Dumpy and Bumpy

Great puzzle game reminiscent of the Lolo series.

[quote]A review copy was provided by the developer.[/quote] [quote]Follow my Curator page, [url=https://store.steampowered.com/curator/41363546-Fruit-N-Doggie-Reviews/]Fruit N Doggie Reviews,[/url] so you can be updated whenever I post a new review.[/quote] [h1]Overall Rating - Average ★★★☆☆[/h1] [h1]First Impressions[/h1] Sokoban or block-pushing puzzles aren't my favorite. They get overly complex and annoying for my simple mind. However, between the colorful, SNES like visuals and how Dumpy & Bumpy (DB) looked to mix things up with more action-focused mechanics, I was willing to give this a try. Having local coop was a nice touch, so my friend and I tried it out when he visited. Neither name is very flattering, but at least with the red and green we could say it was a Christmas theme as we played together. [h1]Gameplay[/h1] Having realized more how this title seems to draw from Nintendo as an inspiration, DB somewhat reminds me of the Adventures of Lolo games, but with different mechanics in play. Heck, the game even ends in a boss fight, though I'm nowhere close to that far in the game. With 8 worlds and 10 levels each, you'll encounter various objectives and restrictions for clearing the puzzles. For instance, having to destroy every block without using a bite, so you have to rely on other items to help you. Another common goal is setting the different colored/shaped blocks in matching slots. Something you'll have to make use of is turning the actions of obstacles or enemies into useful tools for your own means. The charging thwomp-like enemies will be both a nuisance and ally in that sense. https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2886825584 [h1]Controls[/h1] There's the option to play DB with either a controller or the keyboard, and my friend and I went with our controllers. Since timing and precise controls would be a factor, I'd not want to play with a keyboard, though I'm sure that wouldn't be an issue for others. With only a few moves possible, such as throwing blocks or biting, the controls are simple and worked well. Neither of us made mistakes because we screwed those things up. However, when trying to do things quickly, certain mechanics seemed touchy, such as pushing or picking up blocks. There seems to be a slight delay before you can do that. [h1]Story[/h1] I thought there might have been a Bubble Bobble like reason for these two dinos to be going through this adventure, but I guess they aren't boys cursed by a witch. You just boot DB up and jump into the action. https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2886825707 [h1]Visuals[/h1] Some people might be put off with the idea of visuals that are reminiscent of the SNES era. However, that console was known for making the most of limited technology with well-done art and bright, colorful imagery. The color palette and even choice of animal protagonists is reflective of that style, with the ghosts reminding me of Baron von Blubba from Bubble Bobble. This is surely an homage to Nintendo, and I think the visuals would fit their system well. [h1]Sound Design[/h1] No matter what level you're in, the same song plays throughout, but as you progress to different worlds, it's altered slightly. The music shifts to reflect the theme or setting of the world. For instance, taking on more of a nautical nature when you're on the pirate ships. It reduces the redundancy a bit, but I didn't always like the direction the song took when it changed. Over all, I enjoyed the chip-tune style music, and thought the bloop-like sound effects matched the rest of the game's aesthetic. https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2886825845 [h1]Pros[/h1] 🌟 Having a second player is advantageous. Sometimes it just speeds up the puzzle, as they can do something for you or optimize a solution. Other times, if you die, they can still carry on and finish the puzzle. Some solutions have risk to them, and this gives a little extra room for error. 🌟 Retrying a stage or getting back to the world map is very easy and quick. You just have to hold the corresponding button long enough. 🌟 Level variety helps change up the gameplay, even within the same world. [h1]Cons[/h1] ❌ The ghost that shows up at the two minute mark seems pointless. Restarting stages is quick and easy, but there are times when I just want to interact with the items and think. Not that uncommon for a puzzle game. When I go to execute the solution it's usually pretty quick, with how the game is designed, so this seems unnecessary. ❌ I'm sure there are situations where being able to throw a block in-between the grid and not squarely would be useful. However, most of the time I wanted it to be lined up precisely, and while moving quickly missed the mark, which then botched the puzzle. ❌ Some of the pro times are obnoxiously tight to beat. Not only do you have to find the ideal, potentially developer intended solution, you have to execute it with minimal mistakes. [h1]Tips[/h1] 🔍 In order to move to the next world, you have to beat all of the stages. However, if you get stuck on a specific stage, you can play other ones and return to it later. There's not much you can do about figuring out a stage you're stumped by though. 🔍 When a block is thrown and would seemingly bounce out of bounds, it'll recoil in the opposite direction it was thrown. This is a necessary mechanic for solving puzzles. 🔍 There are blocks that can only be pushed and ones that can be picked up. If a puzzle has a slot, either block will suffice. The type doesn't matter. [h1]Final Thoughts[/h1] Although I enjoyed the presentation and facets of DB, unfortunately it winds up being a game I'm not smart enough to figure out. That seems to be a recurring problem, as quite a few players can get past the first two worlds, but it drops off significantly beyond that. I do think there's an audience for this title, but knowing so few people would realistically get that far leads me to suggest you go for this game cautiously. You legitimately may not make much progress past the early worlds, unless you rely on video footage as a reference point. For those who thrive in sokoban style puzzle games, I imagine this could be a refreshing and enjoyable experience, while the rest of us get stuck by the third or fourth world. DB is too tricky for me, but I recommend it overall because it's a well made game. [quote][url=https://store.steampowered.com/curator/32732116-IndieGems/]Follow our curator page: [b]IndieGems[/b] if you like and want to see more reviews like this one.[/url][/quote] [table] [tr] [th]PC Specs[/th] [th]Performance[/th] [/tr] [tr] [td]Ryzen 2700 RTX 2070 16GB RAM ADATA SSD 1920x1080 [/td] [td]The game ran without incident on default settings. 💖 - DB is healthy [/td] [/tr] [/table]

