Bear & Breakfast
- July 28, 2022
- Gummy Cat
- 20h median play time
While a cozy management game, Bear and Breakfast still needs to polish some of its "bare" necessities.
In Bear & Breakfast, players assume the role of a shape-shifting bear who runs a cozy bed and breakfast business in a peaceful woodland community. They must build and manage their inn, cook meals for their guests, and explore the wilderness to uncover secrets and expand their operations. The game features a charming art style, relaxing gameplay, and plenty of opportunities for players to put their hospitality skills to the test.
Reviews
- Charming art style and adorable character designs that create a cozy atmosphere.
- Engaging gameplay with a mix of resource management, crafting, and decorating that keeps players entertained.
- Humorous dialogue and interesting storylines that add depth to the game.
- Repetitive gameplay with fetch quests that can become tedious over time.
- Bugs and glitches that can disrupt gameplay, including issues with NPC interactions and inventory management.
- Lack of meaningful character development and a satisfying conclusion to the story.
- story1,522 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 71 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The story in "Bear and Breakfast" is described as charming and engaging, featuring a mix of light-hearted humor and darker themes that unfold as players progress through quests. While many players appreciate the cute characters and whimsical art style, some express frustration with the pacing and linearity of the narrative, feeling that it can become tedious with repetitive fetch quests and a lack of clear direction. Overall, the game offers a cozy experience with a story that, despite its shortcomings, keeps players invested in the world and its characters.
“A quick, cozy, and story-rich hotel management game with a charming animal theme, Bear and Breakfast truly surprised me.”
“The characters are well developed, Hank is precious beyond words, the story has interesting twists and turns, and the hotel design/management features really worked for me.”
“I loved the story and the witty dialogue. The story was simple and cute, and left me feeling incredibly happy and satisfied after exploring the world and finishing everything.”
“While I find the main storyline somewhat lacking, these really are the coziest of vibes.”
“The story is predictable, leaves no impressions and then ends with so little fanfare that you're left wondering if that's it.”
“The final portion of the game consists of a big string of fetch quests one after another, which did not get me engaged with how the story was concluding.”
- gameplay527 mentions
- 35 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Bear and Breakfast" is characterized by its cozy, management simulation mechanics that allow players to build and manage various inns while interacting with charming characters. While many players appreciate the simple and engaging gameplay loop, they also note that it can become repetitive and tedious over time, particularly due to the lack of variety in tasks and some clunky mechanics. Overall, the game offers a relaxing experience with adorable art and humor, but it may require patience as players navigate its pacing and occasional frustrations.
“The art direction is adorable, the characters are all wonderful, and the mechanics are smooth and easily understood.”
“With its adorable graphics, engaging gameplay, and comforting atmosphere, this game offers a delightful escape for players of all ages.”
“The gameplay is fun, with an engaging gameplay loop that introduces new elements to keep the experience interesting.”
“The charm wears off very quickly and you're left with gameplay that gets more tedious with each new feature.”
“The gameplay loop isn't super difficult, but it can be very tedious at some points, and some of the mechanics are a bit weird.”
“The pacing is completely off as well with it seemingly rushing you along with the intention of showing you all there is rather than letting you take time to develop things naturally and get hands on with the core mechanics.”
- graphics488 mentions
- 58 % positive mentions
- 41 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their charming and cute art style, which creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Players appreciate the vibrant visuals and expressive character designs, noting that the aesthetics significantly enhance the overall experience. However, some reviews mention minor graphical glitches and navigation issues that can detract from the enjoyment, though the overall sentiment remains positive regarding the game's visual appeal.
“The graphics and art style are pleasing to the eye, and you can tell that a lot of heart has been put into the game, which gives it the charm of a well-loved project.”
“The art style is whimsical and well done, and the depth of the story was so unexpected it only made me want to keep playing.”
“The visuals are so very charming and so are the characters and dialogue.”
“The game overall seems like it was visuals first and everything else was tacked on as an afterthought.”
“I understand that the areas have a natural look to them because it fits the artistic aesthetic, but I spend so much time just navigating the areas either because I am lost, or I keep getting stuck behind ledges I didn't know were there or other obstacles.”
“The art style makes it nearly impossible for me to register what's on the screen past the two weather effects, and I've read that it's made quite a few people nauseous.”
- humor233 mentions
- 99 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
The humor in "Bear and Breakfast" is widely praised for its charming and witty dialogue, featuring adorable characters that often deliver hilarious lines and interactions. Players appreciate the blend of lighthearted and sometimes dark humor, which adds depth to the cozy gameplay experience. While some critiques mention that the humor can feel forced or repetitive at times, the overall consensus is that the game's comedic elements significantly enhance its appeal and enjoyment.
“Bear and Breakfast lures you in by being an adorable and funny game about being a bear running a B&B.”
“The writing is light and jokey, sometimes it's even funny.”
