El Dorado

Foreword

I suppose this does feel a bit out of the blue considering my Let's Play for this game is almost two years old at the time of writing, but I've actually held onto my notes from back then. So I figured, I'd finally turn those notes into an actual review.

Intro

"El Dorado" is a logic puzzle game developed by real_Troll using RPG Maker 2000 as part of a contest. A contest whose golden rule was don't make it hard, make it even harder.


Maximum hardness!

And I'd say real_Troll succeeded on that front since this game is so relentlessly difficult it reminds me of "Pryzm Chapter One: The Dark Unicorn".
This is because both games look cute and innocent at first, but I can assure you that your going to die. Your going to die a whole lot. So much so that you'll probably rage quit at some point if your an ordinary gamer. And even if you are a masochist that loves to suffer through difficult challenges. This one might just break you.

Story

On the story side of things the game is pretty simple with you playing as Hernando, a greedy explorer whose obsessed with collecting gold. A rather unlucky explorer as well since his ship sinks and he almost gets eaten by a shark upon arriving at his destination. Though, I suppose that scene does help establish the comedic tone this game is trying to go for as well as sets the stage for Hernando's numerous upcoming deaths at the hands of local wildlife.

Outside of the basic setup this game really doesn't have anything else going for it story wise, but a puzzle game like this really doesn't need a particularly deep story. It's just nice to have an opening that helps set the tone for this game.

Gameplay

At it's core "El Dorado" is a logic puzzle game where you need to figure out the correct sequence of events in order to clear the game's various levels. A task that will prove highly difficult since it isn't always clear what objects are safe to interact with. For example you might walk up to a tree in one stage and grab some vines while in another level if you attempt that it will bring down a massive python that will eat you whole.

Basically the only way to beat this game is through sheer trial and error or by turning to a walkthrough/Let's Play of this game in order to be shown what the proper sequence is. Though, I suppose looking up the solution takes most of the fun out of a game like this. On the other hand, it might be the only way to save your keyboard from being smashed into a million pieces as well.

Graphics

Mapping wise "El Dorado" feels a bit sloppy at times with certain stages feeling overcrowded. Admittedly this issue only effects a few stages and is pretty easy to overlook since the game's animation work is amazing. A lot of effort went into animating various ways Hernando can die in this game

Music and Sound Effects

On the music side the game is alright, but the over the top sound effects for Hernando really help sell what kind of character he really is. A greedy and sinister man that desires all of the gold bullion he can stuff in his pants.

Conclusion

In terms of presentation "El Dorado" is easily amongst the best RPG Maker 2000 games I've ever played. On the other hand, this game is so difficult that most people will either give up in frustration when they've died for the 81st time or simply get so sick of seeing the same death animations over and over and over again that they'll need to take the occasional break from this one. Though that is made more difficult with the game only allowing you to save your progress every three levels. As such, I'd only recommend this game for gaming masochists that love puzzles. Otherwise, I'd suggest giving this one a wide berth.