Dagada's Story

About Dagada's Story

Dagada's Story is a 2D puzzle-platformer set in a snowy mountain world filled with ancient ruins and a tribe of timid creatures called Daoudaounes. Developed by Maluska and released on December 31, 2026, it blends exploration, clever puzzles, and platforming challenges inspired by classic SNES games. The story follows Dagada, a character figuring out the mysteries of Dholgini Mountain while navigating caves, ruins, and harsh weather. With pixel art visuals reminiscent of Super Mario and Yoshi’s Island, the game emphasizes smooth animations and a tactile feel. Its interconnected world encourages backtracking, and the Daoudaounes add a whimsical touch to an otherwise eerie setting. Think of it as a cozy, brainy adventure with retro charm.

Gameplay

You’ll spend most sessions leaping between icy slopes, solving logic-based puzzles to unlock paths, and dodging environmental hazards like snowstorms. Movement is tight and responsive, with precise jumps and a grappling hook-like ability for scaling cliffs. Puzzles often involve manipulating ancient tech, like adjusting water levels or rerouting power, to progress. The Daoudaounes aren’t just background characters; you help them survive storms and find resources, which can earn rewards. Exploration is key: hidden areas and alternate routes are tucked behind optional challenges. The game’s difficulty scales gradually, balancing accessibility with satisfying challenges. Sessions rarely last less than 30 minutes, and the map’s interconnected design means you’re constantly discovering new paths.

What Players Think

With a 4.3/5 rating on PlayPile, 72% of players complete the main story in an average 14 hours. Community moods lean "Nostalgic" (68%) and "Curious" (52%), reflecting admiration for the retro aesthetics and layered worldbuilding. Critics praise the "polished, tactile feel of movement" (Polygon) and "clever, non-linear puzzles" (IGN). However, 23% of players note the story’s pacing as slow, and 15% find some puzzles too abstract. Achievements total 45, with 12 requiring exploration-only completion. At $19.99, it’s one of the most cost-effective puzzle-platformers in recent years.

PlayPile's Take

Dagada’s Story is a must-play for fans of retro-style platformers who enjoy methodical problem-solving over action. Its strengths are its tight controls, inventive puzzles, and atmospheric world. While the price is fair, the lack of multiplayer and a modest achievement count might deter completionists. If you missed the SNES era’s golden age of puzzle-platformers, this is a worthy homage.

Storyline

The story takes place in snowy mountains, where the ruins of an ancient civilization hide strange technologies. The few surviving creatures, known as Daoudaounes, are timid little creatures trying to withstand the harsh weather conditions. Dagada will get to know them while unraveling the mysteries surrounding the mountains, its ruins, and a terrible creature that terrorizes the poor Daoudaounes. Explore a vast interconnected world filled with puzzles and strange technologies. Dive deep into caves, ruins, and slopes of the Dholgini Mountain. Brave fierce storms, forge friendships with adorable Daoudaounes, and uncover the secrets of the world.