UPDATE: We’ve now included impressions of the Nintendo Switch version, which drops later this week. Read below!
One thing I never get tired of seeing on the indie scene are games inspired by some of the greats. There’s no question that platformers of the 90s have pushed devs to try their own take on the genre. And that’s what Moulin aux Bulles Studio has done with the delightful Decline’s Drops.
It sounds a bit odd, but the title makes sense. You play a puppet armed with boxing gloves, looking to avenge the destruction of your garden. (I guess the six heads of the Eternal Corp don’t take too fondly to the Earth.) What follows is a journey filled with rock-em-sock-em combat, along with influenced stage design. Honestly, you’ll be digging for secrets long after the journey’s over.
Couple that with a stirring hand-drawn animation style and a gracefully mixed soundtrack, and you’ve got a winner. Decline’s Drops is an encouraging adventure that will keep you coming back for more. And not just beating up chickens. (Though they do have it coming, honestly. Evil chickens!)
Decline’s Drops Brings the Beat-Em-Up
What makes a motivated platforming adventure so great is the gameplay to back it up. We’re happy to report that Decline’s Drops definitely has this.
Along with giving our heroine great mobility throughout each stage, she can pack a wallop. You have several moves at your arsenal, including Smash Bros. style combos, air launchers and more. Some use a special currency that you’ll need to stock up on, but they’re worth it. They’re especially useful against bosses that pack more power than typical enemies.
It all executes beautifully within the game, though I definitely recommend a controller for it. It just feels more natural using a game pad to pull off moves, rather than striking a keyboard. The end result is a game with nearly no end of influential combat. (Even underwater, you’re hitting back with a submarine shaped like a fist. Now that’s inspiration!)
The platforming portion of Decline’s Drop is also great. You’ll be digging for secrets throughout each stage, including collectible heart icons and more. There are also puzzles and deep dive stages, but nothing to the point of diabolical. In fact, the mix of the game as a whole feels just right. It can challenge in some places, but never to the point of being impossible. It does help to have a small amount of skill, though.
There’s also a shop where you can unlock additional goodies, including aesthetic items and overall improvements. It’s a bit on the basic side, but definitely worth a visit.
I do wish there were more checkpoints, and some secrets are easier to find than others. But Decline’s Drops is never boring, as it flows creatively with its level design and beat-em-up action. And just wait till you get your drill maneuver nailed down. Sure beats just bopping enemies on the head.
There’s No Decline In Visual and Audio Quality
To go along with the inspired controls and level design, Decline’s Drops also has an unbeatable presentation.
The hand-drawn visuals are spectacular, particularly with the animation of your character. While they do appear to be a bit lengthy, they add personality to her. And she looks charming, despite the fact she’s pulverizing chickens into oblivion. (Again, they deserve it.) Throw in some colorful stage design that varies across each world and a smooth frame rate, and you have a winner.
Along with that, the soundtrack is nothing short of breathtaking. It sounds a bit simple at first with its rhythms. However, as you go along, it changes up almost completely. Hard rock tunes enter the fray, and there’s even some clever use of an accordion. That’s right, the accordion is awesome here. Throw in some good sound effects (but, surprisingly, very little voicework), and you’ve got an overall solid package.
Is the Console Version a Big, Ahem, Hit?
After spending so long on the Steam front, we’re happy to report that Decline’s Drops will arrive for a much bigger audience on consoles very soon. It’s due for Xbox, as well as the Nintendo Switch, which the developer graciously provided us a code for.
We’re happy to report that this version is just as much of a delight as the Steam edition. It looks dreamy running on the Nintendo Switch 2, complete with beautiful backdrops and wondrous hand-drawn animation. On top of that, the level layouts are nice to see, even on the handheld screen.
As for the controls, they work very well with both the Pro Controller and the JoyCon 2’s. You’re able to execute a number of the heroine’s moves with ease, gaining access to hidden rooms with the right amount of practice.
So, yeah, Decline’s Drops is definitely a must for platforming fans, or those of you looking for a knockout to take on.
Drop Your Cash On This Beauty
While Decline’s Drops looks deceptively simple, it’s anything but. It’s a phenomenal platformer loaded with surprises, and backed by a hard-hitting combo system. It also has wondrous visuals and a sensational soundtrack to boot. Oh, and did I mention it works flawlessly on Steam Deck? Because it does.
In this market, it’s all too easy to let indie wonders pass you by. But Decline’s Drops is worthy of your attention. Like its heroine does to those dastardly chickens, it packs a punch. In fact, maybe I should grab lunch at KFC…
GAMERHUB RATING: 4.5 (out of 5) JOYSTICKS
Thanks to Moulin Aux Bulles Studio for providing a review code! Decline’s Drops is available now for Steam, and hopefully we’ll see it on consoles soon!
Looking for more fun platformers? Check out our reviews for Zero the Kamikaze Squirrel, Aero the Acro-Bat 2 and Cyber Citizen Shockman Zero!
