Two Sides to Every Quack: Dodo Duckie Review | The Gamerheads Podcast

Platform reviewed: Steam

Also on: Xbox X|S, Later this year: PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch

Price: $11.99

There are so many platforming games out there, but I especially love when games take a spin on the traditional platforming. Dodo Duckie appears to be inspired by Paper Mario where there are both 2D and 3D elements to the game. Being able to flip between the two allowed for so much dimension and secrets within each of the levels. Dodo Duckie has the perfect mix of storytelling, puzzles, and platforming which makes it feel accessible to any skill level.

I never felt like there was a puzzle I couldn’t complete. There were definitely a few times where I had to backtrack to figure out how to get to an area, but it was never too difficult that I couldn’t move forward. In each of the levels there were cute adorable animals like sleepy capybaras and frogs with sombreros that always seemed to have something to say. Whether that was a hint on where to go next, how to use a new ability, or just something silly to give the characters a little more life I always went and talked to them. I especially enjoyed the little birthday party where all the animal friends were gathered with a DJ. I could even take photos at the party and dance on stage!

I also enjoyed the sense of completion throughout each of the different levels. Find all the coins and eggs by uncovering different puzzles. It made my quest towards the end more interesting because I didn’t want to leave anything untouched. One disappointing thing was that it seemed like there wasn’t much else to do with the coins other than buy hats. Once I had them all I didn’t really see a point in continuing to get all the coins. Maybe I missed where you could use additional coins.

In terms of gameplay mechanics, I loved the variety of ways it required to solve a puzzle. In the beginning it was easy. Find the egg, place it in the slot and the door opens. As I went further in, I had to flip between 2D and 3D and had to use my different abilities to glide or freeze things. I thought it was unique that I had to rearrange the water flows and had to stop their flow by freezing it. These different puzzles made the basic platforming game much more interesting. 

Grade A- 

If you are looking for your next strategic puzzle platforming game, look no further than Dodo Duckie. I believe this game is suitable for any skill or age level as the storytelling guides you through each of the areas. Plus, there’s so many adorable animals to talk to and hats to collect! 

Review code provided by Vicariously & V Publishing