Dono's Tale

About Dono's Tale

Dono's Tale is a 2D platformer from Super Item Studios, released March 31 2026 on PC. It’s a colorful indie game inspired by 16 and 32-bit classics, following a blue dragon named Dono who’s hunting for stolen fruit. The game emphasizes tight platforming, with moves like jump dash climb and projectile fire. Worlds are vibrant and densely packed with collectibles and secrets. It’s designed for players who miss old school action but want modern polish. The story is lighthearted and straightforward, focusing on Dono’s journey through varied environments to reclaim his loot.

Gameplay

You control Dono, a nimble dragon with basic but responsive controls. Each level requires navigating floating platforms, avoiding hazards like lava and spikes, and battling enemies with fireballs. The dash mechanic is key, letting you reach tight spots or reset jumps midair. Climbing walls and chaining moves keep the pace dynamic. Boss fights test precision, often requiring timing or pattern recognition. Sessions are bite-sized, with levels averaging 10, 15 minutes. The game rewards exploration, hidden areas hold extra fruit and upgrades. While combat is simple, the challenge comes from mastering Dono’s movement to avoid death. No multiplayer, just a single player story-driven run.

What Players Think

PlayPile users rate it 8.7/10, with 84% completion and 78% price satisfaction. Average playtime is 6 hours, though 32% finish in under 4. Community moods are nostalgic (67%) and cheerful (59%). Reviews praise the “tight controls and retro charm” but note short content. One user wrote, “Feels like a lost SNES gem.” Achievement completion is 92% with 30 total. Critics highlight the “delightful art style” but warn it’s “not for those wanting a long story.” The game has a 91% critic score, though some call it “derivative.” Most agree it’s a quick, satisfying throwback.

PlayPile's Take

Dono’s Tale is a solid pick for fans of 90s platformers. At $24.99, it’s priced for casual buyers, though the 6-hour average might feel brief for some. The 30 achievements add replay value, but the core experience is best suited for nostalgia seekers. It’s not impressive but nails the tight controls and visual charm that define the genre. If you missed the days of pixel-perfect jumps and hidden collectibles, this game delivers that in a neat package. Pass on it if you want modern open worlds or deep combat systems. Otherwise, it’s a worthwhile detour.

Storyline

Our little blue hero is ready to set out on his very first adventure to get back his stolen fruit!