Summary
- Release Year: 1995
- Genres: Adventure, Fighting, Hack and slash/Beat ’em up
- Platforms: Amiga
- Publishers: Mirage Media
Doman (1995): A Hidden Gem of Polish Beat-Em-Ups
Released in 1995, Doman is a Polish beat-em-up game that flew under the radar of many gamers, but it’s a title that deserves to be rediscovered. Developed by Metropolis Software and published by Polskie Wydawnictwo Encyklopedyczne, Doman is a side-scrolling beat-em-up with unique gameplay mechanics and a distinct visual style.
Gameplay
At its core, Doman is a classic side-scrolling beat-em-up. Players control one of three characters – Doman, a barbarian; Valeria, a sorceress; or Thorgrim, a dwarf – and must fight their way through hordes of enemies to rescue the kidnapped Princess Zelda (no, not that Princess Zelda).
What sets Doman apart from other beat-em-ups is its focus on environmental interaction. Players can use objects in the environment to their advantage, such as throwing barrels at enemies or using levers to crush them. There are also a variety of traps and hazards that players must avoid, adding an extra layer of challenge to the gameplay.
In addition to the standard punching and kicking moves, each character in Doman has a unique set of special abilities. Doman can use his barbarian rage to increase his strength and attack power, Valeria can cast spells to attack enemies from afar, and Thorgrim can use his dwarven axe to break through enemy defenses.
Graphics and Sound
Doman’s graphics are impressive for a game of its time. The pixel art is detailed and vibrant, and the animations are smooth and fluid. The game’s soundtrack is also well-composed, with a mix of heavy metal and traditional Polish folk music.
Story
The story of Doman is fairly straightforward. The evil sorcerer Zarthrax has kidnapped Princess Zelda, and it’s up to Doman, Valeria, and Thorgrim to rescue her. Along the way, they must battle through hordes of Zarthrax’s minions, including goblins, skeletons, and even dragons.
Reception
Upon its release, Doman received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the game’s unique gameplay mechanics and impressive graphics, while others criticized its repetitive gameplay and lack of innovation. However, over the years, Doman has gained a cult following among retro gaming enthusiasts, who appreciate its unique blend of action and strategy.
Legacy
Doman is a significant game in the history of Polish video games. It was one of the first Polish games to be released on a major gaming platform (the Amiga), and it helped to put Polish game developers on the map. Doman also inspired a number of other Polish beat-em-ups, such as The Curse of the Azure Bonds and Blade of Darkness.
Today, Doman is still enjoyed by retro gaming enthusiasts, and it remains a hidden gem of the beat-em-up genre. If you’re looking for a challenging and unique beat-em-up to play, then Doman is definitely worth checking out.
Tips for Playing Doman
- Use the environment to your advantage. Throw barrels at enemies, use levers to crush them, and avoid traps and hazards.
- Each character has a unique set of special abilities. Use them wisely to take down enemies and overcome obstacles.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment. There are many different ways to play Doman, so find a style that suits you.
- If you’re stuck, don’t be afraid to look up a walkthrough. There are many resources available online that can help you get through the game.
Conclusion
Doman is a hidden gem of Polish beat-em-ups. With its unique gameplay mechanics, impressive graphics, and memorable soundtrack, Doman is a game that deserves to be rediscovered by retro gaming enthusiasts. So if you’re looking for a challenging and unique beat-em-up to play, then Doman is definitely worth checking out.
Review Score
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Art
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