TAROTICA VOO DOO
- December 29, 2017
- TPM.CO SOFT WORKS
TAROTICA VOO DOO is an uncategorized Japanese adventure game, in development since 1993, with hand-drawn animation and simple controls. Players explore a haunted mansion, solving puzzles and fighting monsters to save a family before an airplane crashes into it. Combat is based on learning enemies' patterns, with no items or leveling up. The game was a finalist in the Nuovo Award category at the 2018 Independent Games Festival. Trading cards and badges have recently been released.
Reviews
- The game offers a unique and charming experience, combining retro aesthetics with engaging gameplay mechanics.
- The development story adds a delightful layer to the game, showcasing the dedication and creativity of the developer over the years.
- Despite its short length, the game is filled with clever puzzles and enjoyable combat that keeps players engaged.
- The game may feel dated and clunky, with some players finding the gameplay mechanics frustrating or unrefined.
- Its short duration of around 1-2 hours may leave some players wanting more content for the price.
- The lack of a traditional save function and reliance on emulator save states can be inconvenient for players.
- graphics5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- -20 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The graphics are hand-drawn and contribute significantly to the game's atmosphere, with a neat aesthetic that enhances the overall experience. Players appreciate the clever puzzles and unique visual style, making it a recommended title for those who enjoy charming and distinctive graphics, despite its short playtime of about one hour.
“The graphics are perfect and really add to the atmosphere.”
“Disclaimer: This is a point-and-click adventure game built on MSX-era gameplay, and the graphics are completely hand-drawn.”
“If any of the above sounds interesting to you or if you think the graphics look neat and cute, I can definitely recommend this game.”
“The graphics are completely hand-drawn, which may not appeal to everyone.”
“The aesthetic is very neat, but the overall graphics feel outdated.”
“While the puzzles are clever, the graphics lack the polish expected from modern games.”
- story3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The story of "Tarotica Voo Doo" is charmingly conveyed through a design document included with the game, which outlines the player's mission and serves as the foundation of the narrative. Overall, the narrative is simple yet engaging, focusing on the player's journey.
“The story behind the development of this game is rather cute, much of which is outlined in the wonderful design document it comes packaged with.”
“That's your mission and basically the entire story of Tarotica Voo Doo.”
“That's your mission and basically the entire story of Tarotica Voo Doo.”
- gameplay3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The gameplay is reminiscent of MSX-era point-and-click adventures, featuring hand-drawn graphics that prioritize nostalgia over modern mechanics. While this focus on retro experience appeals to some, many users find the gameplay clunky, boring, and plagued by glitches.
“The gameplay is a nostalgic throwback to the MSX era, offering a unique point-and-click experience that feels both fresh and familiar.”
“I love how the hand-drawn graphics complement the engaging gameplay, making every interaction feel special.”
“The point-and-click mechanics are intuitive, allowing for a seamless exploration of the beautifully crafted world.”
“The gameplay is clunky and boring (and glitchy).”
“While this can be criticized as being lacking in gameplay features, it is the result of highly focusing on an experience that harkens back to older games.”
“Disclaimer: this is a point-and-click adventure game built on MSX-era gameplay, and the graphics are completely hand-drawn.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviewers praise the game's graphics as exceptional, significantly enhancing the overall atmosphere and immersion of the experience.
“The graphics are perfect and really add to the atmosphere.”
- music1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The music in this title is minimalistic, reflecting a retro style reminiscent of early video game development, featuring limited sound effects and a sparse soundtrack. This approach may appeal to those with a nostalgic appreciation for classic gaming, but it may not resonate with players seeking a more modern musical experience.
“You'll only get a bit of enjoyment from this title if you do not have any interest in video game development from a generation where games only had 4 colors, 1 sound effect, and maybe 2 soundtracks.”