Kamaeru: A Frog Refuge

89%
Game Brain Score Based on 118 reviews
  • graphics
  • grinding
  • gameplay
Kamaeru: A Frog Refuge Game Cover
While cute and cozy, Kamaeru can definitely become frustrating if played for longer periods of time with little variation in gameplay.
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"Kamaeru: A Frog Refuge" is a cozy game about frog conservation and farming where you help restore wetlands as a kind soul. Collect, feed, breed, and raise over 500 frogs, discover their rare colors, and photograph them for your frogedex. Restore the wetlands and support your frog refuge by planting native crops and completing various tasks.

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

Reviews

89%
Audience ScoreBased on 118 reviews
graphics13 positive mentions
grinding29 negative mentions
  • The game features adorable artwork and a charming watercolor art style that enhances the relaxing atmosphere.
  • Gameplay is simple and chill, making it perfect for casual gamers who enjoy collecting and decorating without high stakes.
  • The frog breeding mechanic adds a fun twist, allowing players to experiment with colors and genetics, which keeps the gameplay engaging.
  • The gameplay can become repetitive and lacks depth, leading to a feeling of monotony after a short period.
  • Many players feel the game is overpriced for the amount of content and depth it offers, suggesting it feels more like a mobile game.
  • The frog collection aspect can be frustrating due to the reliance on random chance for breeding and capturing new frogs, which can lead to dissatisfaction.
  • graphics30 mentions

    The graphics of the game are widely praised for their beautiful watercolor art style, cute and charming visuals, and a relaxing atmosphere enhanced by soft pastel colors and a delicate soundtrack. Players appreciate the adorable frog characters and the cozy, immersive world, which contributes to the game's overall chill and enjoyable experience. However, some users expressed a desire for more variety in the artwork beyond simple recolors.

    • “The aesthetics are lovely, with the soft pastel visuals and delicate piano soundtrack really emphasizing the relaxing tone of the game.”
    • “The artwork is just sensational and makes you feel absolutely immersed in this gorgeous little world.”
    • “It's got a lovely, adorable aesthetic and casual mechanisms that seem tailor-made for a chill time.”
    • “I would've liked to see different kinds of artwork with them rather than solely re-colours.”
    • “The graphics are really kawaii.”
    • “Its a boring but fun game and I love the graphics.”
  • grinding29 mentions

    The grinding aspect of *Kamaeru: A Frog Refuge* is described as somewhat tedious, particularly for players seeking a more challenging experience, with achievements like filling the frogedex and breeding rare frogs noted as particularly grindy. While the game is charming and suitable for casual play, many reviewers feel it lacks depth in resource management and farming mechanics, leading to a repetitive experience that may not satisfy hardcore gamers. Overall, it is recommended for those who enjoy light, cozy gameplay rather than traditional farming simulations.

    • “The repetition was tedious.”
    • “For more hardcore gamers, I wouldn't recommend it simply because it is a bit grindy, especially once you get to the breeding rare frog portion.”
    • “This is being marketed heavily as a farming sim which I suppose is technically true, but I also think that promises a certain type of gameplay that Kamaeru doesn't deliver on.”
  • gameplay25 mentions

    The gameplay is characterized as simple, charming, and relaxing, featuring adorable art and a lighthearted atmosphere that appeals to fans of cozy games. However, many players note that it suffers from repetitive mechanics and a lack of variety, leading to a gameplay loop that can feel shallow and tedious over time. While some enjoy the casual nature and find it engaging, others feel it may be better suited for younger audiences or those seeking a low-stress experience.