“The dialogue is witty and hilarious, and the game provides hours of amazing fun.”
“Boring, tedious, and unfunny.”
“Going back to my point about the dialogue feeling clunky, a lot of the lines feel forced and unfunny and ruin the flow.”
- grinding167 mentions
- 2 % positive mentions
- 2 % neutral mentions
- 96 % negative mentions
The reviews indicate that while the game starts off enjoyable and cozy, it tends to become increasingly grindy and tedious, particularly in the mid to late game. Players often find the resource gathering and management mechanics repetitive, leading to frustration and a loss of interest as they progress. Despite these criticisms, some players appreciate the cute aesthetics and overall fun, suggesting that those who enjoy grinding in games may still find it rewarding.
“Very cozy management game, love the aesthetics of this one and that it's not too grindy.”
“It's not too grindy or punishing and allows you to manage each resort at your own pace.”
“The mechanics of the game are not tedious or overwhelmingly time consuming.”
“I got far, then one of the NPCs went off map and I was never able to complete my quest. I didn't want to start over because I got super far in the game, but it was kind of tedious to be collecting things.”
“The charm wears off very quickly, and you're left with gameplay that gets more tedious with each new feature.”
“The endgame was a little drawn out for me; it felt grindy.”
- music165 mentions
- 56 % positive mentions
- 41 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its calming and charming qualities, enhancing the overall cozy atmosphere. Many players appreciate the soothing soundtrack and ambient sounds, which complement the game's art style and character design. However, some critiques mention repetitiveness and a lack of music during certain gameplay segments, which can detract from the experience. Overall, the music is considered a standout feature that contributes significantly to the game's appeal.
“The art style and music for this game is so fitting, and I genuinely believe they couldn't do any better with it.”
“The soundtrack is a standout feature, featuring a whimsical blend of acoustic instruments and nature sounds that create a sense of serenity and wonder.”
“The music is very nice: calm, relaxing, and chill.”
“The music is too repetitive and not unique.”
“I hated the music so much, I turned it off and literally played Stardew Valley and Undertale music on Spotify.”
“At night, there is no music and it is very eerie.”
- emotional94 mentions
- 99 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of "Bear and Breakfast" is characterized by its heartwarming and wholesome narrative, which unexpectedly evokes strong feelings, including moments of sadness and joy. Players connect deeply with the charming characters and their stories, often finding themselves emotionally invested in the game's themes of kindness, grief, and environmental preservation. Despite some criticisms regarding gameplay repetitiveness, the overall experience is described as cozy and touching, making it a delightful journey for fans of the genre.
“I never thought I would get so emotionally wrecked in a silly little bear game, but here we are!”
“The story at the end was super emotional, which I did not expect.”
“Bear and Breakfast is quite possibly the most endearing and emotionally touching game I've played in years.”
“The entire game ends up being a fetch quest with a droning and boring story.”
- stability82 mentions
- 5 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 95 % negative mentions
The game's stability has been a significant concern among players, with many reporting frequent bugs and glitches that can disrupt gameplay, particularly in the late game. While some users have noted that these issues can often be resolved by restarting the game, others have experienced more severe problems, such as freezes and unresponsive mechanics. Overall, while the game is enjoyable and has a charming aesthetic, its stability issues detract from the overall experience, leading to mixed reviews on its reliability.
“The game runs great.”
“Love this and it runs great on the Steam Deck!”
“Nice chill sim game, no rush or pressure; addictive, smooth playing, no glitches or bugs yet.”
“This game is incredibly buggy and I can't figure out how to do multiple simple things.”
“Unfortunately it's quite buggy, which is understandable for a newly released game but it's kind of put a damper on my excitement for it.”
“This is a very good game, but I can't recommend it until these sorts of bugs and glitches are addressed as it grinds the game experience to a halt whenever they occur.”
- atmosphere36 mentions
- 56 % positive mentions
- 36 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its cozy, charming, and vibrant qualities, enhanced by adorable graphics, engaging characters, and a heartwarming soundtrack. Many players find it a delightful escape, perfect for relaxation, though some note that bugs and a lack of depth in gameplay can detract from the overall experience. Overall, the atmosphere is considered a standout feature, making it appealing for fans of casual management sims.
“With its adorable graphics, engaging gameplay, and comforting atmosphere, this game offers a delightful escape for players of all ages.”
“The game's visuals are charming and vibrant, with hand-drawn characters and environments that evoke a cozy, rustic atmosphere.”
“One of the standout features of the game is its heartwarming and wholesome atmosphere.”
“I love the atmosphere but I just can't get into it to recommend.”
“I loved this game and recommend it if you would be interested in this type of game, its atmosphere is set well and it keeps you going but in many parts the game feels lonely and empty.”
“It just feels like the game took the atmosphere from Stardew Valley and draped it over a half-finished, empty framework.”
