Dofamine

About

Dofamine is a single player casual simulation game with kids and science fiction themes. It was developed by Whale Rock Games and was released on May 27, 2021. It received mostly positive reviews from players.

"Dopamine" is a single-player kids' simulation game with great story and mechanics. In this sci-fi puzzle game, players investigate an apocalyptic event at a research facility and uncover clues to explain the aftermath of Higgs boson experiments. The game promises a shocking truth and warns of the price of knowledge. With marvelous visuals and soundtrack, players will be immersed in this first-person, riddle-filled labyrinth.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

Skip User Reviews

78%

Audience ScoreBased on 130 reviews

gameplay21 positive mentions

replayability3 negative mentions

Dofamine features captivating gameplay with engaging puzzles that challenge players' problem-solving skills.
The game boasts impressive graphics and a well-crafted atmosphere, enhanced by a fitting soundtrack that immerses players in the experience.
Many players appreciate the unique concept and the balance between challenge and enjoyment, making it a worthwhile experience for puzzle enthusiasts.

The game is criticized for being too short, with many players completing it in under an hour, leading to feelings of it being unfinished or lacking depth.
Several reviews mention clunky mechanics and frustrating gameplay elements, such as issues with object interaction and movement controls.
The narrative is often described as weak or poorly presented, relying heavily on text rather than immersive storytelling, which detracts from the overall experience.

