THE SWORDS OF DITTO

A COMPACT ACTION RPG.

$25 | PC, PS4 | www.theswordsofditto.com This cheerful, cartoonish dungeon-crawler doesn’t want for ideas — even if most of them aren’t really its own. Developer Onebitbeyond hasn’t just picked its targets well, though, as Ditto emerges from its influences as very much its own game. Each randomly generated hero accepts their destiny with heartwarming enthusiasm. Fate has decreed that they must prepare for the imminent arrival of a malevolent sorceress, who at least has the good grace to give notice of her hostile takeover. Two artefacts, lying within nearby dungeons, can weaken her grip if destroyed; first, however, you’ll need to find two legendary toys — a remote-controlled drone, perhaps, or a laser-shooting eye-ring — to complete these labyrinths. That is, of course, assuming you’ve passed the entry restrictions, which demand you get your hands dirty. Every kill accrues points to level up your sword and increase your health bar, so roll-dodging attacks will only get you so far.

Though Ditto isn’t as ruthless as some of its peers, death still stings, especially since the delightfully hand-scribbled map that steadily fills out as you explore is wiped clean and rearranged for each new dungeoneer. Challenge is a welcome constant in an-ever changing world, which, with its fast-travel kazoos, vinyl frisbees and Viewtiful

Joe- style jumpsuits, has plenty of charming eccentricities. It’s not going to change your life, but for a dozen or so hours, this genial adventure might just make it a few shades brighter.