Dinkum: Bureaucracy in the Bush
When your biggest enemy is paperwork, not wildlife
Launch Day Larry
Welcome to the wild world of “Dinkum,” where the Australian outback meets the red tape of city life. This life simulation game invites you to escape the dreary confines of “South City” and start anew on a desolate island. But don’t pack your bags just yet—there’s a lot to unpack here, from charming graphics to a storyline that might make you feel like you’re back in line at the DMV.
Gameplay: A Mix of Fun and Frustration
“Dinkum” offers a gameplay experience that feels like a delightful mashup of “Minecraft” and “Animal Crossing,” with a sprinkle of “Stardew Valley” for good measure. The controls are intuitive, making walking and vehicle navigation a breeze. However, the inability to remap controls and the absence of a run button might have you feeling like you’re stuck in first gear. The game’s unique mechanics, like licenses and Franklyn’s shop, add depth, but the combat system is as basic as a kangaroo’s diet—functional but not exactly thrilling.
Customization is a highlight, allowing you to rearrange the environment and don different outfits. Yet, placing pre-built structures can feel like a game of blindfolded Tetris, leading to some awkward layouts. Quests and challenges keep the game from becoming monotonous, though the dialogue system could use a bit of streamlining. Meanwhile, the multiplayer mode is still in its infancy, with visitors unable to perform tasks or develop their characters, which might leave your friends feeling more like tourists than fellow settlers.
Graphics: A Visual Treat with a Side of Stutter
Visually, “Dinkum” is a treat, especially on high settings where the game’s stunning graphics truly shine. The art style is charming, with attention to detail in animations and environmental effects like weather and day-night cycles. However, the graphics are rated as “Moderately Appealing,” which is a bit like calling a kangaroo “moderately bouncy.” While the visuals are attractive, they’re not groundbreaking, and technical issues like high CPU usage and FPS drops during rain can dampen the experience.
The game runs smoothly on a range of devices, from the Steam Deck to the Aya Neo Pro 2021, but some players report stuttering and unplayable performance on less powerful systems. Given the constraints of a small development team, the graphics are impressive, but there’s room for improvement to fully realize the game’s visual potential.
Story: A Bureaucratic Adventure in the Outback
“Dinkum” sets the stage with an intriguing premise: escape the dystopian “South City” and build a new life on a desolate island. The Australian-inspired setting adds charm, but the narrative quickly devolves into a bureaucratic nightmare. Permits are required for nearly every action, making the game feel more like a simulation of paperwork than an adventure. The survival mechanics are similarly criticized, with the greatest challenge being the management of permits and stamina rather than the wilderness itself.
Character interactions are cute but lack depth, with repetitive dialogue that makes it difficult to form meaningful connections. The humor is hit-or-miss, with some jokes falling flat or feeling out of place. Despite these shortcomings, the game’s cozy atmosphere and unique setting offer a moderately interesting storyline with potential, though it struggles with repetitive tasks and a lack of narrative depth.
Final Verdict
“Dinkum” is a promising title that offers a fresh yet familiar experience for fans of the genre. Its well-thought-out systems for leveling skills, selling goods, and crafting are strong enough to outweigh its flaws. However, the game is still in early access, and there’s plenty of room for improvement, particularly in the areas of control customization, multiplayer functionality, and narrative depth. If you’re looking for a life simulation game with a unique twist, “Dinkum” is worth a try—just be prepared to navigate a bit of red tape along the way.
Score: 7.5/10