APICO

77%
Game Brain Score Based on 1,865 reviews
  • gameplay
  • music
  • graphics
APICO Game Cover
A wonderful, laid back beekeeping simulation that is perfect for players looking for a change of pace from the standard farm sim
Starting at $8.29Buy now
Get on Steam

APICO is a relaxing beekeeping simulation game that combines resource gathering, biology, and minigames. Players return to their family home to rediscover lost bee species, cross-breed new bees, and help repopulate the islands. The game features unique crafting, beekeeping mechanics, multiple biomes, and 4-player online co-op, allowing you to explore, collect, and learn about various bee species while living out your beekeeping fantasies.

  • Mac OS
  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Steam Deck
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Linux
  • Play​Station
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

77%
Audience ScoreBased on 1,865 reviews
gameplay104 positive mentions
grinding146 negative mentions
  • The game is charming and relaxing, with a delightful art style and soothing music.
  • It offers a unique gameplay loop focused on bee breeding and conservation, providing a satisfying sense of progression.
  • The developers are responsive to the community and actively work on updates and improvements.
  • The game can feel grindy and repetitive, especially in the late game when managing multiple hives.
  • There are some bugs and issues with multiplayer functionality that can detract from the experience.
  • The interface can be overwhelming with multiple menus, and some mechanics may not be clearly explained.
  • gameplay316 mentions

    The gameplay of *Apico* is characterized by its unique beekeeping and breeding mechanics, offering a blend of relaxation and complexity that appeals to fans of management sims. While the game features a charming aesthetic and a variety of tasks, some players find the mechanics can be clunky and the gameplay loop repetitive, with a notable lack of automation options. Overall, it provides a satisfying experience for those who enjoy exploration and experimentation, though it may require patience and a willingness to engage with its intricate systems.

    • “Nice music, nice graphics, great and unique gameplay mechanics, where you really have to think and experiment sometimes.”
    • “The gameplay loop is superb if you like management sims, there's always so much to do and upgrades to find.”
    • “Absolutely incredible game, so chill and nice but also decently challenging, especially if you're trying to manage a lot of hives at once (though there's no consequences to going as slow as you want, which is great!) and I love all the breeding mechanics, all the different bees, all the different plants, just, all of it.”
    • “This has been mentioned in other reviews, but it bears repeating: the bee-breeding gameplay loop is too tight for any sort of traditional 'cozy' experience.”
    • “The gameplay loop feels tight and may feel suffocating for some people (you process 3 frames, some back to refill them, and find 2 more have been finished being filled by the bees).”
    • “There's a significant lack of automation and somehow a lack of things to do at the same time; your gameplay loop is explore, breed bees or tend to their production and a lot of waiting for the bees to finish, for your auto stations to finish crafting, for the bees to finish breeding and you can't really skip the waiting.”
  • music192 mentions

    The music in the game is widely praised for its relaxing and atmospheric qualities, enhancing the overall gameplay experience. Many players appreciate the unique soundtracks that fit various biomes, although some express frustration with the music not playing continuously, leading to moments of silence. Overall, the charming and well-crafted music contributes significantly to the game's wholesome and calming vibe, making it a delightful backdrop for casual play.

    • “The music is perfectly themed for each biome/area, and the music-playing system is lovely.”
    • “The music and environments mesh perfectly into a soothing little world, I've been having a great time with it so far!”
    • “The soundtrack is soothing and really hits the right beat for a chill game with some great bee puns.”
    • “- music isn't played continuously, so the dead silence forces you to put a podcast on until, the second you do, they play a 90-second track that clashes with it so you mute the podcast to let it pass and then you trudge around in sullen silence for a few minutes more until you go to play your podcast again and then they give you another 90-second ambient track, don't they?”
    • “A small criticism (which, again, isn't much of a criticism) is that the music doesn't loop or play that often.”
    • “The art is novice and the music uninspired.”
  • graphics164 mentions

    The graphics of the game are widely praised for their charming and cute pixel art style, which many players find easy on the eyes and fitting for the game's relaxing theme. While some users noted that the simplicity of the graphics can lead to moments of boredom, the overall aesthetic, combined with delightful animations and a calming soundtrack, creates an engaging and visually appealing experience. However, a few critiques mention that the graphics could benefit from more detail and creativity, particularly in comparison to richer graphical games like Stardew Valley.

