Pocket monsters are great, but they're overrated. If Palworld left you cold, and you have lasting memories of Fae Farm, we might have something to keep you busy for a few hours with Mudborne. The frog management and breeding simulator (yes, you read that right) developed by ellraiser and TNgineers, is about to arrive on Steam on March 20, 2025. A refreshing alternative for those who love cozy games and endless collectibles. Right on time for Frog Day, the indie title had us croaking with delight.
An eco(ma)gic fable
In Mudborne, you don't play as a frog farmer, but as one of them. Awakening from a long hibernation, you discover to your horror that your favorite pond has been abandoned. Your mission: rediscover and breed different species of frogs to restore the lost ecosystem. You'll have to explore the waking and dream worlds, solve puzzles, and figure out what happened to your home.
Where Pokémon focuses on battling and training, Mudborne prioritizes genetic experimentation and breeding. The game lets you genetically modify your frogs to create “weird and wonderful species.” A system reminiscent of animal crossbreeding in some simulation games, but taken to the next level with a very satisfying scientific dimension. Rather than trying to catch them all, you have to rely on your logic, in a more creative and experimental philosophy.
A delightfully retro aesthetic
Visually, Mudborne adopts a polished pixel art style that evokes the nostalgia of 90s RPGs. From the swampy environments to the bouncing creatures that inhabit them, the attention to detail is commendable.
Gameplay-wise, Mudborne skillfully mixes crafting mini-games to create tools and arrange your habitat, management to organize your resources and plan your breeding, farming to unlock new frog mutations, and puzzle-solving that will influence the evolution of your ecosystem. The day/night cycle ensures you never get bored, unlocking different resources and behaviors from your tenants over the hours.
Chill and contemplative
Far from the frantic race to complete your collection, Mudborne is a contemplative stroll in pixel land. The perfect game to relax after a stressful day. We also appreciate the accuracy of the scientific information on amphibians provided throughout the game, nostalgically recalling the excellent Dave the Diver and his underwater world. The icing on the cake is that the game also offers a great ethical initiative: a portion of the revenue generated by sales will be donated to charities dedicated to amphibians and the protection of wetlands.
Price and availability
If you're ready to trade in your Pokéballs for frogs with little hats, head to Steam to discover Mudborne and unlock a new gaming obsession. Expect to pay less than ten euros to get the game.
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