Dondar

Dondar is a high-speed platformer set in the sci-fi cave world of Koidya, a planet 4.5 times larger in diameter than Earth but smaller in mass, where players control a brave hero using special laser beams to navigate, solve match-3 puzzles, collect coins, unlock doors, and escape dangerous monsters beneath the surface.

Dondar: Review

Introduction

Dondar, an indie platformer borne from the early access fires of 2020, is a curiosity in the world of video games. At its core, it’s a high-speed romp through a sci-fi world with a dash of match-3 puzzle-solving, crafting an experience that’s both familiar and fresh. While it may not reinvent the genre, Dondar delivers a worthy foray into fast-paced platforming with some clever twists.

Development History & Context

Dondar came into existence through the collaborative efforts of Dnovel and FreeAnimals Software, hitting early access on July 17, 2020 before its official release a week later. The development history reveals a series of incremental updates—new levels (up to 30 as noted in community posts), achievements, and improved level design—that refined the gameplay experience. Navigating the late-2020s indie game landscape, Dondar distinguishes itself with its unique combination of platforming and match-3 mechanics during a time when hybrid genre games were gaining traction.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Set on the planet Koidya a millennium prior to the events of the presumably more well-known BlackEye, Dondar tells the story of a hero participating in movement contests using special laser beams. The narrative, while not deeply complex, establishes a richly imagined world of underground caves filled with ancient mechanisms. This setting allows for a blend of fast-paced action and puzzle-solving that fits well with the game’s design. Thematic threads of courage, survival, and the exploration of a vast subterranean world underpin the gameplay.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

The largest draw of Dondar is its innovative gameplay that marries platforming with match-3 puzzle elements. Players control Dondar, who can move quickly, jump, and use laser beams to interact with the environment. The match-3 aspect is integrated by requiring players to align elements on the screen to generate power-ups or clear obstacles. This adds a layer of strategic depth to the otherwise action-oriented gameplay.

Collecting coins adds a layer of satisfaction, while opening doors and escaping dangerous monsters provide both immediate and long-term goals. The core loop of platforming combined with puzzle-solving is executed well, offering a fresh take on the platformer genre that keeps players engaged.

However, some minor flaws in the gameplay mechanics have been noted. The difficulty curve can be steep, particularly for players new to match-3 mechanics in an action context. The UI might not provide enough feedback for the puzzle elements, leading to occasional frustration. But overall, the gameplay in Dondar remains solid and exciting.

World-Building, Art & Sound

The art direction in Dondar is a refreshing blend of cute, retro, and sci-fi elements. Colorful environments contrast against the underground setting, creating a vivid visual experience that’s both endearing and unique. The character designs, especially the hero Dondar, are expressive and fitting for the game’s tone.

The sound design, while minimal, effectively supports the gameplay with energetic background music and satisfying sound effects for actions like jumping and using the laser beams. The audio feedback keeps players immersed in the high-octane pace of the game.

Reception & Legacy

Upon its release, Dondar received positive reviews, particularly from user communities. The Steam user reviews rate it highly, citing the game’s fast-paced gameplay, challenging levels, and unique blend of genres. However, some critics have pointed out issues with the difficulty spike and the simplicity of the early levels.

Looking at the data from Steambase, the Player Score stands at 84/100 with 19 reviews, indicating a generally positive reception. However, the lack of professional critic reviews suggests that Dondar might not have received broad mainstream attention.

Despite this, Dondar’s legacy persists within the indie game community, serving as an example of a small team successfully merging platforming and match-3 mechanics. Its influence can be seen in other hybrid-genre games that followed, demonstrating the lasting impact of this innovative title.

Conclusion

Dondar is a gem of a game that, while not perfect, delivers on its promises of fast-paced platforming and engaging puzzle-solving. The mix of genres is handled well, resulting in a unique and enjoyable gameplay experience that melds the excitement of action with the strategy of puzzle games. While it may not be without some hiccups in the user interface or difficulty pacing, the heart of Dondar as a fun, challenging platformer shines through. For those seeking a blend of excitement and strategy in a retro-futuristic setting, Dondar is a must-play.