Earthtongue
- April 27, 2015
- Eric Hornby
Get on Steam"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.
Reviews
- The game offers a relaxing and meditative experience, making it enjoyable to watch ecosystems evolve over time.
- It features charming pixel graphics and a good soundtrack that enhances the overall atmosphere.
- The enthusiastic mod support allows players to create and explore new environments, adding depth to the gameplay.
- The lack of tutorials and clear instructions can make it difficult for players to understand the mechanics and objectives.
- Gameplay can feel slow and passive, leading to moments of frustration when trying to manage the ecosystem effectively.
- Some players find the game too minimalistic, comparing it to an interactive screensaver rather than a fully engaging game.
- music17 mentions
- 59 % positive mentions
- 24 % neutral mentions
- 18 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its relaxing and ambient qualities, featuring a mix of chiptune and retro sounds that enhance the overall experience. Players appreciate the soundtrack for its ability to create a meditative atmosphere, making it enjoyable to play in the background while engaging in gameplay. While some find the music occasionally average, the general consensus highlights its charm and contribution to the game's appeal.
“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.”
“Chill music.”
- graphics14 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are characterized by charming pixel art and a minimalist aesthetic, which many players find appealing. While the old-school 8-bit style contributes to the game's nostalgic feel, some users note minor flaws in the UI and graphical details. Overall, the visuals are considered adequate and fitting for the game's ecosystem simulation theme, though they lack complexity.
“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.”
- gameplay13 mentions
- 23 % positive mentions
- 54 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by a blend of simplicity and depth, encouraging players to engage in a "just one more turn" mentality through mechanics like keeping species alive for extended periods. While it offers a more passive experience compared to traditional build-and-watch games, it remains captivating and emotionally engaging, enhanced by polished visuals and fewer bugs. Overall, the gameplay is enjoyable and immersive, drawing players into the creation of a diverse ecosystem.
“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.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players find the game emotionally engaging, noting that it captivates their attention and fosters a strong connection despite limited agency in shaping the environment. The gameplay evokes a sense of involvement that resonates deeply, making the experience memorable.
“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.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be simple and relaxing, reminiscent of metroid-like gameplay; however, it can become tedious over time.
“The grinding can feel endless and repetitive, making it hard to stay engaged.”
“After a while, the grind becomes more of a chore than an enjoyable part of the game.”
“While the gameplay has its moments, the constant grinding really drags it down.”
- humor1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is perceived as light-hearted and self-referential, with players finding amusement in the circumstances of their purchase and the enjoyable levels included. Overall, it adds a playful tone 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.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The atmosphere is characterized as a relaxing and immersive experience, reminiscent of a small living world that promotes a sense of balance and tranquility.
“The small living world creates a relaxing atmosphere that beautifully balances the environment.”
“The immersive atmosphere draws you in, making every moment feel alive and engaging.”
“The game's atmosphere is captivating, with stunning visuals and sound design that enhance the overall experience.”
“The atmosphere feels lifeless and lacks any real immersion, making it hard to get invested in the game.”
“Despite the beautiful graphics, the atmosphere is flat and fails to evoke any emotional response.”
“The game tries to create a rich atmosphere, but it ends up feeling empty and uninspired.”
- story1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The story unfolds gradually as players catalog species, with additional journal entries providing insights into the protagonist's identity and purpose, enriching the overall narrative experience.
“As you play more and more and catalog 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 narrative unfolds beautifully, intertwining the exploration of the world with the personal journey of the characters, making every discovery feel meaningful.”
“Each character has a rich backstory that adds depth to the overall plot, making the player's choices feel impactful and significant.”
