Ink & Paper: DoodleCut Review

I love a family-friendly affair. My kids are old enough to enjoy games and push me to my limits. Therefore, when I was offered Ink & Paper: DoodleCut, I couldn’t resist. I’ve covered many QubicGames titles recently, and this ticks off my latest endeavour. This simple idea was captivating, addictive, and brilliantly balanced. Subsequently, it offers enough challenge to keep everyone playing for hours.

QubicGames developed this simple puzzle game. It can be enjoyed alone or competitively with another. The latter option was a nod to a bygone era, and something I absolutely adore. The co-op mode demands fast reactions and a friendly sense of competition. Whereas the single-player mode asks you to test your resolve as you try to avoid bugs and doodle as quickly as possible.

Ink & Paper: DoodleCut tells no story.

No story = no game, right? Wrong! Ink & Paper: DoodleCut ignores the core idea of a plot and focuses purely on its fast-paced drawing action. This rudimentary approach works exceptionally well as a story would play second fiddle regardless. Moreover, the cute character models, pleasant colours, and addictive action are enough to keep you entertained.

Playing this alone or with another was equally good. I tackled many of the levels alone as my kids were sleeping, but when we played together, it created a sense of friendly rivalry. The aim of the game is simple. Move your character across the play area and draw lines from one area to another. As the lines are completed, the playing area gets smaller. However, if the bugs hit your line before you’ve completed your move, you die, and your progress is wiped.

This rudimentary cat-and-mouse design should have been annoying and dull. Instead, it tests your reactions and forces you to plan on the move. Furthermore, there is a sense of danger as your foes bounce off every solid line. Their pathways alter, and your plans can be ruined.

Different bugs are game-changing.

As Ink & Paper: DoodleCut evolves, you are given new bugs to deal with. Each of these monsters flits and flows uniquely. Whether you enjoy a boost for killing them or you alter your approach to keep them trapped, you must understand their weaknesses to maximise your chances.

On top of this, the level designs offer a fresh challenge that pushes you all the way. Whether you go for a huge portion of the map or doodle over small sections, you must weigh up how much time you have left and your chances of success.

Ink & Paper: DoodleCut is a pastel dream.

Ink & Paper: DoodleCut offers a beautiful pastel landscape filled with odd shapes, unusual bugs, and interesting stage designs. Although it is relatively basic to look at, it wasn’t unpleasant or boring. Instead, the subtle changes, clean animation, and sense of competition make this a joy to look at. The audio isn’t memorable, but it was enjoyable regardless. There was a sense of a hotel lobby, and this worked perfectly.

The control system could have been better explained. For example, I had no idea you could sprint until around level 15. Had this been made clear, I probably would have been less stressed. Despite this, the layout is good, and players of all ages and skills can enjoy the action. There is plenty of replay value and scope for more advanced gamers. The latter stages are designed with anger-inducing action in mind. The expert levels made me want to scream with rage, but this isn’t a complaint. It was oddly addictive, and completing each stage was oddly euphoric.

Ink & Paper: DoodleCut is a great indie title.

If you want a casual, affordable, and enjoyable indie title that is relatively mindless, Ink & Paper: DoodleCut should be in your library. It is as good alone as it is with another player. Furthermore, there is enough friendly competition that it won’t cause “Monopoly-esque” family fallouts. Accordingly, it is good, and you should grab a copy from the Xbox store!