Geoff Keighley describedDokeVas a game where players get to collect creatures, but that doesn’t nearly sum up the experience that this South Korean game looks to offer. Not only does it borrow elements fromPokemon, but perhaps other corners of the industry like theXbox exclusiveSunset Overdrivewith all of its brightly-colored mobility andKingdom Heartswith its fantastical creatures and supernatural elements with a hint of k-pop thanks to the production group Galactika.
It’s worth mentioning that not much is yet known aboutDokeV. Pearl Abyss has little to say aboutDokeVother than players can collect “adorable and whimsical Dokebi,” the quirky creatures walking about the world, brandishing the ability to “gain strength from people’s dreams.” And since releasing the showcase for Gamescom, the developers have clarified thatDokeVis no longer being developed as an MMORPG, but rather an open-world adventure game with online co-op integration. Otherwise, Pearl Abyss says players will need to “get ready for an exciting adventure,” but what that adventure will be is a big mystery, despite all of the gameplayDokeV’s Gamescom 2021 trailerhad to show off.
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DokeV’s Illuminating Gameplay
To start off, it looks like players will be free to customize their own character in the open-worldDokeV. These adorable but child-like humans populate the world players will get to explore. And much likeGrand Theft Auto, it seems as this open-world game allows players to interact with one another freely and limitlessly.
And to throw in a little bit of k-pop intoDokeVbeyond the song used in the Gamescom 2021 trailer, “Rockstar,” a character is shown drawing a symbol in front of them and transforming into a shimmering gold costume, complete with some dance moves. In another shot, the player’s avatar transforms into futuristic gear almost anime-style, but now without an iconic k-pop dance pose. These choreographed costume changes seem to be how players get into battle mode.
Some gamers have comparedDokeV’s combat toMonster Hunter’s, another co-op online title, but fighting alongside creatures that players have captured along the way. The trailer didn’t actually showcase any creature-collecting, however, so that is yet to be seen. As for the combat, weaponry so far ranges from melee items like hammers and bouncing balls, whereas long-ranged combat includes the use of water guns and even a magic hat.
In addition to the fighting and flying,DokeVallows players to take part in much more quaint activities as well, such as fishing and kite-flying. And crossing betweenGrand Theft AutoandSplatoon, it looks like exploration is a big draw ofDokeV. Players can traverse the stunning scenery by way of umbrellas, jet skis, cars, and skateboards so far. There’s also some kind of spectral grappling hook, allowing players to swing from one location to the next fifty feet in the air.
What makes this all possible is the whole world ofDokeVis a dream world, which explains how psychedelic the trailer gets as time passes. One moment, the player character is floating to town with an umbrella, and the next, they’re smashing a robot with a glitching rainbow hammer. Toward the end of the trailer, one character is shown getting sucked into a tiny dollhouse, presumably intoDokeV’s world, implying that it’s some sort of alternate reality.
WhileDokeVwas originally being developed as an MMORPG and players were excited to see something unique, such as therecently announcedPalia, which focuses on the relaxing side of gaming, fans were a bit disappointed to hear that it’s now an open-world adventure game. However, Pearl Abyss has confirmed that online gameplay will still be included, with players able to complete quests in either single-player or co-op, similar toGenshin Impact’s structure. And PvP will still somehow make its way toDokeV, though Pearl Abyss hopes to include friendlier competitions for less toxicity. And even so,DokeVis still a unique addition to the market of online gaming.
So far, there’s currently no release date or window forDokeV, but the developer says it’ll “share more news” when it’s able to.
