Loan Shark Review

There is a specific kind of dread that only indie horror can capture. A localized, quiet terror that does not need a sprawling map or a million dollar budget to get under your skin. Loan Shark, the standout debut from Turin based Studio Ortica, is a masterclass in the less is more philosophy. Originally released in late 2025, it quickly built a cult following for its 40 minute descent into psychological pressure. For a player looking to break up the monotony of massive AAA titles, it offers a bite sized nightmare that proves fishing is far from relaxing when your life is on the line.

The Hook: Debt as a Monster

The premise of Loan Shark is deceptively simple. You are a newly freelance angler on a small boat, but you are not out there for the sport. You are drowning in debt, and the owner of your vessel is adamant about getting their money back by the end of the night. You are not just fishing for a hobby; you are fishing for your survival.

The game’s pacing is its secret weapon. The beginning feels like it might drift into boring territory, mirroring the slow, repetitive nature of a standard simulator. However, Studio Ortica subverts this expectation quickly. The introduction of a mysterious friend along the way transforms the experience from a blue collar job into a psychological crossroads. The choices this figure offers serve as the game’s moral compass, forcing you to decide how far you will go to save your tail and repay the looming threat on shore.

Aesthetic and Aura: Simplistic yet Cohesive

Visually, Loan Shark leans into a simplistic and haunting aesthetic that perfectly captures the aura of a lonely night at sea. The graphics do not try too hard to be photorealistic. Instead, they focus on cohesion. The murky water, the flickering lights of the boat, and the oppressive darkness create a singular atmosphere that feels lived in and dangerous.

The sound design follows suit, allowing the silence of the ocean to do the heavy lifting. It makes the sudden, sharp jump scares feel earned rather than cheap. It is a game that sticks firmly to its indie roots, refusing to over embellish a story that is already naturally tense.

Mechanics and The One Night Loop

Before you cast your line, the game subtly encourages you to look around your boat, a necessary step to understand the collect and deliver loop. The controls are simple enough, but the pressure builds as the clock ticks toward the end of the night. While the first few reels might seem repetitive, the game ramps up the intensity just as you begin to feel comfortable.

While a single playthrough clocks in at a lean 40 minutes, the inclusion of multiple endings provides a strong reason to return to the water. Whether you choose to follow the advice of your friend or stick to your own path, the emotional payoff is surprisingly heavy for such a short experience. It leaves the player wishing it lasted a little longer, but that brevity ensures the horror never loses its edge.