Doughlings: Arcade

Doughlings: Arcade is a game developed and published by Hero Concept. Originally planned as a mobile game, it was released for Microsoft Windows (via Steam), Nintendo Switch, and Xbox One in 2018 and PlayStation 4 on May 9, 2019.
Gameplay
Doughlings: Arcade is a breakout game.
The protagonist, "Dr. Morpheus", must clear the screen using various power-ups and unique attacks; as well, a story mode with an RPG-style leveling-up system enables players to activate new abilities and assume new personas — and face new enemies.
The game also has a level editor; player-created levels can be shared for cross-platform play.
Mechanics
* "DNA": the player collects "DNA sprites" and thereby can switch to one of 7 different characters for a limited time.
*"Show Off": each character has a unique ability, designed not only for attacking but also for creating alternative strategies.
*"Targets": 12 unique targets make levels harder but also create alternative gameplay options/
*"Lab", where upgrades are implemented when characters — when characters pay enough elixir.
Plot
Doughlings is a story about peaceful creatures who live happily in their own dimension. These peaceful creatures love watching other cultures and impersonating them. But one day a meteor crashes into their village and leaks a poisonous gas that affects almost all of them.
Those that fall ill start to go mad and turn into stones. Dr. Morpheus, the only one who is not sick, seeks a cure to help his people. As soon as he invents the magical ball, the mad folk attack Dr. Morpheus. He grabs the ball and promises to save his people.
Development
The game was developed by Hero concept, a privately funded gaming start-up, as its maiden release. It was created within the Unity engine and was originally planned as a mobile game. During the development process the gameplay mechanics got progressively deeper, subsequently creating a broader swath of game dynamics. Then once the decision to add a level creation engine was made Hero concept elected to pivot and become a studio that catered to all the major gaming platforms before releasing its first product.
Additional graphics and sound work was commissioned and the release was pushed back several months to allow for the organizational transition for becoming a console and PC gaming studio. The initial release was on the PC platform and Doughlings: Arcade was available for purchase on Steam on 8 May 2018. The game was released for the Xbox One on 3 July 2018. On 9 May 2019 it was released for PS4.
Reception
The game received a 75% average from review aggregator Metacritic based on four reviews.
Video Chums wrote, "Its lackluster presentation and simplistic core gameplay weigh down the fun but it's still a rather enjoyable little game."
 
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