D.I.P., or Dormouse Is Painting, stands out as an action, indie, and casual local multiplayer party game built for PC. Players take control of small dormice with artistic ambitions and compete in shared-screen sessions that emphasize speed, disruption, and colorful competition among two to four participants.
Gameplay
The central loop revolves around rushing to paint buckets, dipping the dormouse body into color, then swinging via ceiling hooks to spread paint across walls and surfaces. Each character carries a distinct personality trait such as clumsy, tough, clever, or sneaky, which influences movement and strategy during matches. Power-ups appear to alter the flow, allowing one player to erase rival progress or trigger environmental changes that shift the arena mid-round. The shared screen keeps all participants in constant view, turning every session into a scramble where timing and positioning determine the winner.
Matches reward quick coverage while punishing hesitation, as rivals can directly interfere with painted areas. Color palettes chosen at the start add visual variety without altering core rules. The emphasis stays on physical presence and immediate reactions rather than long-term planning.
Game Modes
Several twists modify standard play. Noir movie mode introduces a darker visual style that affects visibility and atmosphere. Frantic night mode accelerates the pace with reduced lighting and heightened urgency. Pixel shortages create scarcity by limiting available color resources, forcing players to conserve or compete more aggressively for remaining paint. Additional surprises appear during rounds to keep outcomes unpredictable across repeated sessions.
These variations maintain the same core painting and sabotage mechanics while changing the sensory and strategic demands. Local play supports up to four participants on one display, with options for remote play together extending access beyond physical proximity.
Core Mechanics and Features
Hook-based movement combines with body-smearing actions to create fluid traversal across vertical surfaces. Power-ups range from direct sabotage tools to arena-altering effects that can erase sections or introduce new obstacles. Character selection offers four personality types that subtly shift handling and approach without requiring complex skill trees. The game focuses entirely on short, repeatable rounds suited to group settings rather than extended campaigns or progression systems.
Is It Worth Playing?
D.I.P. targets groups that enjoy chaotic local party experiences where quick thinking and friendly rivalry drive the fun. Its mechanics reward repeated play with friends through simple controls and escalating disruptions. With a planned release in 2027 and no reviews available yet, the title appeals most to those seeking lighthearted, screen-shared competition over solo depth or online matchmaking. The combination of painting speed, sabotage, and mode variations provides a focused party format that stands ready for couch gatherings once available.