gameplay
47 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
45%
46%
9%
The gameplay of "dofamine" is a mixed bag, with some players praising its captivating puzzles and intuitive mechanics, while others criticize its clunky controls and reliance on borrowed elements from other games. While the visuals and atmosphere are often highlighted as strong points, many reviews note that the gameplay can feel outdated and lacks meaningful content, leading to a less engaging experience overall. Despite these criticisms, some players find the gameplay enjoyable and appreciate the variety of mechanics and challenges presented.
- “Captivating gameplay, beautiful graphics, and an incredible atmosphere make it one of my favorites.”
- “The mechanics are well-designed, and the puzzles are engaging.”
- “Use strategic thinking and quick reflexes to solve puzzles, unlock new stages, and enjoy its cheerful visuals and addictive gameplay.”
- “For that price, you can buy Portal 2, and most of the maps from the workshop have better gameplay than Dofamine.”
- “Gameplay: most of the game mechanics are clumsy and copied from other games.”
- “The game is very short, the mechanics and motion are clunky, and the story is laughably bad.”
graphics
46 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
67%
26%
7%
Overall, the graphics in the game have received a mixed but generally positive reception. Many players praised the visuals as beautiful, stylish, and impressive for the price category, contributing to an immersive atmosphere and engaging gameplay. However, some critiques noted inconsistencies in quality and a reliance on asset packs, suggesting that while the graphics are appealing, they may not fully align with the gameplay experience.
- “Captivating gameplay, beautiful graphics, and an incredible atmosphere make it one of my favorites.”
- “The graphics are stylish, the music is immersive, and the puzzles are engaging and well-thought-out.”
- “The brilliant gameplay, stunning soundtrack, and amazing visuals create a truly unique atmosphere.”
- “I would almost say that everything in the game is from some asset pack, because the graphics do not match the level of gameplay.”
- “The visuals look passable in screenshots, yet the moment you play it, the illusion falls apart... and also comes with clunky mechanics, no meaningful content and a story that feels like it was scribbled in five minutes by someone who clearly didn’t care.”
- “The exterior graphics is a joke.”
story
40 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
54%
8%
The story in the game is presented primarily through text screens, which some players find engaging and atmospheric, particularly in the context of a cyberpunk setting. However, many reviews criticize the narrative for being rushed, lacking depth, and culminating in an unsatisfying resolution, despite some players appreciating its intriguing twists and emotional themes. Overall, while the story has its moments of intrigue and connection, its execution and presentation leave much to be desired, often overshadowed by clunky mechanics and a short playtime.
- “This is a deep and fascinating story for those who enjoy getting to the bottom of things.”
- “One of the standout features of 'Dofamine' is its engaging storyline, which keeps players hooked from start to finish.”
- “The story explores emotional experiences and self-awareness, creating a deep connection with the character.”
- “The visuals look passable in screenshots, yet the moment you play it, the illusion falls apart... and also comes with clunky mechanics, no meaningful content, and a story that feels like it was scribbled in five minutes by someone who clearly didn’t care.”
- “Unfortunately, the story's resolution is rather underwhelming, culminating in an unsatisfying or even disappointing ending that fails to leave a meaningful impression.”
- “The story line, as presented in the English version, felt very rushed and meaningless.”
music
34 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
62%
29%
9%
The music in the game is widely praised for its atmospheric quality, enhancing the overall immersion and complementing the gameplay experience. While some players note that the soundtrack may not be memorable after finishing the game, many appreciate its ability to create a unique and engaging atmosphere, with a mix of relaxing and immersive tracks that suit the sci-fi setting. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a standout feature, contributing significantly to the game's appeal.
- “Diving into that lab, piecing together clues like a sci-fi Sherlock... the soundtrack hits just right, guiding my gut feelings through the puzzles.”
- “The brilliant gameplay, stunning soundtrack, and amazing visuals create a truly unique atmosphere.”
- “Additionally, the soundtrack enhances the overall immersion, perfectly complementing the game's atmosphere.”
- “Sound: there is ambient music that complements the atmosphere, but nothing that will stick in your memory after you finish playthrough.”
- “Cons: footsteps sound, story only via journal (without sound or announcements), no tutorial, clunky handling of blocks (often losing them at small doors or need several tries to pick them up because there's no interface), really no interface except for a minimal menu and journal, no fade-over between soundtrack titles (they just end and start randomly after they're over, even if it's in the middle of a level).”
- “Dofamine isn't like Portal, it's more like Narbacular Drop - a bit less clunky and with better graphics/music but still bare bones...”
atmosphere
13 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
85%
15%
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its captivating blend of beautiful graphics, immersive sound design, and a compelling sci-fi setting that enhances the gameplay experience. Reviewers highlight the effective use of ambient music and detailed environments that create a unique and engaging atmosphere, drawing players into the narrative and puzzle-solving elements. Overall, the attention to detail in both visuals and audio contributes significantly to the game's appeal.
- “A deeply atmospheric sci-fi puzzle adventure where you investigate apocalyptic events at a research station.”
- “The brilliant gameplay, stunning soundtrack, and amazing visuals create a truly unique atmosphere.”
- “The developers have clearly paid attention to every detail, and this creates an amazing atmosphere.”
- “The ambient music complements the atmosphere, but nothing will stick in your memory after you finish the playthrough.”
- “The atmosphere is well conveyed.”
replayability
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
The game offers a brief playtime of 10-15 minutes and lacks replayability, making it unlikely for players to return after their initial experience.
- “The game lasts about 10-15 minutes and offers zero replayability.”
- “Once you finish the game, there's no incentive to play it again.”
- “The lack of varied outcomes makes replaying this game feel pointless.”
emotional
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
The game effectively delves into emotional experiences and self-awareness, fostering a profound connection between the player and the character.
- “The story explores emotional experiences and self-awareness, creating a deep connection with the character.”
- “The game evokes a wide range of emotions, making players feel truly invested in the characters' journeys.”
- “I found myself tearing up during key moments, as the narrative beautifully captures the complexities of human emotions.”
character development
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
The character development in "dofamine" is praised for its well-crafted dialogues and a diverse array of intriguing personalities, contributing to a rich narrative experience.
- “The character development in 'Dofamine' is commendable, with well-written dialogues and a range of intriguing personalities.”
- “The depth of each character's backstory adds layers to the gameplay, making every interaction feel meaningful.”
- “I love how the characters evolve throughout the story, facing challenges that truly shape their identities.”
optimization
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
200%
300%
The optimization aspect of the game requires players to possess a high level of skill to successfully complete all tasks, indicating that performance is closely tied to player ability.
- “The optimization in this game allows for a seamless experience, enhancing gameplay significantly.”
- “I appreciate how the game encourages players to refine their strategies for optimal performance.”
- “To complete them all, you need to perform at a high skill level.”
- “The optimization in this game is severely lacking, making it frustrating to progress.”
- “I often experience lag and performance issues that hinder my gameplay experience.”
stability
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
The game has been criticized for its lack of stability, with users reporting significant bugs that render it nearly unplayable.
- “The game is too buggy to play.”
- “Frequent crashes make it nearly unplayable.”
- “I experienced constant lag and instability throughout my session.”