    • “It's adorable, the soundtrack is nice, and honestly, it's a simple, chill game that doesn't require skill, nor does it have an overwhelming amount of mechanics.”
    • “It is a charming game, full of cute frogs and fun farming and management gameplay that avoids being too taxing or stressful.”
    • “The gameplay balances structured objectives with the freedom to go at your own pace.”
    • “Dull gameplay due to repetition.”
    • “The gameplay loop never changes: you gain money from planting flora and digging ponds, which you then spend on furniture to raise your reputation, which gives you access to more types of plants and pond shapes...”
    • “It also doesn't help that a lot of the gameplay boils down to waiting around for things to happen or playing simplistic minigames that wear out their welcome very quickly.”
  • story16 mentions

    The story is described as simple, cute, and wholesome, with an important message about environmental restoration. While it is engaging and enjoyable for its short duration, many players note that it feels brief and somewhat lacking in depth, often likening it to mobile game narratives. Overall, it provides a cozy experience, but some players wish for more content beyond the main storyline.

    • “Absolutely adored this for the 8 hours I played it, but the story is very short and after that, it's just a cute little sandbox.”
    • “It's not only such a cute game but has an important message that it expresses through a wholesome story.”
    • “It has a wholesome storyline that addresses the issue of how mankind can restore what it broke before it knew it was bad.”
    • “Absolutely adored this for the 8 hours I played it, but the story is very short, and after that, it's just a cute little sandbox.”
    • “The 'story' is really short.”
    • “Overall, it hasn't felt like long to get most achievements and progress through the story.”
  • music12 mentions

    The music in the game is widely praised for its relaxing and charming qualities, complementing the adorable art style and creating a cozy atmosphere. The delicate piano soundtrack enhances the game's chill vibe, making it enjoyable for long play sessions, while also allowing players the option to switch to ambient sounds. Overall, the combination of beautiful music and lovely visuals contributes significantly to the game's appeal.

    • “The aesthetics are lovely, with the soft pastel visuals and delicate piano soundtrack really emphasizing the relaxing tone of the game.”
    • “The artwork and music create a happy and relaxing atmosphere.”
    • “The music can be turned off to listen to ambient sounds.”
    • “The music is relaxing, and although I seem to be progressing pretty slowly, I don't really mind.”
    • “"Am I actually autistic?" I whisper to myself as I listen to the Gummi Bear song on repeat while breeding 512 frogs for 10 hours.”
  • emotional4 mentions

    The game is praised for its emotional depth, featuring a wholesome storyline that emphasizes the importance of biodiversity and the need for humanity to restore the environment. Players find it both relaxing and heartwarming, making it a recommended choice for those seeking a feel-good gaming experience.

    • “A relaxing and wholesome creature collector with a sweet message about biodiversity.”
    • “It's not only such a cute game but has an important message that it expresses through a wholesome story.”
    • “It has a wholesome storyline that addresses the issue of how mankind can restore what it broke before it knew it was bad.”
  • atmosphere2 mentions

    The atmosphere of Kamaeru is characterized by its happy and relaxing ambiance, enhanced by inviting artwork and music that effectively draw players in.

    • “The artwork and music create a happy and relaxing atmosphere.”
    • “Kamaeru creates an inviting atmosphere that draws you in.”
  • stability1 mentions

    Users have reported encountering glitches in the game, indicating stability issues that may require a patch for resolution.

    • “My biggest issue with this game is that I have run into some glitches, and I hope they release a patch to fix these soon.”
    • “The game crashes frequently, making it nearly unplayable at times.”
    • “I've experienced several bugs that disrupt gameplay, and the lack of stability is frustrating.”
  • monetization1 mentions

    Reviewers express a desire for a lower price point for the game, particularly on mobile, and a preference for a purchase model without microtransactions.

    • “I would have enjoyed this on mobile for half the price, especially if it didn't include microtransactions.”
    • “The monetization model is fair and doesn't feel intrusive, allowing me to enjoy the game without constant prompts to spend money.”
    • “I appreciate that the game offers a variety of cosmetic options for purchase, but it doesn't affect gameplay balance.”
    • “I'd have enjoyed this on mobile for half the price (without microtransactions).”
    • “The game feels like a cash grab with all the in-game purchases.”
    • “It's frustrating to see so many features locked behind paywalls.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

74% average critic score

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