The retro-style platform game “Donut Dodo” is confirmed to be released on Nintendo 64 and has officially completed funding through Kickstarter. This project provides a variety of support plans, starting from 10 euros for the digital version (approximately NT$350 / HKD 84 / MYR 52), to 60 euros for the physical cassette version (approximately NT$ 2,100 / HKD 504 / MYR 312).
Developer Sebastian Kostka revealed as early as the beginning of this year that this N64 version is not simply a port, but will add a number of additional content as the main selling point of this version.
New modes and features added to N64 version
According to current public information, the N64 version of “Donut Dodo” will add a new Marathon Mode “Endless Delights” to provide ongoing game challenges. At the same time, an offline achievement system and a perfect pass reward mechanism will be added, allowing players to track game progress even when they are not connected.
In addition, the game’s attract / demo mode will also be enhanced, including new music content, and the screen performance will be re-adjusted for CRT monitors to support different formats such as NTSC, PAL and PAL60. The overall operation will also be readjusted to make the game more suitable for using the console handle and the living room playing environment.
In terms of data storage, the N64 version will save progress through the cassette’s built-in EEPROM without using a battery, and it also supports N64 Rumble Pak.
Old games are remade with new engines, and porting strategies are adjusted simultaneously.
The developer stated that “Donut Dodo” was originally developed using the Godot engine, but during the production process of the sequel “Donut Dodo Fantastico”, it was changed to a self-made engine to more flexibly support different platforms, including modern consoles and retro hardware.
In this N64 and Dreamcast porting project, the development team also disassembled the original work and reconstructed the content, while making adjustments to details, including game balance, sound effects resampling and character image correction. However, the overall changes are still within the scope that does not affect the original game experience.
The N64 version is complete, the Dreamcast version is still in progress
According to the developer, the N64 version of “Donut Dodo” is currently completed, and the next focus will turn to the development of the Sega Dreamcast version.
As for the launch time, the official has not yet given a clear date, only saying that it will be launched “in the near future”. The digital version is expected to be released through itch.io, while the physical cartridges will be sold by the developers themselves.
Due to the high cost of N64 cartridge production, this Kickstarter fundraising was also used to assess market demand and determine the final production quantity of the physical version.
It has been launched on multiple platforms and continues to expand the retro market.
Currently, “Donut Dodo” has been launched on multiple platforms including PC (Steam, GOG), iiRcade, Atari VCS, Nintendo Switch, Evercade, and exA-Arcadia arcade (special version of “Donut Dodo Do”).