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A lot of us have played our share of 3D platformers. There is nothing like trying to reach that next level of the goal without trying to miss a step and fall to your death when you worked so hard to get there. There is something about playing a new entry into the genre where you try to find the familiarities that you are used to while also trying to see what new ideas have been implemented. We all have our favorites, no matter how iconic some of them are. But do developer Petoons Studio and 3Cat bring something fun and interesting to the mix? Let’s find out more with Dracamar on PC.
Dracamar is a 3D action-adventure platformer inspired by the Mediterranean landscapes and culture, featuring a fearless group of friends on an epic adventure to save their world. Explore the islands, run, jump, and fight the evil forces to rescue the magical Okis!
Before diving in and exploring this beautiful world, there are some things that you will want to make sure you do. First, go into settings; everything is set correctly. Now, if you go to accessibility, there are some settings you may find interesting, such as color blindness mode, auto camera recenter, extra health, and auto run options. And second, I am not going to spoil anything for anyone. With that said, let’s continue…
When you start the game, the introduction lets you know a little about Dracamar and how the source of energy that connects everything is the Coroki flower, and how the people of Dracamar have always lived in peace and harmony. But due to the sunken island of Draclantis having emerged, things have become more complicated than they should be due to one evil King Crad, who captured the Coroki flower to absorb her energy and created the dreaded Moki-balls, and with these Moki-balls, the evil King Crad is taking the good Okis and making them into terrible Mokis. So this brings us to the journey of going through the world of Drakamar and trying to stop King Crad.
You have your choice of three characters: Caliu, Fok, and Espurna. I decided to go with Fok because he looks like Jake from Jake and the Never Land Pirates, who grew up and was still going on adventures, but didn’t have Captain Hook around to foil his plans. Once you select your character, it’s time to embark on your adventure.
One thing I will say, if you are using a controller that is a non-Xbox controller, it will work; however, just keep in mind that if you are using a PlayStation controller, it may take a few seconds to get familiar with everything. I had no issue using my controller, and everything ran as it should. You will also come across a variety of characters, so talk to anyone you can, as you never know what important thing they have to say.
For anyone who has played a 3D platformer before, you will be familiar with the controls. You can double jump, wall jump, and even hit crates, items, and Mokis to turn them back into friendly Okis, all with the A button on the Xbox controller or X on the PlayStation controller. Other than that, you will be following a path to try to get to the end point of the map.
Now, going into Dracamar alone is fine; however, nothing says adventure like having a friend by your side, and you have one named Iko. What is special about Iko is that he can help you get from point A to point B when normal running and jumping do not work, as parts may need to be reached that are higher and/or further away. Lucky for you, Oki stays on your wrist. You can pet the Okis that you see or help rescue from their not-so-nice selves, which doesn’t really do anything other than being a nice gesture and makes you want to catch them all; I mean, pet them all.
When an object that Iko can interact with is present, pressing the LB on an Xbox controller or L1 on a PlayStation controller will allow Iko to become those objects. From becoming a cloud you can bounce on to even a kite to soar, or even a weapon, just to name a few of the objects; Iko really is your friend that you need, as well as they need you.
In each of the areas of Dracamar, you are trying to find all the shields and seeds, which could be hidden anywhere. So, there is a chance that if you are one to try to speed run your way through, you will need to replace the same area, as you might miss something. Different parts of the map will require certain items. For example, those Mokis that you are taking care of will release balls that you will want to collect, and of course, the seeds. There are also stars that you will want to collect, as those can be used to purchase different cosmetics, as well as seeds for when you have gone over the same area multiple times and, no matter what, you can’t find the seed; even though it’s there, you may not find it but need to reach another part of the map that requires a bridge to be built. So if you can’t find the seed(s), maybe you can buy them.
Levels can become challenging and may test your reflexes, from jumping and wall jumping to avoiding objects that can shock you to say the least. Luckily, there are checkpoints throughout, so you don’t have to start the area over again from the beginning. You will come across obstacles that, if you are not careful, will start having your lifeline go down, or worse, even the fun boss battles you get to try and figure out how to defeat them.
But I will say that some of my favorite parts of Dracamar, besides the platform action, are the parts where Iko can become something you can ride on, such as an innertube and even slide and glide around.
Let’s talk about the graphics and sound. In looking at the world of Dracamar, the colors are bright and beautiful and provide a welcoming feeling for all visual senses. It really makes looking around every corner to try to find the items you need that much more pleasant on the eyes. For sound, the calming music for when you are moving around fits nicely with the tone, even when battling bosses, which can become a little more chaotic at times. The music fits, and that is a good thing.
There are a few things that would benefit all players, and even those younger players who may be starting with platformers, and that would be to have a hint system of where the items may be located. It doesn’t have to be a hint system that constantly stays on the screen, but maybe every time you press a certain button, it shows up, or even a place in the shop where you could use stars to buy a hint might be a fun addition. And second, virtual reality. There is a missed opportunity for those who love to play in VR, and seeing how Dracamar could benefit from the VR treatment makes me wish there were plans for this in the future.
In the end, Dracamar becomes more than a realm of dragons and legends; it becomes a quiet refuge where our spirits can breathe again. It doesn’t push us toward danger or demand heroism; instead, it offers a space to rediscover the calm we often lose in the noise of everyday life, a place where peace isn’t earned; it’s simply found. It lets us step away from the weight we carry and reconnect with the parts of ourselves that still believe in gentleness, courage, and possibility. Even if the escape is brief, it reminds us that even the smallest moments of wonder can restore us. And when we step back into our own world, we do so a little steadier, a little braver, and a little more open to the good that still waits ahead.
Dracamar is out now for the Nintendo Switch on the Nintendo eShop, PC via Steam, PS4 & PS5 on the PlayStation Store, and Xbox One & Series X|S on the Microsoft Store. A review code was provided.
To learn more about Petoons Studio, please visit their site, follow them on Facebook, follow them on Instagram, follow them on TikTok, follow them on X, and subscribe to their YouTube channel.
To learn more about 3Cat, please visit their site.
In case you missed the trailer, please enjoy. Until next time, I have more items to find and unlock — and until the Rift opens again, know that you are appreciated.
