Dolls Nest Review Summary

Extensive character customization options: The game features extensive character and mech customization options, including color presets and mix-and-match parts. The character designs are appealing and cute. Some reviewers specifically mentioned the character Kailing as being cute.

Enjoyable and fun gameplay: Despite some jankiness, the game is generally enjoyable and fun to play. Players found the gameplay experience to be solid and appealing, with a satisfying level of difficulty. The mech combat, once mastered, is particularly enjoyable.

Inspired by classic FROMSOFT games: The game successfully captures the essence of classic Armored Core and FromSoftware titles. Reviewers noted that it feels like a love letter to older FromSoftware games, blending elements from Armored Core, Dark Souls, and Nier.

Interesting and complex level design: The game features large, complex maps with interesting level design, encouraging exploration. The environments are described as futuristic industrial megastructures with branching paths and verticality.

Combines shooting with Soulslike elements: The game combines shooting mechanics with Soulslike elements, such as strategic attacks on enemy weak points and backstabs. This combination, along with the setting of a girl in ruins, creates a unique and immersive experience.

Clunky, unresponsive controls: The controls are frequently described as clunky, stiff, and awkward, drawing comparisons to older, less refined games. Specifically, mech movement feels slow and unresponsive, while camera controls and keybindings are inconvenient. This makes navigation and combat frustrating.

Lacks guidance and direction: Players report a lack of clear direction and guidance, often feeling lost or punished for not knowing the 'correct' path. The game fails to provide intuitive hints or instructions, leading to frustration and aimless exploration. Some players found scouting to be pointless.

Unpolished visuals and cheap feel: Multiple reviews mention the game feeling unpolished and incomplete. This is reflected in the low-quality textures, blurry graphics, and overall barebones environments. Many reviewers felt the game looked and played cheaply.

Frequent game crashes: Several players experienced frequent crashes, often during loading screens or character customization. The error messages suggest corrupted game files or other technical issues that prevent players from progressing. This point is very specific and actionable, but affects a smaller subset of players.

Unsatisfying melee combat: Melee combat is criticized for lacking feedback and feeling unsatisfying. Poor hit detection and the absence of a lock-on system make close-range attacks difficult and prone to missing, reducing the enjoyment of melee-focused builds.

Strategic combat, EN management: The game emphasizes strategic movement and resource management during combat. Players must carefully manage their EN gauge, use cover, and maintain optimal distances to succeed. Overheating and limited mobility are common challenges.

Manual aiming, no lock-on: The game lacks a lock-on feature, requiring players to manually aim and track enemies. The controls have an Armored Core feel but aren't overly difficult.

Limited melee weapon viability: Melee weapons serve as a backup option but have extremely short range and slow reload times. They are most effective at near point-blank range and do not consume ammo.

Varied weapon types, experimentation: The game features a variety of weapons, including thermal and ballistic options, each offering a slightly different gameplay feel. Experimentation is encouraged to find the most effective configurations.

Aerial attack animation cancels: Performing aerial surprise attacks can be risky, as landing during the attack animation cancels the attack. This can leave the player vulnerable.

Severe micro-stuttering issues: Players are experiencing significant micro-stuttering issues, even on high-end hardware configurations. This impacts gameplay smoothness and overall enjoyment, suggesting optimization problems.

Frame rate capped at 120: The game's frame rate is capped at 120 FPS. While this may not be an issue for all players, it could be a limitation for those with high refresh rate monitors who expect higher frame rates.

Worth it, given the price: The game's low price is a major factor in its recommendation, with many reviewers finding it acceptable or even worth the cost despite its flaws. However, some reviewers suggest waiting for a sale, indicating mixed feelings about the value proposition at full price.

Appeals to niche audiences: The game is particularly appealing to fans of specific subgenres, including mecha musume, anime mecha girls, and those seeking an Armored Core-like experience with character customization. It also seems to be a worthy addition to mech/souls-like collections.

Waiting for fixes/guides: Some reviewers are holding off on further gameplay due to technical issues like crashing, and are awaiting updates or strategy guides. This indicates that the initial experience may be unstable or require additional resources to fully enjoy.

Mediocre blend of influences: The game attempts to blend elements from both Armored Core and FromSoftware titles but falls short due to the developer's limited resources. This results in a mediocre experience that doesn't fully capture the essence of either franchise.

Nitroplus shows action potential: Nitroplus, traditionally known for adventure games, is showing promise in the action game genre with this title. This suggests a potential shift in the developer's focus and capabilities.

Juxtaposition of cute and dark: The game features a juxtaposition of cute, moe-style female characters in a dark, decaying world, piloting weaponized dolls/robots. This contrast is central to the game's aesthetic and narrative, creating a unique and potentially unsettling experience for players.

Developed by Nitroplus (VN studio): The game is developed by Nitroplus, a company primarily known for its visual novels. This point highlights the studio's departure from their established genre and may attract players familiar with their previous works, while also setting expectations for narrative depth.

Fragmented story via exploration: The game's narrative unfolds through fragmented pieces of information found throughout the game world and through standard story progression. This encourages exploration and piecing together the story.

Unlockable character customization: Character customization options are unlocked through in-game collection or purchases from NPCs. This provides an incentive for exploration and interaction with the game world.

Well-executed opening atmosphere: The game establishes a strong initial atmosphere through contrasting elements: gentle narration alongside ominous themes. This creates intrigue and sets the stage for the game's narrative and world.