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MONSTER

Dordogne

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Dordogne
Item: Dordogne
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2023

GenresAdventure, Indie, RPG, Single Player

AvailableJun 13, 2023

PlatformPlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, PC

DeveloperUn Je Ne Sais Quoi

Overview

Dordogne is a narrative adventure game in which you play as Mimi, a 32-year-old woman visiting the house of her recently deceased grandmother. Dordogne is set both in the present and the past. In the present timeline, Mimi explores the rooms in her grandmother’s home. In the past timeline, you’ll help a 10-year-old Mimi explore Dordogne and complete her quests, affecting the present. Along with the puzzles that both versions of Mimi will solve, you’ll collect photos, sounds, objects and words to create Mimi’s journal – keeping young Mimi’s memories of summers spent with her grandmother in Dordogne.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Critics praise the engaging, emotional, and nostalgic Story of Dordogne, highlighting its immersive storytelling about family ties and complex emotions. While some critics find it predictable or lacking engagement, the majority agree that it's a touching and powerful narrative that succeeds in delivering a compelling experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

88%

Mixed (50-79)

13%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Story of Dordogne are largely positive, with the majority of critics praising the story as engaging, emotional, and nostalgic. IGN Italia describes it as a story that effectively uses the medium of videogames to immerse players in the narrative of Mimi and her family's past. Nintendo Life highlights the deeply touching rumination on loss and the emotive mystery wrapped up in halcyon, sun-drenched memories. Pure Xbox commends the game for taking players on a wonderfully heartfelt trip back in time to one particular summer in Mimi's childhood. The Indie Informer also praises the stirring narrative with hints of hard themes. However, there are a few critics who express some negatives about the story. Multiplayer.it states that while the story starts with a promising premise, it ultimately becomes predictable and lacks engagement. GameSpew describes the story as a small, human tale about a young girl's relationship with her grandmother and their family relationships as a whole, which may not resonate with everyone. Slant Magazine criticizes the initial mystery for not hooking the player and finds the conclusion unsatisfying and forgettable. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Story of Dordogne is a very good one. The majority of critics appreciate the emotional depth and relatability of the story. They commend the game for its reflection on family ties, complex emotions, and the relationship between the protagonist and her grandmother. The Games Machine describes it as a touching and powerful story, while Adventure Gamers highlights how it imparts a story about growing up and the trials of grief affecting relationships. TheXboxHub praises the game for its reflection on family ties and complex emotions. The positive sentiments expressed by multiple critics indicate that the Story of Dordogne succeeds in delivering a compelling and meaningful narrative experience.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Critics are divided on Dordogne's gameplay. Some praise its immersive elements, while others criticize clunky controls and lack of interactivity. Mini-games and emotional connections are appreciated, but technical issues and tedious tasks are drawbacks. Players should weigh these opinions to see if the game fits their preferences.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

21%

Mixed (50-79)

79%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Dordogne are quite diverse. Some critics, such as Pure Xbox and Everyeye.it, praise the game for its immersive gameplay elements and the sense of physicality it brings to the player. Pure Xbox specifically mentions the smart control system that allows players to carry out tasks in minute detail, while Everyeye.it highlights the exploration, puzzle-solving, and the ability to take photographs as engaging gameplay features. The inclusion of mini-games that help players connect with the protagonist's world and emotions is also appreciated by XboxEra and Slant Magazine. The Games Machine describes the gameplay as simple and direct, which suggests a straightforward approach that can be enjoyable for players seeking a more accessible experience. However, there are several criticisms raised by other critics regarding the gameplay of Dordogne. Clunky controls and excessive interactions are mentioned by IGN Italia, while Multiplayer.it describes the gameplay as forgettable and elementary, with simple mini-games lacking precision and significance. Nintendo Life and TheXboxHub highlight technical issues such as slow walking speed, occasional slowdown, and tedious point-and-click tasks. Finger Guns and GameSpew express disappointment with the limited and restrictive nature of the gameplay, with fixed camera angles and clunky controls hindering the overall experience. The critic from GameSpew specifically mentions mindless tasks that feel laborious and add nothing to the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While some critics appreciate the immersive and tactile gameplay elements, others criticize the clunky controls, limited interactivity, and forgettable nature of the gameplay. The inclusion of mini-games and the ability to switch between controlling adult Mimi and her younger self are mentioned positively by IGN Spain. However, technical issues and tedious tasks are mentioned as drawbacks by several critics. Despite the criticisms, the simple and direct approach to gameplay is seen as a positive aspect by The Games Machine and Adventure Gamers. It is important for players to consider these varied opinions and decide whether the gameplay elements mentioned align with their preferences and expectations.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Dordogne's graphics and visual design are hailed as a masterpiece by critics, with its watercolor art style praised for elegance and immersive charm. Despite minor critiques on navigation and exploration limitations, the game's stunning representation of the French countryside captivates players and critics alike, making it a standout feature of the experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