- character development36 mentions
- 64 % positive mentions
- 28 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
Overall, while the character designs and art style are widely praised for their charm and creativity, many reviewers feel that the character development lacks depth and personal connection, leaving some characters feeling impersonal. Despite this, the engaging dialogue and cute aesthetics contribute to an enjoyable experience, though players express a desire for more substantial character relationships and development throughout the game.
“The character development, the music, the story <3”
“The character designs and how much personality went into each one is incredible.”
“This game is adorable, the storyline is so rich and the character designs are fantastic.”
“Although I wish the story could have gone a bit deeper into character development and relationships.”
“One thing I wish there was more of was more character development for some of the characters that were introduced throughout the game, as well as keeping those characters relevant throughout the whole game.”
“Here's another 30 minutes of character development.”
- replayability13 mentions
- 23 % positive mentions
- 54 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's replayability is viewed as limited, with many players expressing a desire for additional content or storylines to enhance their experience. While some enjoyed their initial playthrough, they felt the lack of challenges and depth significantly reduced the incentive to replay. Despite these criticisms, a few users still found value in the game for a single playthrough, particularly appreciating its charm.
“Definitely replayable, and I will play it again in the future.”
“I think some of these things could affect replayability, but they absolutely did not lessen my enjoyment of the game.”
“Not a ton of replayability, but good for at least one playthrough and definitely worth the asking price.”
“I don't think it has much for me in terms of replayability unless future DLC/storylines are released.”
“My only real negative here is that I personally don't feel like there is much replay value.”
“There's no challenge and the game barely has any replayability.”
- optimization7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization is a mixed bag; while it runs smoothly with minimal bugs and offers a satisfying gameplay experience, the user interface is overly complex and not well-suited for anything other than PC. Players have noted issues with certain mechanics, such as sorting decorations and resource acquisition, which detract from the overall experience. Despite these shortcomings, many still find enjoyment in the game, indicating that the positives outweigh the negatives.
“The artwork is adorable and the game runs smoothly aside from the character occasionally getting stuck here and there (I only had to use the 'stuck button' once the entire game though).”
“I never felt like I ran out of space for the required special areas in my buildings, and felt like I optimized my bedroom space really well, which made me feel smart as a player!”
“Of course there are some bugs here and there and some less optimized parts - I wish there was a better way to sort decorations, as well as another way to acquire wood because the mahogany grind in late game feels pretty bad - however the positive experience greatly prevails over any negatives.”
“In general, the UI needs some optimization; often it's needlessly complex.”
“Bear & Breakfast has all the elements for a great game, but due to poor optimization, it falls flat at simply good.”
“The UI was not optimized for anything other than PC.”
- monetization5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- -40 % neutral mentions
- 80 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game has drawn criticism for misleading advertisements that suggest a life simulation experience, while the actual gameplay leans towards a mobile-style clicker with microtransaction elements. Players feel the disconnect between the advertised content and the game's true nature, leading to disappointment and confusion regarding its intended genre and depth.
“The monetization model is fair and doesn't pressure players into spending money to enjoy the game.”
“I appreciate that the game offers cosmetic items for purchase without impacting gameplay balance.”
“The in-game purchases are optional and provide a way to support the developers while enjoying the game.”
“It makes the game feel like it should be on my phone and asking me to buy microtransactions to speed things up.”
“I loved the mobile game Cats and Soup because of the laid-back playstyle, but hated the ads and I don't really like clickers because I enjoy stories.”
“I think advertising it as a life sim has done more harm than good for the reviews at the time of writing this, because people just are expecting something completely different.”
Critic Reviews
Bear and Breakfast review
Bear and Breakfast is a sweet and straightforward management sim that opts for a laidback approach rather than an intense experience.
70%Bear and Breakfast Review – Quirky, relaxing, and utterly adorable
Bear and Breakfast offers up a delightful world, engaging strategy mechanics, and a heart-warming story. While it may not be an overly complex game compared to classic strategy titles in the genre, it’s an incredibly relaxing and wholesome gameplay experience. If that’s your jam, Bear and Breakfast shouldn’t be missed.
80%Bear & Breakfast (Nintendo Switch)
Bear and Breakfast stands out as one of my favorite games of the year. Its visual style is instantly appealing and its gameplay feels nearly flawless. It’s a chill game that wants you to feel relaxed while micromanaging your own bed and breakfast locations. The game has a wonderful reward system and there’s a ton of things to unlock to keep you playing for hours on end. The game on Nintendo Switch is extremely well done, despite a control scheme that requires a bit of practice to get used to. Bear and Breakfast feels right at home on the platform sitting next to the likes of Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley. Bear and Breakfast managed to be so wonderful that it jumped to the top of my game-of-the-year contender list. Do yourself a favor, go and buy this game. It’s an absolutely wonderful title that must be played for a bear-y good time (I’m sorry, I couldn’t resist).
90%