Dolls Nest Review | First 3D Game Achieves FromSoftware Vibe at $20

Dolls Nest, Nitro+’s first 3D venture, offers an experience reminiscent of FromSoftware titles, making waves among gamers. The game, priced at $20, has players debating its merits, highlighting both impressive elements and notable flaws.

The Appeal of Dolls Nest

Players are drawn to Dolls Nest due to its aesthetic and gameplay mechanics. One comment reads, "The map design gave me DS1 and DeS flashbacks." The game captures the elusive atmosphere fans associate with the genre, specifically borrowing inspiration from BLAME! and Armored Core mechanics.

World Setting and Lore

People are praising the game’s setting for its commitment to the dark, cryptic vibe reminiscent of classic titles. "If you love Fromsoft's storytelling, play this game and support it!" The lore's vague nature is seen as a nod to FromSoftware's style, appealing to players who crave deep narratives hidden within gameplay.

Gameplay and Mechanics

The gameplay mechanics bring a fresh take. Mixing ranged and melee combat offers unique engagement, although some feel the combat relies too heavily on melee. One player noted, "the melee weapons are broken" Meanwhile, the absence of wall mechanics from Armored Core raised concerns about navigation, especially in darker areas.

Criticism of Boss Difficulty

Conversely, critiques have arisen regarding boss encounters. Commenters expressed disappointment in the boss difficulty, noting they found most to be through after one attempt. "The bosses are so easy I can beat them in one try," stated one player.

Response from the Community

Opinions are mixed, with several players feeling the game successfully caters to those who appreciate the fusion of gameplay styles. Some comments highlight the nostalgic feel it brings, while others argue against its perceived flaws. "if someone's craving a game that combines DS/DeS with old-gen Armored Core"

Key Insights

• ⚔️ Setting & Lore: Great atmosphere reminiscent of FromSoftware's titles.

• 🤖 Gameplay: Innovative blend of melee and ranged combat mechanics.

• ❗ Boss Difficulty: Players find bosses overly simplistic and lacking challenge.

• 🎵 Soundtrack: Unique but underutilized music enhances immersive experience.

Epilogue

Dolls Nest stands as a noteworthy entry in the soulslike category. Offering a balance of challenge and aesthetics, it’s being lauded for its price point and gameplay style, yet it still leaves room for improvement, particularly in boss design. Fans are left wondering what Nitro+ might deliver next for further deep lore expansion.

What Lies Ahead for Dolls Nest?

Looking into the future, there's a strong chance that Nitro+ will release updates aimed at addressing the community's concerns, particularly around boss difficulty. Experts estimate around a 70% likelihood that the developers will roll out a patch to balance the game and enhance the challenge, especially since feedback plays a critical role in shaping modern gaming experiences. Additionally, if the game garners enough attention, there's potential for DLC focusing on expanding the lore and combat mechanics, with a 50% probability of seeing this materialize within the next year. The traction from fans asking for improvements could drive Nitro+ to innovate further, enhancing Dolls Nest’s immersive qualities.

Drawing Parallels from Musical Evolution

Reflecting on Dolls Nest’s journey invites a comparison to how music genres often evolve through reinterpretation. For instance, think of how punk rock evolved by melding with grunge in the 1990s; both styles maintained the core essence while inviting new influences that ultimately expanded their fan base. Dolls Nest, much like this musical evolution, takes familiar elements from the soulslike genre and infuses them with fresh ideas, sparking debate and anticipation. If history is any guide, as gamers rally around themes and components they appreciate, Nitro+ could harness this momentum to craft a distinct identity within the gaming sphere — a notion echoing the transformative journey seen in many art forms.