100%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Dordogne have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics, with many describing it as a masterpiece. The watercolor art style is a standout feature that is consistently praised for its elegance, beauty, and ability to bring the world of Dordogne to life. Critics such as IGN Italia, Pure Xbox, and TheXboxHub commend the game for its charming and nostalgic hand-painted visuals, which create a sense of immersion and capture the enchanting landscapes of the Dordogne region. The use of vibrant colors, intricate detail, and varied locations further enhance the visual experience, as highlighted by Finger Guns and GameSpew. The representation of the French countryside and the Périgord region is particularly stunning, with IGN Spain and Gameblog.fr emphasizing the breathtaking landscapes and grand vistas. Overall, the positive aspects of the graphics and visual design of Dordogne are consistently praised by critics, making it a standout feature of the game. While the majority of critics have lauded the graphics and visual design of Dordogne, there are a few minor criticisms to note. Game Informer mentions that odd angles can sometimes make it difficult to find walkable paths, which can slightly hinder the overall experience. Additionally, COGconnected points out that the small environments and invisible walls limit exploration. However, these criticisms are relatively minor in comparison to the overwhelmingly positive reception of the graphics and visual design. In conclusion, the graphics and visual design of Dordogne have been widely regarded as a masterpiece by the majority of critics. The watercolor art style, with its elegance, beauty, and ability to bring the world of Dordogne to life, is consistently praised. The use of vibrant colors, intricate detail, and varied locations further enhance the visual experience, capturing the enchanting landscapes of the Dordogne region and the French countryside. While there are a few minor criticisms regarding the difficulty in finding walkable paths and limited exploration, these do not overshadow the overall consensus of the critics, who overwhelmingly consider the graphics and visual design of Dordogne to be a standout feature and a visual masterpiece.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics have mixed opinions on Dordogne's sound design and music. Positives include praise for the standout music and sound effects adding serenity and enchantment to the game. However, some critics found the sound lacking in polish and not memorable enough. Overall, the majority of critics lean towards the positive side, highlighting how the music and sound design enhance the world, story, and charm of Dordogne.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

79%

Mixed (50-79)

21%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

In analyzing the opinions of the critics regarding the sound design and music of Dordogne, it is evident that there are both positive and negative sentiments expressed. Starting with the positives, several critics praised the game's music and sound effects. Finger Guns described the music as a standout, with a wonderful mixture of jangly guitars, echoing synths, and infectiously rhythmic drums. Adventure Gamers highlighted the entrancing background music, particularly noting the magical quality of the title music. COGconnected commended the subtle score and natural diegetic sounds, which merge with the visuals to create an unforgettable triumph in design. These positive comments indicate that the music and sound effects in Dordogne contribute significantly to the overall audio/visual experience, adding serenity, enchantment, and a personalized journey for players. On the other hand, there were some negative opinions expressed by the critics. Multiplayer.it stated that the overall sound design and music in Dordogne were lacking in polish and not particularly memorable. IGN France mentioned that the music, while pleasant, can be too present at times. These criticisms suggest that there may be room for improvement in terms of the polish and memorability of the sound design and music in the game. However, it is important to note that these negative comments were relatively few compared to the overall positive sentiment expressed by the critics. Taking into account the opinions of all the critics, the overall consensus leans towards the positive side. Critics such as Nintendo Life, NintendoWorldReport, Pure Xbox, XboxEra, IGN Spain, TheSixthAxis, Adventure Gamers, Gameblog.fr, and SpazioGames all praised various aspects of the sound design and music in Dordogne. They mentioned that the sound and music contribute to the beautiful world, touching story, captivating atmosphere, and overall charm of the game. The positive comments from these critics outweigh the negative ones, indicating that the sound design and music in Dordogne generally enhance the gameplay experience and are well-received by the majority of reviewers.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

technical performance

Description unavailable

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Dordogne offers some replay value with collectibles and journal features, but criticism arises from its linear gameplay and inability to revisit areas. While some find it appealing, completionists may be disappointed. Overall, the game's brevity is noted as an appealing factor.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