Fun little puzzle game with a classic feel. Reminiscent of NES classics like Adventures of Lolo and Kickle Cubicle. Starts off fairly simple but quickly ramps up in to some real challenges that are sure to stump you for a bit. Does a great job of continually adding new mechanics to keep you on your toes. Fantastic pixel art and a fun soundtrack. If you like puzzle games, this is an easy buy at this price.

This is the kind of puzzle game I needed in my life. It's heckin' cute, challenging but not infuriating difficult, love the variety of options mixed in with the puzzle levels - all sorts of fun as it doesn't feel repetitive as most puzzle like these do after an hour into playing them. Also, I can't help but love the NES aesthetic either, think of Bubble Bobble nostalgia :)

Loving this game so far. Puzzles are challenging and the style is fantastic. Very well made and polished game. My only complaint is the button mappings. Feels like throw and pick up should be assigned the same button, not throw and bite. (as in, one button for arms, one for mouth) I am constantly biting blocks when I mean to throw them hah. But this is a small gripe in an otherwise fantastic game. Great job!

Well executed puzzler similar to the style of the genre in the NES-SNES era. Every level has a specific goal based on your abilities or environment and constantly changes throughout the game. Each world brings in a new mechanic that eases you into learning it before going into more complex levels. I think in general the levels will not require as much logic and problem solving for a typical person compared to some similar games (like Baba Is You). But I think that's where the game excels, being challenging enough to make you think while not being a huge time sink. Good for attracting veterans and newer players to the genre. Co-op play is a feature for the main game or a battle mode, which I always love for this type of game. Coming from a speedrunning background in this game, there is great replayability trying to beat your old times and coming up with new strategies when you re-analyze the more complex ones. The developer cites inspirations like Mr. Driller and Bubble Bobble. You'll also see some instances inspired by Sokoban, Adventures of Lolo, Goof Troop, SMB3, ALTTP, and many others. Whether you are a fan of retro or modern puzzlers, Dumpy & Bumpy is an inexpensive, challenging, time effective, and mostly importantly, a fun game for you.

Lovely little puzzle game. Go for it! :) (Tested on Linux. Works perfectly with Steam Play.)

Great graphics, tight controls and challenging puzzles that require plenty of trial end error. Great music too. I watched this person on twitter create this game and it is great to finally play it. No complaints really. If you love NES era puzzle games like Bubble Bobble or bomber Man you will like this game plenty.

Nice Nintendo style and relaxing! I like it! :)

An indie title with an adorable art style that quickly starts to get mind boggling! With couch co-op and a variety of clever mechanics to learn and party mechanics too This game is a STEAL at its price! If you're a fan of NES style games and clever puzzle games Like "Baba is You" or just wanna muck about with friends this is the title for you!