Dodo Duckie features a cute duck that changes from 2D to 3D perspectives to showcase creative puzzles in this wacky narrative platformer.
The democratization of game development tools now allows for creative ideas to flourish everywhere. Changes in perspective are not new. Super Mario Odyssey did it in a mostly superficial sense. Existing as a nod to the legendary platformer’s legacy, it arguably did not do enough with its change from 2D to 3D other than to serve as a callback to a previous generation. Dodo Duckie takes this a step further, introducing puzzles and whimsical undertones.
Leading with its wonderful title, Dodo Duckie embraces its wackiness from the first moment. Opening at a barn, a UFO kidnaps almost every duck in the area except, you guessed it, Dodo. Our feathery protagonist then plucks a shiny cube with his beak and suddenly transports to a new dimension. I cannot vouch for the logic behind this narrative, but most certainly for the fun that can be had.
Set to the groove of slick bossa nova beats, Dodo Duckie starts on a 2D perspective. In it, Dodo can jump twice. A standard affair for any platformer in two dimensions, it is not long when the duck’s proverbial third eye is opened. Chatting with a laid-back capybara, it explains to him that if he wishes to save his duck friends, he must see things from a new perspective. Capy gifts him a propeller hat with the ability to change to a 3D perspective, and this is when the fun begins.
Lateral Thinking
Equal parts puzzle & platformer, Dodo Duckie can only attack in 3D mode. This means that, for example, his positioning comes into play. In the first of eight levels, it starts easy. The area covers three levels: a slope, a middle ground, and a risen platform. Because jumping is only possible in 2D mode, the trick is to move Dodo to where he is facing the platform. Once in a right position, then change perspective. This simple challenge is turned on its head several times during the game.
Moving cubes and platforms to interact with the environment, there are tinges of a collect-a-thon as well. Plenty of coins and blue feathers are interchangeable for a slew of cool customizable options. Turns out that the capybara you had previously met also runs a hat shop. Small world. The hats themselves are plenty adorable, with sombreros, a large pink bow, or froggy hats on sale. Talking about frogs, they also exist in Dodo Duckie for whatever reason. They, too, are cute to see hanging out in this strange world. I can say that what ended up winning me over is the dedicated quack button. QUACK!
Conclusion: Dodo Duckie
Hybrid platformers run into the problem of chasing a gimmick without fully delivering either a satisfying mechanic. Dodo Duckie does not run into this issue because its clever focus on puzzles more than challenging platforming leads to lateral thinking. Come for the whimsy of capybaras, frogs, and ducks hanging out. Stay for the unique approach of shifting perspectives.
Dodo Duckie is available on PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store, and Xbox Series X|S. A PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch version are in the works.
