Item: To the Dragon Cave
Rating: 82
Author: Dinsun

Our Site Score

82/100

To The Dragon Cave is a fascinating entry in the niche but vital genre of audio-only games. Playing as a hero escaping a dragon's tower in the land of Laudonia, you're immediately struck by the high quality of the professional voice acting and the atmospheric soundscapes. Since the game is designed to be playable without sight, it relies entirely on binaural audio and intuitive touch gestures to navigate its nine distinct fantasy settings, ranging from the Crystal Palace to the City of the Dead.

The combat feels surprisingly visceral for an audio shooter. Hearing a zombie tree or a bloodthirsty sheep approach from your left and timing your strike perfectly is incredibly satisfying. While the main story can be completed in a relatively short sitting, the inclusion of three difficulty modes and an 'Endless Battle' mode provides much-needed replayability. It’s a masterclass in accessible design that doesn't compromise on the intensity of a first-person shooter experience.

Reviewed on: Mon May 16 2022

Dinsun Review

Now this is something I can actually respect. It’s not trying to be another flashy, ad-choked time sink. By stripping away the visuals, it forces the player to actually focus—a concept lost on most modern developers. The sound design is impressive; you really have to use your ears to track enemies and navigate the world. It reminds me of the old radio dramas, but with the added tension of knowing your reflexes matter.

Is it perfect? No. The combat can feel a bit repetitive once you learn the audio patterns, and the narrative is standard fantasy fare that doesn't break any new ground. But in a marketplace filled with clones, this is a legitimate piece of craft. It’s a niche product, sure, but it does exactly what it sets out to do without insulting the player's wallet or brain.

Overall Stats

Pros & Cons

Exceptional audio design
Full accessibility for visually impaired
Unique gameplay hook

Narrow appeal for sighted gamers
Simple story
Learning curve for audio-only navigation

Technical Report

Performance: Optimized for audio; requires good headphones for the best experience.

Accessibility:

VoiceOver Support
Full Audio Navigation
Haptic Feedback

Audience Fit

Buy if: You want a unique sensory experience or are looking for high-quality accessible gaming.

Skip if: You can't play a game without colorful explosions and constant visual stimulation.

Similar Games:

A Blind Legend
The Nightjar

Reviewer Context

Reviewer: Dinsun, 40-year-old conservative gamer
Hardware: iPhone 15 with Sony WH-1000XM5
Playtime: 5 hours
Status: Finished Story

The Game

Available on: iPhone, iPod

1597579625

$5.99 13+★3.9 9 reviews

Author : Kikiriki Games s.r.o.

Pubish Date : Tue Apr 26 2022

Last Update Date : Thu Dec 29 2022

Support Languages : English, Czech, German, Polish

Genres :

Version 1.4Thu Dec 29 2022

Added Polish localization.
* This is audio game, headphones required *
Liberate yourself from the throes of a powerful dragon, escape from a stone tower and wander hither and thither in the far-away land of Laudonia.
Not for a single moment will you be safe, that's for sure. Hordes of enemies lie in waiting at each step of your dangerous wanderings. Bloodthirsty sheep, giant spiders, skeletons, zombie trees and lots of other dark creatures strive to seize your soul.
You, however, are endowed with a mission that drives you forward. Therefore, you shall never give up.
You won't want to miss:
- classical FPS game genre - first person shooter spiced with hyperbole and phantasy story
- 9 different settings - you will visit a Crystal Palace, stride through the Land of Eternal Snow, sail across an Endless Lake not to avoid the City of the Dead
- 11 types of enemies, not to mention 5 ruthless bosses
- perfecting your weapons - because who would fence with a common sword when you can wield its diamond super-brother?
- the story dialogues dubbed by professional actors
- a bonus in the form of an Endless Battle - once you have survived your passing through Laudonia, you are ready to take part in this challenge
- 4 different endings of the game - it is only you who is to decide the fate of the game heroes
- connection with the Game Centre - because you want to show to others how good you are
Requires iOS 11.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Audio shooter spiced with hyperbole and fantasy story
* This is audio game, headphones required *
Liberate yourself from the throes of a powerful dragon, escape from a stone tower and wander hither and thither in the far-away land of Laudonia.
Not for a single moment will you be safe, that's for sure. Hordes of enemies lie in waiting at each step of your dangerous wanderings. Bloodthirsty sheep, giant spiders, skeletons, zombie trees and lots of other dark creatures strive to seize your soul.
You, however, are endowed with a mission that drives you forward. Therefore, you shall never give up.
You won't want to miss:
- classical FPS game genre - first person shooter spiced with hyperbole and phantasy story
- 9 different settings - you will visit a Crystal Palace, stride through the Land of Eternal Snow, sail across an Endless Lake not to avoid the City of the Dead
- 11 types of enemies, not to mention 5 ruthless bosses
- perfecting your weapons - because who would fence with a common sword when you can wield its diamond super-brother?
- the story dialogues dubbed by professional actors
- a bonus in the form of an Endless Battle - once you have survived your passing through Laudonia, you are ready to take part in this challenge
- 4 different endings of the game - it is only you who is to decide the fate of the game heroes
- connection with the Game Centre - because you want to show to others how good you are

Ratings & Reviews

3.9 out of 5 with 9 Counts

★★★★★

Age Rating 13+

To the Dragon Cave is an innovative audio-only action game that takes players on a journey through the land of Laudonia. Designed with full accessibility in mind, it features a professional voice-acted story where you must escape a dragon's tower and traverse 9 unique environments. Using binaural audio, players track and defeat 11 types of enemies in a classical FPS style reimagined for the ears. The game offers four different endings based on your choices and includes an Endless Battle mode for those seeking a competitive challenge.

Features

Full audio gameplay (headphones required)

9 diverse fantasy settings

Professional voice acting and dialogues

3 difficulty modes and 4 different endings

Endless Battle challenge mode

Tips

Mastering Audio Navigation

Listen carefully to the directional cues to locate enemies. Swipe gestures are used for dodging projectiles and attacking; use the training room to perfect your timing.