I was drawn to writing up on Dreadnought after reading a funny review by a fellow blogger/reviewer (written in Chinese). So, we played Dreadnought last year, with a first-timer in with our usual team. Dreadnought is an easier game among the few in Breakout’s NuSentral outlet. I still love the post-apocalyptic themes featured heavily in this outlet. After living on giant arks for years, we’re the chosen ones to finally leave the ark to find a new life on land… or did it happen as promised?
Like the other games in Breakout, we do really feel like we’re exploring a ship, going from the ship’s exterior to the hallway to the navigation quarters. The whole set up feels coherent and consistent with a ship. Since the premise of the game is that something was amiss although we appear to be the chosen ones for a better life on land, the ambience created did lend a mysterious feeling.
The puzzles here are mostly simple puzzles, without too many layered thinkings required. Just do as you’re told and you’ll get there. As usual, there are no red herrings, and all puzzles are related to the theme. The dreaded physical task is still there, although we didn’t spend too much time on it this time. I love the interaction with a PC, but a dashboard would be much appropriate for a theme like this.
We exited fairly quickly in this game, with a satisfying outcome. To me, even though the puzzles are a little underwhelming, I liked that it is a complete story like a movie plot.. with a mystery in the begining and a proper solution and hence closure in the end. Yes, we found land in the end, but the narratives in between tell a lot more on the cruel reality behind.
So, the puzzles are not very memorable in Dreadnought. However, if you are looking for a movie-like experience, this is probably the right thing for you.
Featured image taken from Breakout’s website.