Doodle Derby

Genre: Racing / Platformer

Players: 1-4 Competitive (Local), 2-4 Competitive (Online), Online Content Sharing

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Review:

(Note: This game is included in Headup Multiplayer Bundle, along with Super Treasure Arena and Tied Together.)

Doodle Derby, previously developed under the title Fromto: Toy Cars in Hell (the new name is a huge improvement in my opinion), is a side-scrolling Racing game with Platforming elements that one might loosely compare to the Trials series, although it differs somewhat in the way it works track creation mechanics into its gameplay. This game was released on Nintendo Switch and PC in 2020.

As its name implies, Doodle Derby uses a rough hand-drawn squiggly line aesthetic for its 2D visuals, and while this isn’t impressive on a technical level, it suits the game’s theme of custom track creation and its overall silly mood fairly well. Unfortunately, these visuals are paired with an annoying energetic soundtrack and even more annoying “clown car” honking sound effects. I had to mute this game after a short while of playing it.

The gameplay here does some really interesting things. Players try to race their car from a starting position to a finishing position, making use of ramps, platforms, and other various devices along the way. However, tracks are often impossible to complete as-is, requiring the player to go into an editing mode to alter the track using tools that vary from level to level. So a part of the challenge is somewhat like a Puzzle game, trying to use the limited pieces available to make a level you can complete.

This game has some pretty extensive track creation tools too, with players able to craft their own levels using basic shapes, various odds and ends, and clever devices to help and hinder vehicles. The Nintendo Switch version of the game makes good use of the touchscreen for this feature, making this a great fit for the platform.

There’s a lot to love about Doodle Derby – it’s a great concept and there’s a ton of content here. Unfortunately, this game is really rough around the edges, and could have used a lot more playtesting before release.

The local multiplayer mode doesn’t seem to work properly for me, loading only one vehicle into the map. There’s an alternate multiplayer mode where players control tanks, and the multiplayer in this works fine, but this mode isn’t nearly as compelling. There’s online play, but there doesn’t seem to be anyone to play with. The track creator has an option to test the track, but for some reason the controls don’t work in this mode. Players have to manually flip their car to change direction unless they want it to move slowly. Progression in the single-player mode is gated off by level time requirements, many of which are absurdly difficult to complete. And just overall the game feels a bit shoddily built, with in-game physics acting unpredictably at times.

In the end, Doodle Derby unfortunately has a huge array of problems that bog down the experience and make it difficult to enjoy, which is a real shame because it’s a game that really does seem to be doing everything it can to deliver a unique experience that’s a lot of fun when it works properly. If you’re looking for a unique 2D side-scrolling Racing Game on the Nintendo Switch and can overlook its long list of flaws, this game may still be worth your while, but you’re just as likely to be frustrated as delighted.

tl;dr – Doodle Derby is a side-scrolling Racing game with a hand-drawn look that uses a track-building mechanic to make for some fun and inventive gameplay. Unfortunately, the game is really rough and suffers from a slew of problems, such as various parts of the game not working properly, overly-tough progression, and some really terrible sound. There’s a lot to love here, but the many flaws make loving this game difficult.

Grade: C

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