100%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

In analyzing the opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Dordogne, it is evident that there are both positive and negative aspects to consider. IGN Spain and WellPlayed highlight the positive aspects of replay value in Dordogne. IGN Spain mentions the collectibles and the ability to design pages in a travel journal, which adds to the overall experience and appeals to the inner child of the player. WellPlayed also emphasizes the collectibles and the addition of a journal, stating that players can look back on their book of memories to show where they have been throughout the game. These features provide an incentive for players to revisit the game and explore different paths or collect all the items. On the other hand, TheXboxHub and Game Informer express negative opinions about the replay value of Dordogne. TheXboxHub criticizes the game for being a linear experience with no option to revisit areas, which may disappoint completionists who enjoy fully exploring every aspect of a game. Game Informer also points out that chapters cannot be replayed to find missed collectibles, further limiting the replayability of the game. These limitations may deter players who enjoy replaying games to discover all the hidden elements or to make different choices. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Dordogne offers some replay value through its collectibles and the journal feature. However, the limitations in terms of revisiting areas and replaying chapters are seen as drawbacks by some reviewers. Pure Xbox does not explicitly mention the replay value of the game, but notes that its brevity adds to its appeal. Considering the opinions of the critics, it can be concluded that while Dordogne does offer some replay value, it may not satisfy completionists or players who enjoy extensive replayability options.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

60%

Mixed (50-79)

40%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers regarding the overall verdict of Dordogne, it is evident that the game has received a mix of positive and negative feedback. The positive aspects highlighted by the critics include the game's beautiful visuals, unique art style, and emotionally engaging story. IGN Italia, Nintendo Life, and COGconnected all praise Dordogne for its stunning visuals and sound design. The Games Machine and Adventure Gamers emphasize the game's captivating and charming storytelling. These positive elements contribute to creating a visually stunning and emotionally impactful experience for players. On the other hand, several critics point out some flaws and negatives in Dordogne. Multiplayer.it, Finger Guns, and Slant Magazine mention issues with gameplay, limited interactivity, and restrictions that may not appeal to everyone. Additionally, NintendoWorldReport and TheXboxHub highlight frustrations with gameplay and collectibles, while GameSpew acknowledges some missteps in the game. These criticisms suggest that Dordogne may have some shortcomings in terms of gameplay mechanics and overall engagement. Despite the mixed opinions, the overall consensus among the critics is that Dordogne is a visually stunning and emotionally engaging game. The positive aspects, such as the beautiful visuals, captivating storytelling, and unique art style, are consistently praised by multiple reviewers. IGN Spain even considers Dordogne as one of the standout titles of the year. However, there are also mentions of flaws and limitations in gameplay, interactivity, and narrative focus. Nevertheless, the majority of critics still recommend Dordogne as a game worth experiencing, particularly for those who enjoy narrative-driven and visually striking games. Overall, Dordogne appears to have made a positive impression on reviewers due to its stunning visuals, emotionally engaging story, and unique art style. While there are some criticisms regarding gameplay mechanics and limited interactivity, the majority of critics still recommend the game as a worthwhile experience. The combination of its visual and narrative strengths seems to have resonated with many reviewers, making Dordogne a game that stands out for its artistic and emotional qualities.

TL;DR

Dordogne: A visually stunning and emotionally engaging game that captivates with its beautiful visuals and captivating storytelling, despite some criticisms about gameplay mechanics and limited interactivity. Recommended for those who appreciate narrative-driven and visually striking experiences.

MONSTER

Reviews

45 reviews found

Gameblog.fr

Jul 2, 2023