Dordogne is a new indie title that has captured the attention of many for its unique art style. Its stunning watercolor paradise captures the colors and hues of the south of France on a summer's day, making players feel as though they are about to step off the edge of the page into this beautifully hand-drawn adventure.
A Beautiful Contrast
One of the most striking features of Dordogne is the contrast between the hand-painted backdrops and the more deliberate, harder strokes used to bring the characters to life. The looser textures of the Dordogne house and its surroundings create a blurred memory effect, which is fitting since the game's narrative sees players dipping back into childhood memories. This contrast adds an extra dimension of almost cartoonish-ness to the presentation, making it stand out among other indie titles.
Emotional Journey
Dordogne's opening hour is surprisingly emotional. Players take on the role of Mimi, who returns to her grandmother's empty house to discover a memory box that her grandmother has assembled for her. However, to get it, she must return to the forbidden place that is the Dordogne house, triggering memories of the full summers she spent there in her childhood. Mimi finds things that make her recall specific moments from her childhood, dealing with the death of her grandparent, parental drama, and the feeling of being ripped away from her friends for an entire summer.
Tactile Gameplay
What sets Dordogne apart from other point-and-click adventures is its tactile gameplay. As Mimi's childhood emotions manifest, they flash up on the screen as interactable objects. For example, when Nora prepares breakfast, young Mimi is upset about not being able to have her usual cereal. The words "alone," "deep," and "fear" appear over the breakfast options, and players must choose where to take the conversation next by opting for specific breakfast items. These words then become physical stickers that players can use to customize the binder that Mimi has been given to document her summer with Grandma.
In addition, the gameplay and narrative are interconnected, with players manipulating various objects to solve the puzzles presented to them. There are no obscure answers to puzzles, just everyday objects that players must manipulate to solve the puzzle. The word choices players make leave something unspoken, and the sticker book shows a gap where those connections could have sat, making the game highly replayable.
Final Thoughts
Dordogne is a game that leaves a lasting impression. Its watercolor paradise is stunning, and the contrast between the hand-painted backdrops and the deliberate strokes used to bring the characters to life adds an extra dimension to the presentation. The emotional journey players embark on as Mimi deals with childhood memories is both moving and relatable, and the game's tactile gameplay makes it stand out among other point-and-click adventures. With its interconnected gameplay and narrative, there is plenty of replayability, and players are sure to find themselves hooked on this beautiful and unique indie title.
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