DROS

Feels like it would've been a huge hit if it were released on like, the Wii! Really captures the vibe from that era in all the best ways.

The gameplay is good, the atmosphere, art, and vibe are top-notch. The price is perfect for gifting to friends, since you can buy two copies with one steam card. This game is clearly intended for controller, but it works fine on mouse & keyboard too. It also works with proton! For me this is a BIG PLUS; most of the people I know are thinking about, or have already switched away from windows. Another thing I love, that nobody talks about, is how in the menu there's a lore/art book where you can collect entries during gameplay. Not enough games do that these days. Sound design is variable, with some good and some bad. The sounds of timers, rotating level sections, and ambient noises are pretty good, these just being a few examples. However, there's certain story cutscenes (ones where bad things are happening) that use the generic dialog SFX, which badly damages immersion. It doesn't help that the generic dialog SFX aren't too great to begin with. They dropped the ball on the dialog, pretty badly at that. Not all of it, some of the jokes gave me a chuckle. But it feels like this game was localized by a non-native english speaker, and some parts almost feel like storyboard/placeholder dialog. Failing to convey emotion damages immersion, and immersion is important to atmospheric games like this. Additionally, the fact that you can't adjust the camera elevation with the mouse is quite annoying. This is probably an intentional limitation to prevent the camera from getting in floors and ceilings, but there's probably a way to do this without making me feel like I'm wearing a neck brace. If these problems were fixed I'd easily pay 5-10$ more for this, but in it's current state the low price tag is fitting. In the end though, I definitely enjoyed playing it. I can talk all the ♥♥♥♥ I want but this is still a perfectly serviceable game, with a significant amount of variety in puzzles and gameplay. It has a variety of puzzles, parkour, stealth sections, timing based combat, it even has rolling ball games in one level. And it all works without feeling cluttered, somehow. This game is an uncut gem. Not a diamond, maybe a ruby or something, but still great by indie standards. It's a bit rough in its current state, still pretty, but if they polished it a bit, it would gleam. I doubt they will though. This game screams "we ran out of money and had to kick it out the door before it was done."

Action, adventure, platform, an interesting mix with some good ideas and mechanics. It's a succession of little areas that constitute puzzles to solve in order to reach the exit. The game is way longer than it looks. Each level takes up from 20 to 30 minutes if you want to complete each objective, and there are a lot of levels. I didn't find the graphics that appealing, but the vertical architectures and level designs make up for it. And there are many strange characters with sometimes funny dialogues. The plot and lore are unexpectedly dense, with various backstories that you can discover in the form of drawings. Each level has its own twist, and it's always pleasant to get back into this universe. 8/10

[h1]Good idea, boring execution[/h1]

I had just now been playing for much longer than I had anticipated, but then finally had gotten trapped in a wall. I think I hit Recall as I was jumping over something that caught my character, and I got stuck. I couldn't even pause the game. So that being said, I would assume it could happen again at anytime but I do ABSOLUTELY LOVE the platforming elements. This game is super fun and figuring out every level, each with its own set of requirements of various collectibles, is more rewarding than I could have expected. Overall, I recommend this one!

[h1] ♡ TLDR ♡ [/h1] This game was ok. It was just ok. It wasn't good. It wasn't bad. There was nothing really wrong with it... It's just not my kind of game, but for some it may scratch an itch. I just don't know that Id tell anyone 'Hey, you should check this out!' even though I think it was fine. Dros is a 3d Platformer that heavily focus on puzzles to get to level completion with optional collectables and timed challenges. It has extensive lore and many characters to speak with and places to explore. There are 40 unique diorama levels across 4 regions with their own puzzles which increase in difficulty as the game progresses. Its very charming and has an unexpected amount of content for which I think $10 USD is completely fair. Steam thinks I have 12.4 hours on this game - but at the end of the game it gives you stats and playtime; this took 8 hours to complete - so I guess that's with paused and menu time maybe? [h3] ♡ ART ♡ [/h3] Gibberish voice lines (like Banjo-Kazooie) are cute, but over the game they become a bit obnoxious to listen to for each and every dialog bubble... and there is a lot of dialog! The splash art is very appealing, and the game graphics feels a bit 'old-school console adventure' or perhaps something id expect to see on a handheld device (eg; phone, PsP, steamdeck, etc). Though it's simple, it works quite well. [h3] ♡ BUGS ♡ [/h3] I didn't find any bugs or issues, and there is a convenient 'restart level' option in the menu if you accidentally get yourself into a pickle. [h3] ♡ COMBAT & MOVEMENT ♡ [/h3] The combat is pretty garbage, though as others say, it isn't the star of the game. You have an attack and a block, both of which are slow and clunky. You do get these awkward moves (LT+button) to 'empower' your basic attack, block, run, or whatever - but they seem really clumsy to use and generally not necessary to play the game or beat levels - only to pass the mini-tutorial where you originally learned them. I personally don't like that there is no sprint, dash or evade which keeps movement pretty slow. There is also the ability to separate or merge the Dros from the knight, which adds a layer of uniqueness and so many interesting puzzles to brain. I really liked this aspect of the game. [h3] ♡ GAMEPLAY & DIFFICULTY ♡ [/h3] I do wonder if this would be a good game for a kid (maybe ages 8-14?) but i wonder if the puzzles would prove too challenging. Perhaps for someone to play WITH their kid? I thought the puzzles were quite simple and didn't pose much of a challenge unless I didn't see something on the level that was necessary. It was also nice that when you pulled a lever or switch that affected something - you get a little window showing what you have changed. Dros can be a very chill game, especially if you completely ignore the level timer and collection challenges. At 1st I was trying to get all the pink crystals, orange stuff, and bonus part - but after a while, I just stopped caring and just tried to get through the levels and find the exit efficiently. I think this was around the time I stopped even reading the story (maybe the end of region 1 or into region 2) There is also a big kudos on being able to toggle zoom to see more of the level design which really assists in being able to solve puzzles and see where you are meant to go. There is so much to like about this, yet still while playing, It all just felt like the same thing. Despite the different environments, levels, and puzzles, every space felt very similar and easy to autopilot - which disengaged my brain. At about 75% of the way through the game, in a little town; you begin having to do some "quests" - which changes up the gameplay a bit. Since by this time, I was not paying any attention to the story and just skipping all the dialog while listening to true crime, figuring out where to go began to get annoying. There didn't seem to be much outside an objective like "Go to the farm" which wasn't very helpful since all the signage was in an alien language and there were no hint arrows or the like. This took me a bit to figure out and it just kind of felt time consuming and unnecessary. [h3] ♡ STORY & CHARACTERS ♡ [/h3] The story didn't feel very rewarding or engaging for me either, I was pretty bored with it by 25% through the game. Although the characters were very cute and cheeky, especially the little dros that takes you as his shell, and some of the interactions between dros were amusing. /)/) ( . .) ( づ♡ [h3] ♡ FINAL THOUGHTS ♡ [/h3] Again, this wasn't a BAD game... it was... ok.

