Mini Review: Donut Dodo

 Donut Dodo Mini Review

Donut Dodo is a modern arcade game done in the style of games from the golden age of arcade games. Similar to other single screen platforming games like Popeye or Donkey Kong Jr., Donut Dodo sees you play as a baker who gets his days worth of donuts stolen by a giant dodo, and you have to get them back. You chase this dodo over 5 different stages before they loop, and they have great level design. My personal favorite is the 4th where you're in a large candy shop and the dodo attacks you by rattling gumball machines. One major difference between this game and its inspirations are in its smooth controls. Often when going back to arcade games like Donkey Kong, especially on original hardware, it can be a little stiff in its controls because of the limitations of the joystick, and not being able to influence your direction in mid-air. Donut Dodo takes after more modern conventions and let you have full control over the short hop that the chef can do, which really lets you run through stages at what feel like a fast clip. Just because you have more control compared to older games however, doesn't mean that it gives up in the difficulty department. Far from it. In order to unlock different difficulty levels you have to run through 2 full cycles of the 5 stages with the 2nd loop getting more difficult, and I got stuck for about an hour or so just trying to get further. Thankfully this isn't 1982, and a new try doesn't cost 50 cents. Scoring also is comparable to its older counterparts, where you can try to complete the stage as quickly as possible for a bigger bonus, or complete the stage in a certain way by grabbing the flashing donuts that have a multiplier attached to them. I appreciate that Donut Dodo gives you the option for a fast-paced or more methodical approach and still let you get a decent score either way. Lastly is the presentation, which shows appreciation to older games with some lovely modern flairs. The pixel art is well animated, lively even though they limit the game to a 16-color palette. The game also has an overlay by default with artwork and how many points each donut and bonus fruit gives, and looks like it fits right in with an 80's arcade. The standout in the presentation is the soundtrack by Sean "CosmicGem" Bialo, which is energetic and catchy. Of the short soundtrack list, I'd have to say the final dodo battle and construction chaos stages are my personal choices when going back and listening. I don't have any major complaints with this game outside of wanting more of the experience, but for 5 bucks I think Donut Dodo more than delivers. If you're looking for an arcade challenge, a great chiptune soundtrack, or something to pick up and play in short bursts, Donut Dodo is worth your time. 

  Donut Dodo is available on Steam and Nintendo Switch with store links provided below

Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1779560/Donut_Dodo/

Nintendo Switch: https://www.nintendo.com/store/products/donut-dodo-switch/