Dramacar Review (NSW2)
Summary: Overall Dramacar will not set the world on fire with its gameplay but if you are looking for a fun and cosy platformer to play over a long weekend or you are looking for something to get a younger child into gaming with a fun cute artstyle then Dramacar is for you.
3.6
Cosy Platformer
Something that has become more common in the last few years is the prevalence of 3D platformers mirroring the style of the PS2 era. Dracamar is one such game, whilst also pivoting away from the more punishing platformer gameplay to instead give the player a more cosy and whimsical adventure.
Dracamar’s story is simple and effective. The King has trapped the power of Karoki and turned all the animal inhabitants dark. Now you, the brave hero, must travel the kingdom, defeat bosses and return the land to peace and tranquillity. I do enjoy a platformer that keeps the story simple and doesn’t overwhelm the player with large exposition dumps.
Dracamar hits all the usual beats that are expected of a 3D platformer, with large levels, plenty of things to collect and secret paths for the player to explore and find, whilst also throwing in the required boss battles. That is both a blessing and a point of contention depending on what you are looking for. Dracamar is definitely in the category of a starter 3D platformer; it would be perfect for those who are looking to get younger children into gaming. But for those looking for more of a challenge, this one is definitely not for you. Whilst you have the extra paths to follow, you will never end up lost, and a simple backtrack will get you back on the main path.
Gameplay revolves around you exploring, jumping and also engaging in simple puzzles and combat. Nothing too overwhelming but also well executed. The Okis, the creatures of this world who have been turned into dark “evil” versions, are your main enemies but a simple hit turns them back into their cute loveable form. They feel more like they are there to slow the player down rather than to give any meaningful challenge.
The player also has access to a little companion, an Oki called Iko, who will follow the player around and can help in crucial moments during boss fights and when he is needed to turn the screws dotted around the map that open up new areas. Thankfully his part is not overdone, and he becomes a useful tool rather than something akin to a wisecracking sidekick, which a lot of games nowadays seem to fall into.
To break up the long platforming levels, a series of interspersed on-rails sections are added. Whilst not as long as the normal levels, they do add variety to the gameplay and help break down what can be the monotonous aspects you get with this type of game.
At 15 levels, this game also does not overstay its welcome and can be completed in around 7 hours if you go for the full collectible route, but it can be done quicker if you only want to see every level and finish the game.
Dracamar controls very well which is important in a platformer. The floatiness to your character does allow you to do minor adjustments mid jump. Also using your shadow can help with depth perception. With a simple control scheme you can be fully immersed and switch off your brain without having to look at your controller or open the menus to try and remember overly complex button combos.
Where Dracamar really wows is in its visual and audio presentation. The use of bold lines mixed with soft colour palettes really gives the game a pop that is a treat for the eyes. All the characters, even the ones that are the baddies, have a cuddly look to them, reinforcing the idea that this game can be enjoyed by the whole family. Paired with a very Mediterranean musical style, it adds to the cosy vibes of the game. All the levels have a great amount of detail without too much dead ground. Hidden areas are easy to find but are still rewarding when you do spot them. The game does follow the usual formula for its level designs with forests and castles, but this should not take away from its own unique style and presentation.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Dracamar will not set the world on fire with its gameplay, but if you are looking for a fun and cosy platformer to play over a long weekend, or you are looking for something to get a younger child into gaming with a fun, cute art style, then Dracamar is for you.
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