Welcome to EXPlay, (Explain & Play) the review series where we care not for scores but tell it how it is when it comes to every game we get our hands on, whilst also taking the time to include some lengthy gameplay, to give you the reader, the chance to shape your own impressions and views whilst watching and reading.
In this explanatory review, we’re covering Dros by developer EmergeWorlds Pty. Lyd.:
Dros: (The Explanation)
Dros is a dark fantasy puzzle adventure that throws you into the shoes—or rather, the goo and boots—of two very different characters. Little Dros, a slimy escape artist, and the Captain, a seasoned warrior, find themselves in an unexpected alliance. Little Dros escapes from the Alchemist’s tower, hoping to survive outside, while the Captain, on a mission to steal the Alchemist’s flute, is left for dead.Â
Lucky for him, Little Dros needs a new shell and hops right in, bringing the Captain back to life. Together, they navigate the decrepit Alchemist’s tower, battling slime creatures and solving puzzles in a bid to escape and return home. It’s a classic tale of two misfits banding together to save the day—dark, twisted, and humorously charming.
In Dros, you control both the Captain and Little Dros, switching between them to use their unique abilities. The Captain is all muscle, handling combat and heavy switches, while Little Dros can slip through tight spaces, hit distant switches, and scout ahead. This dynamic duo’s abilities complement each other perfectly—when Dros exits the Captain, he becomes inanimate, but with a quick re-entry, he’s back in action.Â
Little Dros’s agility allows it to double jump, travel through pipes, and swim, while the Captain can block and attack, though he can’t jump, which leads to some frustrating backtracking if you fall off ledges. The combat is straightforward, with the Captain automatically targeting the nearest enemy, which can be a bit annoying in fights with multiple foes. But the game’s real charm lies in its puzzles and platforming, with forty levels to navigate, each designed like a diorama that you can spin around to guide the heroes from entry to exit.
Dros’s visual style perfectly complements its narrative-driven approach. The story unfolds through visual novel-style talking heads and sketch-type animations, adding depth and humor to the game. The dark, decaying environments of the Alchemist’s tower are beautifully designed, creating an immersive atmosphere. Despite some odd framerate issues on the Nintendo Switch, the game’s presentation remains engaging and visually appealing. The combination of detailed environments, character animations, and the ability to rotate levels adds a unique layer to the gameplay experience.
From the moment I started Dros, I was hooked by its unique story and engaging gameplay. The opening hours set the stage for a timeless tale of two characters discovering their similarities and working together to overcome obstacles. The mix of stealthy maneuvers with Little Dros and the brute force of the Captain, paired with great presentation and a touch of humor, makesÂ
Dros a memorable and enjoyable experience. While the game’s combat isn’t its strongest suit, the puzzles, platforming, and narrative more than make up for it. With plenty of collectables and opportunities for speed-running, Dros offers replay value that keeps the adventure fresh and exciting. If you’re a fan of puzzle adventures with a dark twist, Dros is definitely worth a play on the Nintendo Switch.
Dros:Â (The Gameplay)
Game Specifications:
Developer: EmergeWorlds Pty. Lyd.
Publisher: RedDeer.Games
Platform: Nintendo Switch (eShop)
Category:Â Adventure, Fighting, Puzzle, Action
No. of Players: 1 (Single System)
Release Date: July 12, 2024
Price: $24.99
File Size: 3.3 GB
Nintendo.com Listing
