DOLLMAKER

Has Bingle and KAZOOZLE in it making it the second best game of all time (after Bingle and KAZOOZLE)

DOLLMAKER is an unconventional indie action-strategy hybrid developed and published by STH. The game combines elements of first-person shooting, trap-based defense systems, and roguelite progression into a single chaotic gameplay loop. Rather than following the traditional structure of tower defense games where players passively construct defenses and wait for waves to unfold, DOLLMAKER demands constant involvement. Players must simultaneously fight enemies, deploy traps, experiment with upgrades, and adapt their strategy as each encounter escalates. The result is a strange but intriguing blend of action and tactical planning that gives the game a distinct identity. The setting takes place in the unsettling and surreal town of Willoughby, a location that feels both whimsical and eerie. Players take control of an anthropomorphic rat navigating this strange environment while collecting resources used to build what the game describes as the “perfect doll.” The narrative remains intentionally mysterious and minimal, leaving much of the world’s meaning open to interpretation. Rather than presenting a traditional storyline through dialogue or cutscenes, the game relies on environmental details and gameplay progression to hint at the bizarre experiments and strange technologies that define the world of Willoughby. At its core, the gameplay merges two different genres. On one side, DOLLMAKER plays like a fast-paced first-person action game. Players explore levels, move through environments, and directly fight enemies using various weapons. On the other side, the game introduces a system of defensive tools that function similarly to towers or traps in a traditional tower defense game. These traps can be placed throughout the environment to damage, slow, or manipulate enemies as they approach. Because both systems operate simultaneously, players must constantly switch between offensive combat and strategic trap placement. Enemies attack in waves that grow progressively more challenging as the game continues. Early encounters introduce basic enemy types that allow players to experiment with the trap system and become familiar with the controls. Later waves introduce more complex threats with different movement patterns, durability levels, and attack behaviors. Some enemies are best handled through direct combat, while others require careful placement of traps to eliminate efficiently. Learning how to balance these approaches becomes a crucial skill for surviving the more intense encounters. One of the most distinctive gameplay features is the mutator system, which allows players to modify the behavior of their traps and defensive tools. Instead of each trap having a fixed function, mutators can alter how they operate by changing damage types, increasing range, or creating additional effects when enemies interact with them. These modifications allow players to experiment with different combinations of defenses, often discovering unexpected strategies that dramatically change the effectiveness of their setups. The game also incorporates roguelite progression elements that encourage repeated playthroughs. During each run, players collect eggs, which serve as the primary resource used for upgrades. These resources can be spent outside of missions to improve weapons, enhance trap performance, expand inventory space, or unlock new abilities. Because these upgrades persist between sessions, players gradually grow stronger and gain access to more complex strategies as they continue playing. Another important aspect of progression involves collecting different doll parts scattered throughout the game. These components provide passive bonuses or unique abilities that influence how the player performs during combat. Some parts may increase resource generation, while others enhance weapon damage or improve trap efficiency. By combining different doll parts, players can customize their character build to emphasize particular strategies. This mechanic reinforces the central theme of assembling the perfect doll while also adding depth to the gameplay. Visually, DOLLMAKER adopts a stylized and somewhat surreal aesthetic that matches its strange premise. The environments of Willoughby are filled with exaggerated shapes, colorful structures, and bizarre enemy designs that give the world an unsettling charm. While the graphical detail is modest compared to larger modern titles, the art direction succeeds in creating a memorable atmosphere that supports the game’s unusual concept. The sound design contributes to the chaotic nature of the gameplay. Combat is accompanied by energetic sound effects for weapons, traps, and enemy attacks, helping players stay aware of what is happening around them. Environmental sounds and background music help establish the eerie tone of the setting, though the soundtrack remains relatively understated compared to the intensity of the action. One of the most interesting aspects of DOLLMAKER is how it constantly demands player involvement. Many tower defense games rely on passive observation once defenses have been placed, but this game rarely allows players to relax. Even after traps are deployed, enemies continue to threaten the player directly, requiring quick reactions and constant repositioning. This combination of active combat and strategic preparation creates a gameplay loop that feels energetic and unpredictable. However, the experimental nature of the game also introduces certain limitations. Because it attempts to blend several genres together, some mechanics feel less refined than they might in a more focused game. The balance between shooting and defensive strategy can sometimes feel uneven, and certain trap combinations may prove far more effective than others. Additionally, the overall scope of the game remains relatively small, which means players may encounter repetition once they become familiar with the available systems. Despite these shortcomings, DOLLMAKER stands out as a creative indie title that is willing to experiment with unusual ideas. Its combination of first-person combat, trap-based defense mechanics, and character customization results in a gameplay experience that feels different from most games in the tower defense genre. The surreal setting and quirky design choices further reinforce the game’s unique personality. Overall, DOLLMAKER offers a distinctive blend of action and strategy that rewards experimentation and adaptability. While it may not reach the level of polish or depth found in larger titles, its originality and willingness to take risks make it an interesting experience for players who enjoy unconventional indie games. Those looking for a traditional tower defense experience may find the hybrid mechanics surprising, but players who appreciate creative genre combinations will likely find plenty to enjoy in its strange world. Rating: 7/10