DOLLMAKER is a first person shooter tower defense game where you, an anthropomorphic rat, traverse the town of Willoughby to harvest eggs for the purpose of creating the perfect doll
Positive
9 Steam reviews
| LANGUAGE | AUDIO | SUBTITLES | INTERFACE |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | Y | Y | Y |
criminally overlooked gem, 30 hours in and im shocked this game is as cheap as it is for the amount of stuff crammed into this thing. The TD side of this thing feels delightfully fresh once you sink into how it works, each tower has one of four elements associated with it that all have unique passive effects and stack on enemies, you need to combine 2 of these elements to cause a sub effect that actually deals damage which requires an engaging amount of balancing in your approach to your loadout and layout doubly so when you take into account the varied levels on offer that not only have layouts that require taking advantage of some of the wonkier tower projectile behavior, but also occasionally have their own mechanics and stage hazards to take into account, such as shifting platforms, or a giant slot machine. and yet that's only one half of the game, the other half is exploration focused, putting you in maze-like environments that you need to navigate to unlock levels and collect upgrades while avoiding the not so friendly creatures that inhabit the strange outdoors. deeper still below all that there are plenty of secrets and puzzles that continue to unfurl and expand the game's world, story, and systems as you play, examples of which i will keep tight lipped as they are best experienced firsthand but if you vibed with the later parts and secret levels of something like cruelty squad this game is a MUST PLAY.
also there is a casino and you can play blackjack so it really has everything going for it.
LOVE IT. makeS ME feEL rIGTT AT hOMe
бро легенда
what the ♥♥♥♥ is this
i still dont know how to make dolls
DOLLMAKER is an unconventional indie action-strategy hybrid developed and published by STH. The game combines elements of first-person shooting, trap-based defense systems, and roguelite progression into a single chaotic gameplay loop. Rather than following the traditional structure of tower defense games where players passively construct defenses and wait for waves to unfold, DOLLMAKER demands constant involvement. Players must simultaneously fight enemies, deploy traps, experiment with upgrades, and adapt their strategy as each encounter escalates. The result is a strange but intriguing blend of action and tactical planning that gives the game a distinct identity.
The setting takes place in the unsettling and surreal town of Willoughby, a location that feels both whimsical and eerie. Players take control of an anthropomorphic rat navigating this strange environment while collecting resources used to build what the game describes as the “perfect doll.” The narrative remains intentionally mysterious and minimal, leaving much of the world’s meaning open to interpretation. Rather than presenting a traditional storyline through dialogue or cutscenes, the game relies on environmental details and gameplay progression to hint at the bizarre experiments and strange technologies that define the world of Willoughby.
At its core, the gameplay merges two different genres. On one side, DOLLMAKER plays like a fast-paced first-person action game. Players explore levels, move through environments, and directly fight enemies using various weapons. On the other side, the game introduces a system of defensive tools that function similarly to towers or traps in a traditional tower defense game. These traps can be placed throughout the environment to damage, slow, or manipulate enemies as they approach. Because both systems operate simultaneously, players must constantly switch between offensive combat and strategic trap placement.
Enemies attack in waves that grow progressively more challenging as the game continues. Early encounters introduce basic enemy types that allow players to experiment with the trap system and become familiar with the controls. Later waves introduce more complex threats with different movement patterns, durability levels, and attack behaviors. Some enemies are best handled through direct combat, while others require careful placement of traps to eliminate efficiently. Learning how to balance these approaches becomes a crucial skill for surviving the more intense encounters.
One of the most distinctive gameplay features is the mutator system, which allows players to modify the behavior of their traps and defensive tools. Instead of each trap having a fixed function, mutators can alter how they operate by changing damage types, increasing range, or creating additional effects when enemies interact with them. These modifications allow players to experiment with different combinations of defenses, often discovering unexpected strategies that dramatically change the effectiveness of their setups.
The game also incorporates roguelite progression elements that encourage repeated playthroughs. During each run, players collect eggs, which serve as the primary resource used for upgrades. These resources can be spent outside of missions to improve weapons, enhance trap performance, expand inventory space, or unlock new abilities. Because these upgrades persist between sessions, players gradually grow stronger and gain access to more complex strategies as they continue playing.
Another important aspect of progression involves collecting different doll parts scattered throughout the game. These components provide passive bonuses or unique abilities that influence how the player performs during combat. Some parts may increase resource generation, while others enhance weapon damage or improve trap efficiency. By combining different doll parts, players can customize their character build to emphasize particular strategies. This mechanic reinforces the central theme of assembling the perfect doll while also adding depth to the gameplay.
Visually, DOLLMAKER adopts a stylized and somewhat surreal aesthetic that matches its strange premise. The environments of Willoughby are filled with exaggerated shapes, colorful structures, and bizarre enemy designs that give the world an unsettling charm. While the graphical detail is modest compared to larger modern titles, the art direction succeeds in creating a memorable atmosphere that supports the game’s unusual concept.
