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Wretched Depths

PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2023

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Quick resume

Play as Sam and fish to your hearts content, sell fish you've caught, collect better gear, and use it to explore the depths of the mysterious lake, but be warned as no one knows what lies at the bottom. Wretched Depths is a PSX-style horror fishing game created by students at the University of Utah.

Global score

97/100

Genres

Action, Adventure, Indie, Sport, Free To Play

Pros

  • Great atmosphere and spooky vibe
  • Simple and accessible fishing mechanics
  • Engaging lovecraftian story elements
  • Polished for a free student project
  • Charming retro psx-style graphics and music

Cons

  • Short length and limited content
  • Lack of inventory upgrades and customization
  • Some ui and gameplay annoyances (e.g. inventory management)
  • Abrupt or underdeveloped story ending
  • No multiplayer or social features

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    3

    "Players have freedom to explore the lake, choose fishing spots, and decide which fish to catch and sell, though some constraints exist like limited inventory and fixed story progression."

  • Competence
    2

    "Fishing mechanics provide a moderate challenge with skill-based reeling and lure depth control, but overall gameplay is simple and accessible."

  • Competition
    -4

    "Focus is on personal exploration and progression without any player-vs-player or leaderboard elements."

  • Continuation
    2

    "Players express desire to keep playing and exploring despite the short length; some mention habitual play and anticipation for updates."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Gameplay is entirely single-player with no cooperative or multiplayer elements."

  • Creativity
    2

    "Players can explore and uncover story elements and fish variety, but limited customization or building; some creative narrative and atmosphere elements."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No evidence of exerting control over others; interactions are neutral and non-competitive."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Players use the game as a relaxing yet spooky escape from reality, enjoying atmosphere and distraction."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of interest and enjoyment, with no obligation or external pressure."

  • Experimenting
    2

    "Some exploration of mechanics and fishing strategies, but limited by straightforward gameplay and short length."

  • Exploration
    3

    "Players explore the lake environment, uncover secrets, and discover new fish and story elements."

  • Expression
    -2

    "Minimal character customization; some players note desire for more cosmetic options but currently limited to preset visuals."

  • Fantasy
    4

    "Strong Lovecraftian horror and supernatural themes create an imaginative and eerie fictional experience."

  • Fellowship
    -4

    "Primarily a solo experience with little social interaction or community involvement."

  • Growth
    3

    "Players develop fishing skills and progress through upgrades and story discovery, though learning curve is moderate."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health-related features."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention during fishing and exploration; not designed for passive or background play."

  • Intimacy
    -4

    "Limited social or emotional connections; interactions are brief and functional rather than deep or personal."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or management roles present in gameplay or narrative."

  • Progression
    3

    "Players accumulate better fishing gear and unlock new fish types, progressing through upgrades and story."

  • Relaxation
    3

    "Fishing mechanics and ambient atmosphere provide a relaxing experience with occasional suspense."

  • Sensation
    2

    "Enjoyable retro visuals, music, and eerie sounds provide sensory engagement without overwhelming stimulation."

  • Status
    -4

    "No social recognition or status systems; achievements and visibility are minimal or absent."

  • Story
    3

    "Narrative and lore elements are present and engaging, though some players find story underdeveloped or abrupt."

  • Strategy
    1

    "Basic planning involved in fishing gear upgrades and lure use, but overall gameplay is straightforward with limited strategic depth."

  • Thrill
    2

    "Some suspense and mild scares create moments of tension, balanced with relaxing gameplay."

  • Value
    4

    "Highly praised for being a free, polished, and enjoyable experience with good return on time invested."

  • Violence
    -3

    "Focus on fishing and exploration rather than combat or destruction; some body horror elements but no direct violence."

  • Survival
    -3

    "No survival mechanics or threats requiring resource management; environment is stable and low risk."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026