DROS Review – Better Together

DROS is an enchanting indie game that transports you to a mesmerizing steampunk-anime world, one that greatly reminded me of Miyazaki’s Castle in the Sky. With this atmospheric setting, the game manages to immerse you in a unique and visually interesting universe filled with intricate machinery, ethereal landscapes, and a touch of whimsical charm, and does so with minimal dialogue or exposition. The contrasting yet complementary personalities of the main characters, Little Dros and Captain, are both the core of the game’s story and the mechanics themselves, using the strengths and weaknesses of the two to add depth and intrigue to the gameplay experience as well as the narrative.

At the heart of the game’s story is Little Dros, a lovable and mischievous slime creature longing to break free from the confines of her master’s tower. Her endearing nature is balanced by her sharp wit and sometimes snarky remarks, injecting moments of lightheartedness and humor into the game. Players quickly become attached to this endearing little creature as they witness her desire for freedom and her determination to embark on an adventure beyond the tower’s walls, and when they hear her cute, squeaking gibberish voice.

Alongside Little Dros is Captain, the stoic and armor-clad bounty hunter, who enters the scene with a completely different objective. Driven by the allure of a significant reward, Captain seeks to retrieve the master’s flute, a valuable artifact, and claim the bounty attached to it. His quick-to-rile yet confident attitude and tough exterior provide a stark contrast to Little Dros, creating a dynamic interplay between the two characters that really is the core of the storytelling.

The two come together when Captain, seeking the Alchemist (Little Dro’s previously mentioned master), finds himself defeated and disarmed (pun intended) in the sewers below the Tower. Little Dros, in a bid to escape her confines, finds Captain in his weakened, near-death state. Needing a shell, she binds to Captain, saving his life and creating a mutually beneficial relationship as his stronger frame and big sword help protect Little Dros from her pursuers.

While their personalities clash at times, their differences ultimately become their greatest strength. In DROS, players must strategically utilize the unique abilities and characteristics of both Little Dros and Captain to navigate the tower and overcome the challenges that lie ahead. Little Dros’ nimbleness and agility allow her to slip through tight spaces and access hidden areas, while Captain’s strength and resilience enable him to withstand formidable enemies and protect his companion.

As you progress through the game, you discover that the characters’ personal motivations and desires begin to intertwine. Little Dros’ quest for freedom gradually merges with Captain’s relentless pursuit of the flute, and vice versa. Along the way, you get to witness the development of a deep bond between the two characters, as they learn to rely on and trust one another despite their differences.

The gameplay mechanics of DROS emphasize cooperation and coordination between Little Dros and Captain. Players must strategically switch between the characters, utilizing their unique abilities in tandem to overcome obstacles, solve puzzles, and defeat enemies. This cooperative gameplay fosters a sense of unity and teamwork, reinforcing the notion that the characters are stronger together than they are individually.

To go into more detail about DROS’ gameplay, the game features a series of levels with logic and platforming puzzles, solving which will require proper use of Little Dros and Captain’s unique strengths. Like I touched on before, Dros is the nimble navigator and Captain is the frontline bruiser who keeps the two safe when faced with trouble.

By default, you control Captain, who can combat enemies with his sword, break down obstacles, and use his heavy frame to hold down buttons. This heaviness is also his biggest weakness, however, as Captain can’t jump or fit through tight gaps. Detaching from Captain causes him to freeze in place and gives you control of Little Dros, who can jump, squeeze through tight areas and interact with small buttons. Moreover, she can detect invisible pathways and follow wires back to their source. She has to avoid detection from enemies, however, as one hit sends her back to her shell.

You’re scored at the end of each level based on how quickly the level was completed and how many of the secrets and currency you managed to collect, incentivizing replay.

The countless puzzles in DROS will test your ability to use the two to their fullest potential, both as individuals and as a team. The bond between these two characters is not just a narrative choice but a defining aspect of the gameplay.

You will get the jist of DROS fast, and for what the game wants to be it is a solid little experience. Dialogue is light, and most of the story is told through delightfully drawn comic-style cutscenes that share most of the information visually. Fans of puzzle games will find plenty to enjoy in DROS, but the more action-oriented gamer will find the combat mechanics lite and lacking. The story and worldbuilding, while interesting, are certainly not the deep things you might find in the likes of Elden Ring or FFXIV. While DROS might not be the next fantasy blockbuster, it still presents a unique and interesting world and fun puzzle mechanics that are sure to appeal to the audience the game is meant for.

Try Hard Guides was provided with a PC review copy of this game. Find more detailed looks at popular and upcoming titles in the Game Reviews section of our website! DROS is available on Steam.