Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Doctor What! offers a fresh take on time-travel platforming by letting players control four distinct Time Lords—Dr What, Dr Where, Dr When, and Dr Why—each operating in a separate era. The core loop involves jumping across floating platforms, collecting key items, and using those items to solve puzzles that span multiple timelines. Switching between doctors feels organic: you might need to retrieve a device in the Victorian age as Dr Where and then send it forward to Dr Why in the far future to unlock a sealed doorway.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

The puzzle mechanics are satisfyingly intertwined with the platforming elements. Some sections require precise timing and reflexes—dodging mechanical traps or leaping between moving gears—while others lean into exploration, demanding you scour every corner for hidden contraptions. The game gradually introduces new items, from steam-powered cogs to futuristic energy cores, ensuring that each time zone feels unique in its challenges.

One of the most compelling aspects is the cooperative history-altering system. Actions you take in an earlier era ripple forward; repairing a broken bridge as Dr When might collapse a dam centuries later, opening a new passage for Dr What. This time-manipulation synergy adds depth beyond standard platformers, encouraging replay as you experiment with different sequences and see how each doctor’s choices shape the world.

Graphics

Visually, Doctor What! strikes a pleasing balance between retro charm and modern polish. The character sprites have a crispness reminiscent of classic 16-bit platformers, while backgrounds employ layered parallax scrolling to convey depth in each time zone. From the smoky chimneys of a steampunk Victorian city to the neon-lit corridors of a futuristic metropolis, every environment feels meticulously crafted.

The color palettes shift dramatically between eras, reinforcing the identity of each doctor’s timeline. Dr Where’s era is drenched in sepia tones and brass accents, while Dr Why’s future world gleams with cool blues and vibrant pinks. Subtle details—like steam hissing from pipes or holographic ads flickering in the distance—breathe life into these stages, making exploration a visual treat.

Animations are smooth, with each doctor sporting distinct idle poses and movement flourishes. When you successfully connect time-lines—such as sending a retrieved gear forward—the game rewards you with an eye-catching transition effect that blends both eras. These touches might seem small, but they elevate the overall sense of temporal interconnection and keep the visual experience engaging throughout.

Story

Although Doctor What! isn’t officially tied to the BBC’s Doctor Who, it confidently carves out its own narrative identity. You follow the quartet of Time Lords as they uncover a temporal anomaly threatening the fabric of history. The storytelling unfolds organically through in-game events, brief text logs, and quirky character interactions rather than lengthy cutscenes, keeping the pacing tight and focused on gameplay.

Each doctor has a distinct personality hinted at in their dialogue: Dr What is curious and optimistic, Dr Where is methodical and cautious, Dr When is a tinker with a mischievous streak, and Dr Why is philosophical and introspective. These character touches give context to your actions, making puzzle solutions feel personally motivated rather than purely mechanical.

Side quests and secret areas further enrich the narrative. Discovering a lost journal page in Dr When’s era provides context for an invention used by Dr What centuries later, rewarding explorers with both lore and gameplay advantages. These narrative breadcrumbs create a satisfying sense of continuity, illustrating how the Time Lords’ collective efforts stave off a looming chronal collapse.

Overall Experience

Doctor What! succeeds in blending nostalgic platforming with an inventive time-manipulation twist. The synergy between the four playable Time Lords injects real strategic depth: you’re not just jumping and grabbing items, you’re weaving together cause-and-effect across centuries. This mechanic alone distinguishes the game from many of its contemporaries.

The learning curve is gentle but rewarding. Early levels serve as tutorials, gradually introducing you to basic jumps and item uses, while later stages demand careful planning and mastery of each doctor’s quirks. Whether you’re a veteran platformer fan or new to the genre, there’s enough challenge to keep you engaged without feeling overwhelming.

With its charming graphics, tightly interwoven puzzles, and playful homage to time-travel lore, Doctor What! is a standout indie release. It’s an ideal pick for players who enjoy methodical problem-solving, retro-inspired visuals, and a narrative that unfolds piece by piece across multiple timelines. If you’re looking for a platformer that rewards curiosity and strategic thinking, this Time Lord quartet is ready to whisk you through history’s twists and turns.

Retro Replay Score

null/10