    • “The visuals are excellent, combining charming 8-bit style with some delightful illustrations.”
    • “Graphically, the game is incredibly easy on the eyes, with cutesy pixel art and bright colors across the board.”
    • “A beautifully relaxing game with adorable graphics and lovable characters!”
    • “This combined with the simple graphics means it does get a little boring to look at.”
    • “I think partially the fact that the graphics are the weakest thing in the game doesn't help, and there's not enough space to do more creative things a la Minecraft for the other direction graphically.”
    • “This art style is way over-pixelated, like playing on a color Casio watch.”
  • grinding148 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game is a mixed bag; while some players find the repetitive tasks and management loops tedious, others appreciate the relaxing and cozy nature of the gameplay. Many reviews highlight the lack of automation as a significant downside, making certain tasks feel overly grindy, especially in the later stages. Overall, the game appeals to fans of farming simulators who enjoy a slower pace, but it may not be suitable for those who dislike repetitive gameplay.

    • “The bee breeding mechanic is not too grindy, and I enjoyed customizing my bees a bit more with it.”
    • “I very much enjoy grindy games like farming simulators & crafting/survival types, but the tedious repetition of constantly replacing nearly every queen every single day just killed all of the fun I was having.”
    • “The process of maintaining apiaries is tedious and it quickly became exhausting.”
    • “The game is incredibly grindy and desperately needs some level of automation.”
  • story80 mentions

    The story in "Apico" is generally perceived as simple and charming, with players appreciating its lighthearted tone and the cute characters, though many feel it lacks depth and complexity. The narrative unfolds through quests and letters, but some reviewers express a desire for more environmental storytelling and character development. While the game offers a relaxing experience with engaging gameplay mechanics, it may not satisfy those seeking a more intricate plot or extensive NPC interactions.

    • “It has great little characters who all have their own personalities and stories, everyone has pronouns listed (yay!), and the story-lore itself is deep and I'm still learning.”
    • “The story itself isn't too complicated, but is definitely cute, and the characters of Apico (although a little one-dimensional due to limited dialogue opportunities) grow on you quickly.”
    • “My final issue lies with the storyline, which is outlined in vague terms that are told through the letters you receive after repopulating certain bees (mainly solitary bees).”
    • “I would have loved to see more cutscenes or environmental storytelling regarding the disaster, the faith for the hivemother, or the characters' personal ties to restoration.”
    • “If you are looking for a more story-led game, I would say this is not for you; the NPCs are mostly there just to buy and sell items you will need to progress and collect all the bee types.”
  • humor42 mentions

    The humor in the game is widely praised for its lightheartedness, clever puns, and charming interactions with NPCs, creating a fun and engaging atmosphere. Players appreciate the balance of humor throughout the gameplay, including unexpected funny achievements and fourth-wall breaks, which contribute to a delightful experience. Overall, the game's whimsical art and sound design complement its comedic elements, making it a highly recommended choice for those seeking a fun and cooperative gaming experience.

    • “Not to mention the puns, unexpectedly funny achievements, and general lighthearted humor put into all the interactions with NPCs.”
    • “The humor and breaking the fourth wall on occasion makes me laugh, and I cannot stop playing this game.”
    • “Beautiful art, fantastic sound effects, and just an absolute bundle of humor.”
    • “You're not funny!”
    • “And it's funny, and then it's not funny after a few more rakes, and then it's funny again after more rakes.”
  • stability32 mentions

    The game's stability is frequently criticized, particularly in multiplayer mode, where players report numerous bugs, glitches, and frustrating issues such as character loss, item duplication, and desynchronization. While some users find enjoyment in single-player and recommend playing with friends, the overall consensus is that the game is currently too buggy for a full recommendation, with many hoping for future updates to address these problems.

