Dracamar review

I’m old enough to fondly remember the N64 and early PlayStation eras. Therefore, when a game uses these platforms as its inspiration, it is always going to tickle my fancy. If you then add in a cosy and colourful world, this’ll keep ticking those nostalgia-filled boxes. Dracamar is undeniably old-school, and many of its core mechanics will make older gamers smile. However, it is its dated design that may put off a younger audience. Sadly, a lack of originality and depth holds this back from truly excelling.

PETOONS STUDIO has developed this colourful platform adventure. It is a single-player game where new elements are added gradually. This keeps you coming back for more, despite it lacking in difficulty. I enjoyed the “safe” combat, the lack of gore, and the wholesome and engaging plot. Moreover, things are nicely explained, so it is the perfect title for younger and more experienced gamers.

Dracamar tells a familiar story.

Dracamar was once a peaceful land that was filled with calm and loving creatures. However, things quickly change when King Crad captures the Karoki energy. This transforms the once harmless animals into dangerous and deranged monsters! Your task is to free the creatures, capture the bad energy, and rebuild the kingdom.

The plot isn’t original, but it works with the dated action. Furthermore, although there are 3 characters to pick from, the subtle differences make each playthrough almost identical. This didn’t bother me, but if you are expecting an array of unique mechanics, you’ll be bitterly disappointed. With 15 levels to wade through and 5 secret stages to master, Dracamar offers plenty of areas to test your skills. Moreover, there are 7 big boss battles to up that old-school ante.

Basic mechanics.

I hoped that this would offer a fresh take on the genre. However, the basic mechanics and simple progression elements have a familiar edge. This was a little disappointing, but I enjoyed the retro design and the easy-to-understand fundamentals. Platforming and magic abilities lead the way. There are some parkour moments and plenty of special abilities to unlock. You’ll create new pathways with springs, screws, and other traversal options.

Alongside the platforming moments, you’ll enjoy gore-free combat. The heroes use special attacks and head strikes to remove the dark energy from each trapped creature. This was simple to master, and even the boss battles will not test you. Consequently, it is a low-key and limited difficulty title that is best suited to those who want a trouble-free experience.

Dracamar is unbelievably vibrant.

The vibrant colour palette, larger than life creatures, and sizeable 3D world were fun to explore. Moreover, the animation is smooth, and I experienced no issues while playing this on my Xbox Series X. There were limited moments where things were a bit hectic. However, the game never faltered, and I enjoyed what I saw. The audio is a little repetitive, but I couldn’t resist its cute charms. Its bright and uplifting edge juxtaposes the harder combat tones. Yet, it is the retro edge that shines through, and this was appreciated.

The control system was easy to follow and even easier to master. With basic inputs, well-explained hints, and reasonably reactive controls, this was great to play. Replay value is limited to collectables and exploration. If this isn’t your thing, you’re rarely penalised for missing the odd item, and this generates a stress-free title that can be enjoyed by everyone.

Dracamar is a low-key addition to the genre.

Dracamar will appeal to a niche audience despite its colourful and simple design. Although I appreciated the nod to a bygone era, I’m not sure it will attract a large following. This is a shame, as I think the safe gameplay, smooth action, and interesting stage design make this a low-key but great addition to the genre. Accordingly, I enjoyed it and recommend grabbing a copy from the Xbox store!