Brains, Beauty and Bewitched Bamboo- Dofus Review

One of the gaming genres which has eluded my protracted gaze is the MMORPG. The reasons for this are twofold. Despite an array of themes that run from low fantasy to science fiction, most massively multiplayer online role-playing games feel woefully similar with a homogeneity that runs throughout combat models and virtual economies. Secondly, I can’t help but distinguish the diversions’ thinly-veiled mechanics which force players to grind for hours, or participate in micro transactions in order to achieve a measure of success. It’s often difficult to overlook the overt tactics MMOs use to keep their subscription fees streaming in.

Yet a few hours into Dofus (pronounced dough-fous), I found myself uncharacteristically compelled. Much of the appeal emanated from the game’s digression from the archetypal ways battles are handled. Dofus plays like a multiplayer version of Final Fantasy Tactics, as victory is achieved through turn-based strategic planning, rather than a combination of mouse clicks and carefully cultivated stats. It also helped that Dofus‘ visual style was exceedingly adorable; if there’s an MMO with more cuddly charm, I haven’t seen it.

Like the top role-playing titles, Dofus’ selection of character classes is gratifyingly diverse, and offers a number of complementary combinations. From the melee-focused Iop’s Heart, to the bow favoring Arc’s Range, each class has a distinctive loudout, and a unique repertoire of spells. With selections like the assassin, who has the ability to lay hidden traps, and the damage-sponge Sacrier’s Blood, there is certainly a character to appeal to every type of role-player. Unfortunately, Dofus’ in-game descriptions, while cleverly written, deliver little of the imperative details newcomers may need. Although an extensive wiki will help neophytes, it requires players to depart from the game’s vibrant world.

Traversing Dofus’ world is effortless, thanks to the game’s effortless point-and -click navigational system. Luckily, each landscape is littered with opponents and a fracas can be initiated with a mere mouse click. Once combat commences, players pick their starting position, as the game culls the attack order. Each turn tasks players with moving to an advantageous assault position before expending action points on delivering damage to any foes. Satisfaction comes in calculating cunning ways to impart injury. Splash damage spells were particularly satisfying, but often required a line of sight to cast.

Dofus offers a robust area where novices can develop their characters. Around level 30, players will have to make a decision to continue playing the game for a modest monthly fee around $6 USD. Subscribers have access to a much larger landmass, pets, mounts, as well as the ability to participate in player vs. player battles. In comparison to other MMOs, the title’s fee seems relatively modest; those without a console could find a wealth of enjoyment in the game’s expansive world.

Visually, Dofus can be brilliantly misleading as fields filled with gargantuan carrots host a population of innocuous-looking- yet deadly, Wabbits. These rose cheeked, spike eared hares can conceal an imposing amount of proficiency, until a quick mouse-over reveals their true experience level. The game’s hand-drawn bestiary is as enchanting as it is deep, with a myriad of imaginative monster designs. The level of aesthetic charm is kept consistent throughout the game, as each landscape and loot drop displays a high level of detail and delectability. It’s too bad that enemies occasionally got obscured in the title’s isometric perspective; the ability to rotate the playfield would have certainly been a worthwhile addition. The game’s gentle soundtrack showed skillful restraint, as sonic monotony refused to settle in even during marathon sessions.