Dokuro
- December 8, 2014
- GAME ARTS Co., Ltd.
Dokuro is a charming platform title featuring a unique aesthetic, challenging levels and strong replay value. Just be prepared to die a lot.
"Dokuro is a single-player platformer game with great gameplay, where you play as a skeleton seeking to rescue a kidnapped princess. Gain the ability to transform into a hero and use chalk of different colors to solve puzzles and handle dangerous situations. Save the princess from the Dark Lord's castle while catching her eye and overcoming increasing challenges."
Reviews
- Charming art style and cute story that adds to the overall experience.
- Engaging puzzle mechanics that encourage critical thinking and creativity.
- The game offers a decent challenge without becoming overly frustrating, making it accessible for casual players.
- Lack of save functionality and no options for key rebinding or graphic settings, which can hinder the experience.
- Partial controller support leads to awkward controls, especially with the need to switch between keyboard and mouse.
- The AI of the princess can be frustrating, often leading to repeated failures due to her inability to navigate obstacles.
- graphics13 mentions
- 31 % positive mentions
- 46 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are generally praised for their neat chalk art style and memorable aesthetic, reminiscent of works like Madoka Magica. However, some users noted the lack of graphic options and remapping features, as well as minor issues with character animations that detract from the overall experience. Despite these flaws, the visuals are considered charming and fitting for the game's puzzle-platformer genre.
“I love the graphics, and the game is a lot of fun, maybe even a little too long.”
“The graphics are very interesting and memorable.”
“Simple and fun puzzle-platformer with a cute chalk art style that kind of reminds me of Madoka Magica.”
“No graphic options at all.”
“Zero graphic options and no remapping of keyboard controls, afaik.”
“The game does make use of its chalk art style… but more so as a cop out for some of the fairly poor character (and slightly laggy) animations that occur.”
- story10 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The story is described as cute and charming, set in a fantasy kingdom where players embark on escort missions to rescue a kidnapped princess. While the narrative is simple, it effectively engages players, particularly through the relatable underdog character, Dokuro. However, some reviewers noted that the enjoyable story is somewhat overshadowed by frustrating controls.
“The game looks quite nice, and the story, while simple, makes you care about since Dokuro is a believable underdog.”
“The story is cute in the right ways.”
“The story is set in a non-descript fantasy kingdom, where the dark lord has just kidnapped the local princess.”
“The levels consist of fairly short escort missions where you pave the way to be clear of obstacles for the AI princess.”
“Honestly, I really like how the game looks and the mild story that it encompasses, but I simply cannot get past these abominable controls.”
- gameplay8 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 13 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The gameplay features a mix of escort missions and innovative mechanics, such as chalk drawing for puzzle-solving and transformation between an undead demon and a human prince, which adds depth to the experience. However, the controls are criticized for being non-rebindable and awkward, requiring frequent switching between mouse and keyboard. Overall, the game is considered an enjoyable puzzle platformer with unique elements, making it a worthwhile purchase for fans of the genre.
“Some interesting mechanics, namely the transformation and chalk drawing ones.”
“Early on in the game, you are presented with another interesting gameplay mechanic; the ability to drink a potion and change from an undead demon to a living human prince for short periods of time. This adds a unique spin on how you handle the puzzles, as the prince it is easier to defeat enemies, however, you cannot jump even remotely as high as your undead counterpart. But as the prince, you are able to carry the incompetent AI princess to safety during the many times she’s about to get herself killed.”
“Overall, the game is enjoyable and if you are in the mood for a fairly decent puzzle platformer with interesting gameplay mechanics and decent pacing, then this game is definitely worth picking up for the asking price of $5.99.”
“It needs mouse and keyboard for a few parts with the chalk (draw) mechanic.”
“The basic gameplay is that of an escort mission.”
“Dokuro's puzzle gameplay does challenge the player and make them think, providing a refreshing change to the puzzle genre.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Dokuro is praised for its heartwarming narrative, effectively blending emotional storytelling with engaging puzzle action gameplay. Players often find themselves emotionally invested in the characters and their journey.
“Dokuro is a very heartwarming puzzle action game.”
“The emotional depth of the story left me in tears.”
“I felt a strong connection to the characters, making their struggles resonate deeply with me.”
- music1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is characterized as cute and family-friendly, contributing to an overall charming atmosphere.
“The art and music are cute and family-friendly.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Overall, users suggest that the game is more stable and less prone to bugs on mobile devices compared to other platforms, making it a preferable option for a smoother experience.
“I would recommend getting it on your phone instead; it's cheaper and reportedly less buggy.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the puzzles enjoyable, but the experience is often marred by tedious grinding caused by the AI-controlled princess, whose poor decision-making leads to frustrating situations.
“The puzzles are very fun and enjoyable, but at times they become tedious and burdensome, not because the puzzles themselves are difficult, but due to the incompetent AI princess who always seems to walk herself into the absolute worst possible position.”
Critic Reviews
Dokuro Review
Dokuro is a charming platform title featuring a unique aesthetic, challenging levels and strong replay value. Just be prepared to die a lot.
85%Dokuro Review - Everyone loves escort missions
Dokuro is a wonderful puzzle game but I can only recommend you to play it on a platform that can make use of a touch screen like the PS Vita or a tablet/phone. PC is not the platform for it
55%Dokuro Review
Dokuro makes its unorthodox presence known on PC and while more responsibility could have been taken in porting, it's a fun, cutesy romp with an ample amount of challenge.
75%