Four years ago, if you told me I would enjoy playing indie games I would call you a liar. Prior to working with Maroonersrock, I wrote for Gamersbliss, which is now no longer in existence. During my time there, I typically covered AAA titles and my only experience with Indie games was rather limited; in fact, I had only tried three indie games, Don’t Die! Dateless Dummy, Too Many Girls to Little Time, and Castle Crashers. Now fast-forward to 2020 and multiple indie games have broken into my top 50 list. Headup Games‘ Doodle Derby, previously known as Fromto, has recently joined that list, and here is why.
We were first introduced to Doodle Derby at PAX East 2019, it was known by a different name; back then Studio Erikson’s Doodle Derby was known as FromTo. That title can still be seen in a variety of game achievements. At Pax East 2019, we awarded Fromto our Team’s Choice Award. Originally, I met up with Headup games to preview Colt Canyon, Dead End Job, and Silver Chains. At the end of the meeting, Headup Game’s Pr Lead directed us over to Doodle Derby. Although the other games were enjoyable, FromTo was definitely a top contender for the Best at Show award. After previewing this title, I directed other members of the industry to it.
So what makes Doodle Derby so special? The game is developed by Erikson and his two children; Erikson is known worldwide for his contemporary art.
Gameplay
Doodle Derby is a 2D Racing platformer where players can modify the track after failing each run. Players can either race head to head to the finish or take turns running the course. After each player has had their chance, a design phase occurs. During this design phase, players can modify the track by adding pieces or obstacles or destroying parts.
Each player can obtain parts one of two ways. The first option is by collecting the boxes that drop at the beginning of the design phase; the second option is by spending their points earned from each level. Players can earn points by progressing in the course or by collecting collectibles. Players can spend those points in the shop where a variety of parts are for sale. At any point, the player can only hold four parts at any given time. Players can place those parts on the map to either aid their progress or hinder others. Once the player has room for a new item, they can purchase other pieces.
Once all players have finished placing their modifications or the timer runs out, players attempt to run the track again. Players will start at their last checkpoint; if a player has not reached a checkpoint, they will start at the starting position. The track will now feature the new modifications and players must either reach the next checkpoint or finish the track. If the track is not complete, players will return to the design stage. Players have a limited amount of runs on each stage before they lose.
Continuing to Play
Each map has its own unique feel with a variety of obstacles to overcome. Most maps feature a checkpoint platform that the player must reach before proceeding to the finish line. During each level or during the design stage the player can destroy different blocks. In the level, the player must blow up their car to achieve this. During the design stage, there are saw blades, magic wands, and wrecking balls to clear stage parts.
On each level, the player can collect keys and a map to unlock new items in the game. Maps unlock new stages, while keys allow the host to unlock new cars or build blocks. After a car or item is unlocked it can be seen in the game. The game features a variety of cars with many pop culture references. Players can choose which vehicle they would like to drive at the starting stage.
Doodle Derby offers a variety of levels each with its own visual appeal. Players can design levels and share them with the community. Players can download said levels and race against their friends or foes. The game features the ability to play couch co-op locally or through Steam. Players can also connect to one another through multiplayer. The game does require a strong internet connection to play through local co-op play.
The multiplayer offers a decent amount of game modes to play beyond 2D platform racing.
Audio/ SFX
Doodle Derby’s music is fun for the first few hours of gameplay but eventually gets stale if you play too long. The game rotates between eight songs that are a decent length and gives a synthetic techno feel; depending on which game mode you are in determines what songs play. During the platforming stage, the game changes audio tracks. Each special block has its own unique sound. When a car explodes you know it and it’s hilarious. The game’s music is cute despite its repetitiveness and you can tell that it was made for gamers of all ages.
A little bit more variety in tracks could help or allowing the player to incorporate their own music would be an exciting addition.
Controls
Doodle Derby‘s controls are pretty basic like any other platformer. The A button is used to make the car jump; players can jump on the sides of walls. X flips the way the car is facing so the player can switch directions. The Y button allows the player to end their run without risking the destruction of the course. Finally, the B button allows the player to detonate their vehicle. This last option allows the player to get rid of blocks as they desire.
During the building stage, players use the A button to purchase and place blocks. The game’s controls are fairly easy to utilize which allows players to focus on the experience rather than what buttons they need to push to complete the course. The controls are family-friendly enabling gamers of all ages to play including players age 3 to 80.
Graphics
When it comes to indie titles, it’s not always easy to review them for their graphics due to the unique art style of each piece. Doodle Derby was designed with a cartoonish childish style of art to share with his children. So the graphics section of this game comes down to functionality and visual appeal. For a game that has a childish cute art style, the game works really well. When you collide with an object you can see how it impacts the car. Special blocks visual effects are easy to tell apart and function even when you try to mess with them.
When you compare the game to other AAA titles, Doodle Derby will not blow you away with its beautiful renditions, but that’s part of the point. The game is meant to create a family-friendly fun environment for anyone to play similar to Minecraft or Among Us; you do not need the latest and greatest piece of equipment to enjoy it and that’s part of the reason why it’s so memorable.
During our gameplay, we only had a few instances where the game had something unusual happen after an odd collision.
Replay Value
In the modern generation of gaming where there is an abundance of games, gamers are looking to get the biggest bang for their buck. Can you replay the game multiple times in a variety of ways? When judging Doodle Derby on this principle, the answer is yes. The game offers a single-player campaign that is different from its multiplayer mode. Players can design tracks in a variety of ways so that no run is exactly the same unless you make it so.
Conclusion
Doodle Derby might seem like a generic racing platformer at a quick glance but there is more there than meets the eye. This game allows you to try new things, get creative, and have fun with others while in a relaxing environment. The fact that this game allows for local co-op in person and online in addition to online multiplayer allows others to enjoy it without having a buy-in window. The variation of cars including a DeLorean, A Van, and other iconic vehicles, makes each run feel fresh and goofy.
The game formerly known as Fromto, Doodle Derby, does not get the recognition it deserves in an oversaturated gaming market. Doodle Derby has the potential to be the next gaming craze if the right people could show it to the world.
Doodle Derby is available on Steam for $5.99. Later this month, we will be reviewing another HeadUp published title called Pumpkin Jack, just in time for Halloween.