DROS, developed and published by emergeWorlds, is a puzzle-platformer that builds its identity around cooperation between two very different protagonists, using that contrast as the foundation for both its gameplay and its charm. Set within a sprawling, industrial tower ruled by an enigmatic alchemist, the game follows the uneasy alliance between a small, sentient creature known as Little Dros and a human bounty hunter called Captain. Their partnership begins out of necessity, but over time becomes the driving force behind both the mechanics and the narrative, shaping how players interact with the world and overcome its challenges. The defining feature of the game is its dual-character system. Little Dros and Captain each possess unique abilities that complement one another, and progress depends on understanding how to use them in tandem. Little Dros is nimble and capable of navigating tight spaces or interacting with hidden elements, while Captain provides strength, combat capability, and the ability to manipulate heavier objects. The game frequently requires players to switch between them or separate their roles entirely, creating puzzles that rely on timing, positioning, and coordination. This constant interplay gives the experience a dynamic quality, as players must think not just about what to do, but which character is best suited for each task. Level design is where DROS truly excels. The game introduces new ideas at a steady pace, ensuring that each stage feels distinct while still building on previously established mechanics. Puzzles often involve environmental manipulation, traversal challenges, and creative uses of each character’s abilities, encouraging experimentation without becoming overly punishing. The balance between accessibility and challenge is well handled, making the game approachable while still offering satisfying moments of problem-solving. However, as the game progresses, some mechanics are reused in slightly altered forms, which can lead to a sense of repetition, particularly for players who prefer constant innovation. The narrative takes a more understated approach, focusing less on grand plot developments and more on the relationship between its two leads. Their interactions evolve gradually, moving from reluctant cooperation to a more genuine partnership. This development adds emotional weight to the journey, even if the story itself remains relatively simple. The world is populated with unusual characters and subtle humor, giving the setting personality without overshadowing the gameplay. While the plot may not be particularly deep, it provides enough context and charm to keep players invested. Combat is present but not a central focus. Captain can engage enemies and defend against threats, but these encounters are generally straightforward and lack the depth found in the puzzle mechanics. At times, combat can feel like a secondary addition rather than a fully integrated system, occasionally disrupting the otherwise smooth flow of exploration and problem-solving. The game is at its strongest when it leans into its puzzle-platforming elements, where its creativity and design shine the most. Visually, DROS offers a mix of styles that creates a distinct, if slightly uneven, presentation. Character portraits and artistic details stand out with their expressive design, while the environments are more functional, sometimes appearing simplistic in comparison. Despite this contrast, the overall aesthetic maintains a cohesive tone that supports the game’s atmosphere. The audio design is subtle, providing ambient support without drawing significant attention, which complements the game’s focus on exploration and puzzles. What ultimately makes DROS memorable is its sense of creativity and personality. The dual-character mechanics are used thoughtfully throughout the experience, and the game consistently finds ways to engage players through its level design and problem-solving challenges. While it does not excel in every area—particularly in combat and visual polish—it succeeds in delivering a cohesive and enjoyable adventure that emphasizes cooperation and ingenuity. In the end, DROS is a solid and imaginative entry in the puzzle-platformer genre, offering a satisfying blend of mechanics and character-driven design. It may not reach the level of refinement seen in larger titles, but its clever use of dual perspectives and its steady introduction of new ideas make it a worthwhile experience for players who enjoy thoughtful, puzzle-focused gameplay. Rating: 8/10

Fun puzzle solving platformer with an interesting story

Nice cute puzzle game with a bit of combat

XUnity.AutoTranslator-ReiPatcherで日本語に自動翻訳可能です。奇妙な生物と兵士の2キャラを使って進んでいくパズルアクション・アドベンチャーのようです。