Ecosystem
- March 15, 2021
- Slug Disco
- 23h median play time
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io Store"Ecosystem is a single-player strategy game with high-quality graphics and approximately 23 hours of playtime. The game's unique feature is the simulation of evolving virtual creatures, whose bodies, behaviors, and nervous systems are all determined by their synthetic DNA, which can be modified by the player. These creatures evolve on their own to adapt to the physically-simulated ocean environment created by the player."
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game offers a unique and engaging simulation of evolution, allowing players to create and observe their own ecosystems.
- The graphics and ambient music create a relaxing atmosphere, making it enjoyable to watch the creatures evolve over time.
- The creature customization and procedural generation lead to a wide variety of bizarre and interesting fish, providing a fun and creative experience.
- The game suffers from significant performance issues, especially when many creatures and plants are present, leading to lag and low frame rates.
- The evolution mechanics can feel slow and unnoticeable, with many players expressing disappointment in the lack of meaningful changes in their creatures over time.
- The user interface and controls can be clunky and unintuitive, making it difficult for players to navigate and manage their ecosystems effectively.
- graphics19 mentions
- 37 % positive mentions
- 47 % neutral mentions
- 16 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the dated yet charming visuals and the overall aesthetic of the ecosystem, while others criticize performance issues such as lag and low frame rates, especially as the game world expands. Although the graphics can be breathtaking at times, particularly in how plants and sunlight interact, many users find that performance dips significantly when the map is populated, necessitating adjustments to settings for smoother gameplay. Overall, while the visuals are generally well-received, they are hindered by technical limitations that affect the gaming experience.
“The graphics are quite breathtaking and the way the plants sway and the rays from the sun peer in is just so intriguing!”
“Graphically, it is one of the best looking games I've played in a while.”
“The graphics and music are relaxing and go well with the game.”
“For example, it's very hard to see how the water flows around after I set up some streams; it only makes small visuals and I have to remember where I set up my streams if I want to remove them.”
“I have a few hours logged in and honestly it's a good game, but the framerate issue when you've filled out half the map can be a drag and I don't really want to adjust graphics to make it playable.”
“I'm getting around 20 fps and I'm running a 1050 ti; I turned the graphics down to minimum and it helped a bit, but it's getting worse as my ecosystem grows.”
- gameplay16 mentions
- 19 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by a rich aquarium-like experience that combines evolutionary mechanics with engaging, life-emulating interactions. While it offers sophisticated mechanics and a fun ecosystem, players note a lack of guidance on maintaining environments and some critical bugs that hinder the experience. Overall, it appeals to fans of evolution games, though improvements are needed for a smoother gameplay experience.
“Its got the best mechanics of any in its genre, and the most sophisticated animals.”
“Ecosystem perfectly meshes gameplay fun with evolutionary freedom.”
“Thanks for not giving us yet another shallow simulation of the ocean which features just animations – but a rich experience filled with life-emulating mechanics.”
“As far as gameplay goes, this is definitely more of a going to the aquarium type beat than something where you're more involved.”
“Has potential but really no evolution or even adaptation mechanic.”
“Critical bug that stopped me playing, important information missing (what plant is that, difficult seeing currents which are important, etc), lack of explanation on mechanics (why does the fin turn the exact opposite direction you'd expect each time?), buggy creature editor ('repeating' body parts for making snake-like waves curls into a circle), creature editor makes things uncontrollably lumpy, mutations are incredibly ugly.”
- optimization15 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization has received mixed reviews, with many players experiencing significant performance issues, particularly as their ecosystems grow. While some users report decent performance on higher-end hardware, others with mid-range setups struggle, especially when managing larger numbers of organisms. There is hope for future improvements, as the developer is actively engaging with the community regarding optimization concerns.
“I really, really want to like this game, and I think it's going in the right direction, but it's extremely difficult to play for two reasons: the camera controls and the optimization.”
“The dev interacts with his community a lot, so I cannot see this optimization stuff being left alone for long.”
“I'd love to see some optimization fixes!”
“I don't recommend it solely on the reason of optimization.”
“While I'm hoping that the optimization improves as the game continues to develop, I really, extremely dislike the camera controls.”
“My biggest issue is performance; the game really struggles once you get a decent ecosystem going, and I have a fairly decent PC with a 9700K and 2070 Super.”
- music13 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its serene and calming qualities, perfectly complementing the gameplay experience. Many players find it relaxing and suitable for background ambiance, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the game. However, some users note that after extended play, the music can become repetitive or less enjoyable.
“It's amazing to have a game you can just pull up and watch things unfold, and the soundtrack is serene.”
“The music and ambience is extremely relaxing.”
“The soundtrack is also nice and relaxing, very fitting for this kind of game.”
“Cons: the music ends up being harassing (in my taste), and after I played 10 hours, I finished 3 regions in that time.”
“In the end, this is an aquarium game and a god game where you direct evolution in her bloodthirsty craft while listening to calming music.”
“The music and ambience are extremely relaxing.”
- humor7 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is derived from the absurdity of the fish creations, often leading to hilarious moments as players watch their ill-fated designs struggle and flop around. While the experience can be frustrating when logical designs fail, the comedic value of crafting bizarre creatures and their antics provides a soothing and engaging contrast. Overall, the game successfully blends humor with gameplay, making for a uniquely entertaining experience.
“The poor helpless fish you create is hilarious, often finding simplicity the best option.”
“This game is hilarious and frustrating all at once.”
“It's frustrating when you build a completely logical fish only for it to fall on its side and die 5 minutes later, but it's hilarious when you make the most absurd creatures possible and watch as they try to make sense of their limbs.”
- grinding3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players express that grinding in the game can quickly become tedious and boring, suggesting it may require excessive time investment. There is a sentiment that the game relies on conventional, grind-heavy mechanics rather than offering more engaging and fulfilling experiences.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“I can see just by the little I've played that it would very quickly become tedious and boring, but it is still being worked on.”
“Many games are plagued by appealing to the lowest common denominator of cookie-cutter game design – loot boxes, grindy progression systems, etc., as opposed to producing actually fulfilling experiences, rewards aside.”
- story3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game is noted to be minimal or lacking, with some users describing it as either nonexistent or very brief.
“There is no story to speak of.”
“The story is incredibly brief and lacks depth.”
“The narrative feels rushed and underdeveloped.”
- stability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game is currently in beta/early access, leading to various bugs and glitches that can significantly hinder gameplay, including critical issues that prevent progress and unclear mechanics. Users have reported problems with the creature editor, resulting in awkward designs and unexpected behaviors, alongside missing essential information that affects the overall experience.
“Do realize that since it is beta/early access, there are some bugs and glitches that occur.”
“Critical bug that stopped me from playing; important information is missing (what plant is that, difficult to see currents which are important, etc.), lack of explanation on mechanics (why does the fin turn the exact opposite direction you'd expect each time?), buggy creature editor (repeating body parts for making snake-like waves curls into a circle), creature editor makes things uncontrollably lumpy, and mutations are incredibly ugly.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviewers highlight the game's potential for high replayability, suggesting that it offers significant value for players who enjoy revisiting its content. Many believe it is a worthwhile investment for those looking for a game with lasting appeal.
“I can see the replay value of this game being insane later; it's definitely worth grabbing.”
“The variety of choices and outcomes makes me want to play through it multiple times.”
“Each playthrough offers a different experience, keeping the game fresh and exciting.”
