Earthtongue

About

"Earthtongue" is a single-player Science Fiction Simulation game with a stunning soundtrack, where players guide a sunless world of fungi and bugs. The objective is to maintain the ecosystem's balance, with limited goals such as maximizing the ecosystem's health or creating a fungal garden. The game allows players to peacefully observe the unfolding story of this unique world or interact with it through subtle nudges to breed bugs or influence the food chain.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

89%

Audience ScoreBased on 276 reviews

music20 positive mentions

grinding3 negative mentions

Earthtongue offers a unique and relaxing ecosystem simulation experience, allowing players to observe and manage a diverse world of fungi and insects.
The game features charming pixel graphics and a soothing soundtrack, making it a delightful background activity while engaging in other tasks.
Enthusiastic mod support enhances the gameplay, providing additional content and customization options for players to explore.

The lack of tutorials and clear information about species interactions can lead to confusion and frustration, making it difficult for players to understand the mechanics.
Gameplay can feel slow and passive, with limited interaction, which may not appeal to those looking for a more active gaming experience.
Some players have reported performance issues and finicky controls, particularly when managing a large number of species on-screen.

music
34 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
59%
32%
9%
The music in the game is widely praised for its relaxing and ambient qualities, featuring a charming chiptune soundtrack that enhances the meditative gameplay experience. Many players appreciate the retro vibe and pixel aesthetic, noting that the soundtrack contributes significantly to the overall enjoyment and comfort of the game. While some find the music occasionally average, the majority highlight its ability to create a soothing backdrop for gameplay.
- “Add to that some wonderful workshop support and an absolutely rad chiptune soundtrack, and you've got an incredible game.”
- “The music is very retro and chill and contributes to the meditative aspect of the game, and it's nice to pick it up every now and again to relax for a half hour just moving bugs around and trying to spread spores to increase my biodiversity.”
- “The graphics and music are pretty average.”
- “A charming pixel aesthetic and a soundtrack that seems like it's straight out of the NES round out the package.”
- “The music is very retro and chill and contributes to the meditative aspect of the game.”
graphics
28 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
29%
61%
11%
The graphics of the game are characterized by charming pixel art and a minimalist aesthetic, reminiscent of old-school 8-bit styles. While many players appreciate the cute visuals and subtle details, such as the depiction of soil nutrients, some have noted minor graphical flaws and a somewhat frustrating user interface. Overall, the graphics are considered adequate but not particularly flashy, contributing to the game's nostalgic appeal.
- “Fun little ecosystem game with cute pixel graphics.”
- “Using old era bit style graphics, Earthtongue is an ecosystem simulator where you try to balance fungi and bugs who develop within an alien crater to create a self-sustaining microcosm.”
- “A charming pixel aesthetic and a soundtrack that seems like it's straight out of the NES round out the package.”
- “Yes, it has pixel graphics and not much apparent complexity.”
- “The graphics and music are pretty average.”
- “Visuals are not too flashy and adequate.”
gameplay
26 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
15%
73%
12%
The gameplay is characterized as simple yet engaging, with mechanics that encourage players to keep progressing, akin to the "just one more turn" allure found in games like Civilization. While it offers a more passive experience compared to traditional build-and-watch games, the polished visuals and relaxing atmosphere enhance the overall enjoyment, making it easy to become emotionally invested. However, some players note that the gameplay can feel somewhat limited and two-dimensional at times.
- “Maybe it's because of great music, maybe it's because of relaxing gameplay... that's what I really need after the rough days.”
- “The 'keep species alive for 7000 age' mechanic is enough to keep you playing longer than you intend, similar to Civ's 'just one more turn' mechanic. I found myself saying 'just until I unlock x,' and then when that was unlocked, saying 'just until I unlock y!'”
- “Really, not every active game captures my attention for tens of minutes like this one, and surely not every involved gameplay gets me so emotionally connected.”
- “If you manage to trigger something, well that's all the gameplay you get until you have enough points again.”
- “Gameplay is a relatively passive affair compared to other 'build-and-watch' games, like SimCity.”
- “This datalog adds a touch of flavor, a pinch of tutorial, and a dash of tangible accomplishment to an otherwise fend-for-yourself style of gameplay.”
emotional
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players express a strong emotional connection to the game, noting its ability to engage them for extended periods despite limited control over the environment. The gameplay fosters a sense of involvement, even if players feel they can only slightly influence the unfolding events.
- “Really, not every active game captures my attention for tens of minutes like this one, and surely not every involved gameplay gets me so emotionally connected.”
- “You'll sit there either touching or not touching the environment, and noticing that there's not a lot you can do to really create your own world; seemingly, you're only slightly influencing what's going on.”
grinding
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
150%
Players find the grinding in the game to be simple and relaxing, reminiscent of metroid-like gameplay; however, it can become tedious over time.
- “The grinding can feel repetitive and tedious after a while.”
- “The gameplay loop becomes monotonous, making it hard to stay engaged.”
- “While the mechanics are enjoyable, the constant grinding can be exhausting.”
humor
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is described as light-hearted and self-referential, with players finding amusement in the circumstances surrounding their purchase and the enjoyable levels included. Overall, it adds a whimsical touch to the gaming experience.
- “I feel funny reviewing this, since I bought it with leftover money from my Steam wallet, but after some thought and looking at the truly nice levels that both come with the game and as fan addons, I decided, what the heck.”
atmosphere
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
The atmosphere of the game is characterized as relaxing, with a focus on a small, balanced living world that creates a soothing experience for players.
- “The game creates a small living world with a relaxing atmosphere that beautifully balances its elements.”
story
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
150%
The story unfolds gradually as players catalog species, with journal entries providing insights into the protagonist's identity and purpose, enhancing the overall narrative experience.
- “As you play more and more and catalogue more species, you're treated to additional journal entries that reveal a backstory, showing who you are and why you're watching the game unfold.”
- “The story feels disjointed and lacks a cohesive narrative, making it hard to stay engaged.”
- “Character development is minimal, leaving players feeling disconnected from the protagonists.”
- “The plot twists are predictable and fail to deliver any real emotional impact.”