Decline’s Drops Review – Roll With The Punches

Out now for Nintendo Switch and Xbox, Decline’s Drops gets up in the boxing ring to fight against evil oil companies with varying degrees of success.

Looking at the state of the world, it is disheartening to see how oil companies continue to operate unfettered even after devastating spills that have irreparably damaged ecosystems. A feeling of impotency might wash over us as we powerlessly witness corporations with seemingly endless influence unscathed. Art, that life-affirming endeavor that allows us to emotionally express ourselves, is a historical medium to convey dissent when all other avenues have failed. Decline’s Drops, a cheery hand-drawn beat ’em up platformer, tackles these themes somberly.

First released on PC in late 2024, it is now making its way to the Nintendo Switch, where it plays impeccably. There is always this argument about whether a game “belongs” on a certain system like the Switch or Steam Deck due to their portability. In Decline’s Drops’ case, it feels easy to pick up and play either on the small or big screen. Heavily influenced by Super Smash Bros. and Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, there are other elements at play for fans of said games.

Taking on the role of Globule, this wooden puppet embarks on a journey to stop Eternal Corp. This quintessential evil enterprise arrives in the world of Decline’s Drops unannounced and plunges it into darkness. Quite literally putting on her boxing gloves, Globule vows to stop their destruction. Playing in a level-based 2D platform brawler, each mission has Globule jumping, dashing, and fighting her way through the petroleum-dripped areas.

Metroidvania inspirations abound in Decline’s Drops. Not every level is a simple way forward by pushing to the right of the screen. Occasionally, you go through magical doors that change the map’s layout. Because “drops” are the currency used to buy power-ups at Serge’s shop in the overworld, keeping an eye out for secrets will reward keen players. Turning off faucets of poisonous oil is needed at times to continue exploring. Lenient checkpoints ensure the right amount of challenge is present.

In some underwater sections, becoming a boxing glove-shaped submarine is equally hilarious and useful. Mainly, as Globule is so nimble, mastering her fast-paced movement is the only recipe for success. Being able to double jump and dodge mid-air helps when trying to avoid the many enemies and projectiles covering the screen. Getting used to the floaty controls takes some time, and so does avoiding the barrage of enemies. Scrolling through each area is no walk in the park. In fact, nothing in the game is.

Decline’s Drops is not an easy game. It also does not have difficulty settings of any kind, so it’s either get good or get out. Its entire focus on pugilistic combat means having to understand its punching combinations to defeat enemies easily. Throwing a jab or uppercut or doing a “ground pound” are some moves on offer. A special attack that turns Globule into a giant boxing glove is required to unlock specific areas. Then there are the bosses.

Facing 6 bosses to eliminate the aforementioned corporation, they do not make any of these battles a simple trial. Featuring several phases, dodging at precise moments, eliminating pesky critters that spawn, and attacking without getting greedy are necessary actions to result in triumph. To prepare players before these encounters, enemy gauntlets that must be defeated in order to progress in various levels serve as training grounds.

Verdict

A daring adventure with something worthwhile to say, Decline’s Drops is a solid debut title from developer Le Moulin aux Bulles. In a sea of side-scrollers, a tale about environmentalism wrapped in a challenging platformer is bold. While the gameplay itself does not always land and difficulty spikes abound, it is still a video game that will satisfy anyone looking for an apparent distraction with a powerful message.