There's a lot more to be said about Dokuro than what I've already written-I could talk about the wonderfully elegant art style, the charming character design, the ability to skip difficult sections, or the way each level is broken down into bite-sized chunks perfect for a handheld game, but I'd just be reiterating the same thing I've basically been saying all along-Dokuro is brilliant, and by far the best puzzle game I've played in quite some time.
Dokuro's charming aesthetic and accessible gameplay make it an enjoyable distraction that's certainly worth your time. It can get a touch repetitive during prolonged sessions, but that's the only major slight on this otherwise adorable voyage through the underworld.
With a little more polish, Dokuro's take on puzzle platforming could be fantastic, but a few problems hold it back from true greatness. From its cheap (though stylish) Flash game appearance, it's clear that GungHo didn't give this project the highest of budgets, which leaves some of the more precise levels feeling incredibly rickety and awkward, with escapes coming thanks to luck rather than strategy. And, at times, the developers bite off a little more than they can chew; Dokuro's floaty jumps and touchy controls aren't exactly made for boss battles or Canabalt-style death runs, but well, there they are. If you're able to overlook these minor problems, though, Dokuro makes for a fine addition to your Vita library -- which, judging by the state of the system, is probably in dire need of something new. It's not a system-seller by any means, but small, digestible, and charming experiences like Dokuro are exactly what Sony's ailing portable needs to survive.
SummaryThis chalk-art puzzler tests your wits and pulls at your hearstrings as the bony underdog Dokuro strives to solve and swashbuckle his way through the Dark Lord's castle to save the Princess.