The sound design contributes to the chaotic nature of the gameplay. Combat is accompanied by energetic sound effects for weapons, traps, and enemy attacks, helping players stay aware of what is happening around them. Environmental sounds and background music help establish the eerie tone of the setting, though the soundtrack remains relatively understated compared to the intensity of the action.
One of the most interesting aspects of DOLLMAKER is how it constantly demands player involvement. Many tower defense games rely on passive observation once defenses have been placed, but this game rarely allows players to relax. Even after traps are deployed, enemies continue to threaten the player directly, requiring quick reactions and constant repositioning. This combination of active combat and strategic preparation creates a gameplay loop that feels energetic and unpredictable.
However, the experimental nature of the game also introduces certain limitations. Because it attempts to blend several genres together, some mechanics feel less refined than they might in a more focused game. The balance between shooting and defensive strategy can sometimes feel uneven, and certain trap combinations may prove far more effective than others. Additionally, the overall scope of the game remains relatively small, which means players may encounter repetition once they become familiar with the available systems.
Despite these shortcomings, DOLLMAKER stands out as a creative indie title that is willing to experiment with unusual ideas. Its combination of first-person combat, trap-based defense mechanics, and character customization results in a gameplay experience that feels different from most games in the tower defense genre. The surreal setting and quirky design choices further reinforce the game’s unique personality.
Overall, DOLLMAKER offers a distinctive blend of action and strategy that rewards experimentation and adaptability. While it may not reach the level of polish or depth found in larger titles, its originality and willingness to take risks make it an interesting experience for players who enjoy unconventional indie games. Those looking for a traditional tower defense experience may find the hybrid mechanics surprising, but players who appreciate creative genre combinations will likely find plenty to enjoy in its strange world.
Rating: 7/10
tldr; This game is amazing and you should buy it. Also, be sure to check out what's in the VIP room in the Casino :)
The fact that I am only the 14th review is a tragedy. This game is truly fantastic and deserves so much more attention. As someone who has played way too many video games and is bored of the countless iterations of the same slop over and over again, this game was such a breath of fresh air. Everything about this game is so unconventional and disturbing yet also intriguing. However, it does not stand out just by being weird. Rather, the gameplay experience is also genuinely very fun and different from what you would expect from a tower defense game.
Let me give an example. In most tower defense games I've played, you quickly figure out what the best towers are and basically just spam them which lets you win easily. Usually, it turns into something like "oh, just place 100 minigun turrets and you win". However, in this game, the towers are so wacky and situational you will find yourself swapping out your entire tower lineup for each map you play. Each map tends to have completely different strategies and approaches. I've never had to think this hard while playing a tower defense game before. Not in a bad way either, in a great way. In the kind of way where you're thinking "Ok, how do I make this bizarre bouncy ball tower work in this weird map layout?".
That alone would make this game great. But, it goes far beyond that. It has so much more than meets the eye. SO many secrets. SO many weird places to explore. This isn't just a tower defense game. It's an entire world. You just happen to be a weird anthropomorphic rat in it who does tower defense as a hobby.
Let me give another example. This game has a fully fleshed out casino in it. Not just a quick lazy typical casino either. It is the most fun and impressive casino implementation I've ever seen in a video game. So many of the games in the casino are completely unique concepts that are genuinely fun and interesting. Did a tower defense game ever need a casino in the first place? No. But, this game did it anyways.
And that's what I love about this game. It just has SO much in it. The developer must have spent thousands of hours working on this. As I played this game, I kept being surprised over and over again by just how much there was, and how it just kept going. It was truly astonishing. I kept asking myself questions like "why" or "who made this" or "why did someone make this"?
Ultimately, out of the hundreds to thousands of games I've played, this has to be by far the greatest hidden gem game I've ever encountered on this platform. It is genuinely upsetting that this game does not have at least 1000+ reviews. Just an unbelievable effort and creative vision that went completely unappreciated. Surpassed by an endless sea of uninspired AI slop and rip-off garbage. Tragic.
[spoiler]I do have exactly one gripe with this game though. The grenades blowing up your towers is very frustrating because you have to manually re-place them again. It would be so much better if the grenades just broke the towers instead, and you could just repair them by interacting with them after the round ends or something.[/spoiler]
Such an amazing game i mostly bought it because of the tower defense tag but the exploration part of the game is even better. Every time i explore outside 1 i ♥♥♥♥ my self but like in a good way
This game unfolds like origami. Each time I pick up a thread and pull there's more at the other end. I know that's not sustainable but just for that sensation alone I need to recommend this game. While initially confusing, eventually things just start to.. make sense?
It's not perfect. It's confusing, weird, and potentially frustrating. But I can't help but feel like it's worth it.
