For anyone who's reached adulthood, few game genres are as comforting as metroidvania. There's something about the combo of action and platforming that just takes you back when done correctly, and Dandara [$14.99] surely does that. While it wears its classic influences very much on its sleeve, this game builds on them with a unique system of movement and a gorgeous environment that beckons you to explore. Even though Dandara launched on multiple platforms, it feels right at home on touchscreens, so much so that you can't help but wonder if this is how it's truly meant to be played.
I'll be the first to admit that I wasn't quite hip to the way that Dandara presents its story. Maybe I just need things laid out for me a little more explicitly. All you really need to know is that the world you're diving into is called Salt, and the titular heroine is needed to save it from the forces of evil. You embark on your quest with modest capabilities, as one does, which is alright in this case because getting around is more than half the fun when the game begins.
That's because movement is its own complete riddle to solve for newbies. By tapping and holding on the right side of the screen, you extend a line out from Dandara that points to where she'll land when you let go. Only some parts of every platform, typically lined in white, can be landed on, and then you've got to point and release to get to where you want to go next. Making things even more interesting is the fact that gravi...