Escape From Duckov: Quack Your Way to Victory

A top-down shooter that’s more than just ducking and diving

Launch Day Larry

In the world of gaming, where every pixelated duck seems to have a vendetta, “Escape From Duckov” emerges as a delightful surprise. This top-down shooter combines the thrill of tactical gameplay with the charm of a cartoonish art style, making it a must-try for fans of the genre. But does it truly soar, or does it just waddle along? Let’s dive in.

Gameplay: A Quack-tastic Adventure

“Escape From Duckov” offers a gameplay experience that is both engaging and addictive, with a core loop that keeps players coming back for more. The controls are smooth and dynamic, though some players might find the WASD steering a bit clunky, akin to trying to drive a shopping cart with a mind of its own. The game runs impressively well on the Steam Deck, maintaining a respectable frame rate, though it could use some UI scaling for those of us who don’t have eagle eyes.

Customization is a key feature, allowing players to adjust key binds and even indulge in some humorous character customization. Who knew choosing the right beak size could be so entertaining? The gunplay is a standout, with immersive sound design and a variety of weapons that encourage exploration and replayability. The maps are engaging, offering a balanced difficulty that keeps the gameplay intense yet fair.

While the game is simple to understand, making it perfect for short gaming sessions, there’s a noticeable absence of cooperative multiplayer options. A little ducky teamwork could go a long way. Plus, the lack of controller support might ruffle a few feathers, but here’s hoping for future updates.

Graphics: A Feather in Its Cap

Visually, “Escape From Duckov” is a treat. The graphics are polished and high-quality, with a beautiful low-poly style that is both aesthetically pleasing and effective. It’s like a Monet painting, if Monet had a penchant for cute ducks and explosive gunfights. The game runs smoothly across various systems, including the Steam Deck and MacBook with an M1 Pro chip, ensuring that players can enjoy the visuals without significant performance issues.

The graphics are cozy for a shooter game, with charming elements like “cute ducks” adding to its unique appeal. Even on high-resolution monitors, the game avoids causing motion sickness, which is a blessing for those of us who prefer our gaming sessions without the need for a barf bag. However, the interface could use some improvements, especially on the Steam Deck, where font size and navigation can be a bit of a quagmire.

Story: A Duck Tale

The story in “Escape From Duckov” might not be the main attraction, but it provides a decent backdrop for the gameplay. Set in a world with a cozy atmosphere, the narrative unfolds through a familiar questing system reminiscent of games like “Tarkov.” While it may not be the most original tale, it complements the crafting and questing elements, creating an inviting environment.

Character customization adds a humorous touch, allowing players to express themselves in quirky ways. The story progression is fun, with a constant sense of advancement that keeps players motivated. While it may not be the standout feature, the story integrates well into the overall experience, making it a charming addition to the game’s engaging mechanics and presentation.

Final Verdict

“Escape From Duckov” is a delightful blend of engaging gameplay, charming graphics, and a serviceable story. While it has its quirks, like the lack of controller support and cooperative multiplayer, it offers a solid and fun experience, particularly for fans of top-down and extraction shooters. With its addictive gameplay loop and visually appealing style, it’s a game that quacks all the right boxes.

Score: 8.0/10