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.
I didn't believe this was on the top games for vita on ign, but after i played a couple of hours, it was awesome, and the best vita game i've played so far, it is still giving me the hardest time with one puzzle after other, but frankly, the story told by a couple of illustrations its just enough to motivate me to keep solving the next. A must have, specially for the length and price (2.99 usd)
This game basically is what the much-famed ICO would have looked and played like if it was made in 2D and adapted to a (somewhat more casual) handheld-style of play by some very creative indie devs. Brilliant retro-style puzzle plattformer with great atmosphere (art and music) and very creative puzzle design (integrating some clever touch-controls and ICOesque "pave a way for the princess" mechanics). How this game did not get way more attention and recommending reviews is absolutely beyond my understanding. Defines the meaning of STEAL at the current price tag of 2.99 Euros. Must-buy for VITA owners, imo.
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.
Dokuro is a sadly overlooked puzzle game for the vita. It offers an interesting charcoal pale which when colour is introduced makes for a fantastic spectacle. The levels are varied offering great design and introduces new mechanics at a perfect pace always keeping the levels interesting. The game is challenging but fair, often I would put the game down in frustration only to pick it up a few seconds later to learn from my mistakes. The game may be a tad too long and the repetition of boss battles seems needless, the game is already meaty and requires no further padding. The fear many may have of this game is that it is one large companion quest, thankfully the princess you are leading through levels proves to be, in the most part, a smart companion trying her best to avoid danger. A great game for a great price
A puzzle game with an interesting atmosphere, dokuro could be a game to play while you wait the subway or when you have some free time, the puzzle could take you from seconds to a couple of minutes (once you figure it out) the music is not repetitive and is kind of boring (in my opinion) every chapter include new ways to play and give you a new challenge everytime, 6 of 10 for me
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.