Decline's Drops

When it comes to indie games, a charming presentation can make up for simplistic gameplay. Games like Decline's Drops, however, have the best of both worlds: visuals that wouldn't be out of place in one of Nintendo's AAA platformers and an engaging gameplay loop with responsive controls.

Decline's Drops pays homage to some of the most lovely platformers out there, but that doesn't mean it doesn't pack a punch. Get ready to punch, brawl, and perhaps even scuffle your way through some of the most adorable 2D levels ever seen in an indie game.

Fans of retro platformers and brawlers alike will find lots to love about Decline's Drops. If the game doesn't grip you with its art style, its tight gameplay will surely do the trick.

Lovely and Deadly

The story follows Globule, an animated wooden puppet seeking revenge against the ones who destroyed her garden. Don't expect a touching epic in this game – Decline's Drops is all about the gameplay, leaving the story far behind.

Even if the plot isn't exactly gripping, the character and world design sure are. Fans of Yoshi's Island and the GBA Kirby games, like Kirby & The Amazing Mirror, will find the level design and overall presentation more than familiar. However, that's far from the only thing Decline's Drops borrows from Nintendo.

Punching Puppets

While the game looks like your average 2D platformer, the gameplay has more in common with Super Smash Bros. than with something like Yoshi's Story. Globule is an adept fighter, punching and kicking her enemies to kingdom come. The developer compares the game with other "platform-fighters," and I think that's an adequate comparison.

The closest I've ever played to Decline's Drops would be Guacamelee! Beating your enemies across the screen feels immensely rewarding, giving the game an edge over all those other 2D indie platformers crowding the scene.

Astonishing Presentation

As much as I could talk about Decline's Drops gameplay all day, I think the art style deserves even more praise. Not only is the 2D storybook presentation top-notch, but the animations and character design are also in a league of their own.

Seeing as the game's a 2D brawler at heart, each of Globule's fighting animations has to be easy to read and feel like it could belong in a game like Rivals of Aether. The good news is that the developer understood the assignment to a T.

The gameplay feels immensely fluid and satisfying, with each attack packing a visual punch. Momentum and overall movement also feel on point, making the platforming sections all the more entertaining. That said, die-hard players might find the difficulty a bit too forgiving, even at the highest settings.

Decline's Drops isn't here to test your brawling skills. This is a game with a clear concept and an exceptional execution that aims to bring fast-paced fighting gameplay to a 2D platformer – and it succeeds at that exceedingly well.

Pros

• Engaging gameplay
• Responsive controls
• Gorgeous presentation

Cons

• The plot and characters can feel a bit barebones
• Not too difficult to beat