    • “10/10 - No glitches!”
    • “10/10 - No glitches!”
    • “But it's way too buggy and frustrating... not only did I lose my character out of nowhere and had to do all quests over and over again.”
    • “Cannot truly recommend this game at the time, coop is buggy as hell which ended up deleting everyone's characters and our save file.”
    • “A buggy mess with constant desyncs, crashes, and the joining person kept having their character reset to 0.”
  • atmosphere18 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its cute aesthetic and relaxing gameplay, enhanced by a well-crafted soundtrack that adds to the overall experience. Players appreciate the absence of time constraints, allowing for a calming environment where they can unwind and enjoy the game at their own pace. The combination of charming visuals and soothing music creates a hypnotically chill atmosphere, making it an ideal escape after a long day.

    • “Bonus points for the music also being great and helping create the sublime atmosphere in the game.”
    • “Amazing atmosphere, art direction, mechanics, and very forgiving gameplay (but you could go hardcore if you want to!).”
    • “There's also no energy system and you don't need to sleep at night, which creates a really calming atmosphere - you can chill with your bee friends and do things at your own pace.”
    • “The general gameplay is so relaxed, you're not put on a time crunch or given any time expectations that provide a really relaxing atmosphere overall.”
    • “The music is a bonus for me; I do love it and think it adds to the game. I know it's not important for everyone, but it really adds to the atmosphere.”
  • emotional16 mentions

    The game evokes strong emotional responses through its peaceful and wholesome atmosphere, characterized by calming pixel art, a soothing color palette, and an engaging soundtrack. Players report feeling unexpectedly moved, highlighting the game's ability to create a comfortable and enjoyable experience without any negativity. Overall, it is praised for its emotional warmth and charm, making it a delightful escape.

    • “Spent exactly a week hyperfocusing on this game, just beat it and saw the credits, and damn, I got way more emotional than I expected from a pixel bee-keeping game with cheesy puns.”
    • “It's peaceful, wholesome, and warm.”
    • “The content of this game is wholesome and nothing else can make you feel as comfortable.”
  • optimization14 mentions

    The game offers a variety of optimization features, including six genetic traits and mid-game automation upgrades, appealing to players who enjoy strategic gameplay. However, some users find the optimization aspect to be somewhat flat and not particularly engaging. Performance on devices like the Steam Deck is generally smooth, though some players experience slower in-game time progression due to hardware limitations.

    • “For those interested in optimization, there are six genetic traits to play with (lifespan, productivity, fertility, stability, sleep behavior, and climate preference), as well as automation upgrades in mid-game play.”
    • “If you liked Stardew Valley or enjoy other calm games with a high optimization ceiling.”
    • “Other than that, things run smoothly during multiplayer.”
    • “Optimization exists but is very flat.”
    • “It also runs slowly, not choppy; it's smooth but slow (around 4 seconds for 1 in-game minute instead of 1 second for 1 in-game minute), but that's because of my hardware.”
    • “That being said, I don't usually go for farm sims because I don't care for optimization.”
  • replayability4 mentions

    Overall, the game is noted for its great replayability, though some users express skepticism about its long-term longevity. There is potential for enhanced replay value if more complex endgame content and rewards are introduced in the future.

    • “Great replayability.”
    • “Great replayability.”
    • “Like most games, I doubt it has much replayability or significant longevity, but I could imagine them adding a more complicated endgame with greater rewards.”
  • monetization2 mentions

    The monetization of the game, priced at $20, is perceived as a cash grab targeting a niche market, especially when compared to similar titles like 'Rogue Tower' and 'Tower Tactics Liberation,' which, despite also being somewhat pricey, provide more content and a more polished experience. Overall, players feel that the value does not match the cost.

    • “While this game is an entertaining experience, with a price tag of $20, it feels more like a niche market cash grab. Games like 'Rogue Tower' and 'Tower Tactics Liberation' share a similar space in the roguelike market; however, their prices, while still a bit high for the experiences they provide, offer much more content and deliver more refined experiences than this.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

76% average critic score

Buy APICO

Play time

25hMedian play time
48hAverage play time
16-82hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 20 analyzed playthroughs

Videos

Similar Games

Game News