology is not uncommon amongst the city’s residents.

The politics of Nova Polemos are uncomfortably similar to those which we are witnessing across the globe today. For me this grounded the game in a convincing reality and made the stakes feel just a little bit higher.

Dry Drowning is a well constructed mystery, visual novel. The story is engaging to follow once you get past the shock that is the first five minutes. The puzzles might be simple but the overall mystery is a pleasure to solve. I look forward to seeing more from Studio V.

Dry Drowning releases 2 August 2019. Thank you to Studio V for providing a copy of the game.