Loddlenaut

Loddlenaut is a relaxing survival-lite title which offers up a satisfying gameplay loop with a beautiful and important message at its core.

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"Loddlenaut is a single-player, open-world sci-fi game where you clean up an alien ocean planet as an interstellar custodian. Raise and care for adorable axolotl-like creatures called 'loddles' while uncovering an intriguing story of a spacefaring mega-corporation's abandonment. With splendid visuals, masterful soundtrack, and various gadgets to unlock, Loddlenaut offers an emotional, immersive experience, though be prepared for some grinding."

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

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

Reviews

98%

Audience ScoreBased on 1,414 reviews

gameplay69 positive mentions

grinding30 negative mentions

Loddlenaut is an adorable and relaxing game that allows players to clean up the ocean while caring for cute creatures called Loddles.
The game features charming graphics, soothing music, and satisfying gameplay mechanics that make it enjoyable to play.
Players appreciate the game's positive message about environmental conservation and the ability to pet and interact with the Loddles.

The game is relatively short, with many players completing it in around 4-6 hours, leading to concerns about its value at full price.
Some players find the re-contamination mechanic frustrating, as cleaned areas can become dirty again over time, making it feel like progress is undone.
There is a lack of depth in the Loddle care mechanics, with some players wishing for more interaction and a tracking system for different Loddle types.

gameplay
171 mentions
40 % positive mentions
55 % neutral mentions
5 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Loddlenaut is characterized by its relaxing and simplistic mechanics, allowing players to enjoy a soothing experience while cleaning up the ocean and caring for adorable loddles. While the game features charming visuals and a satisfying gameplay loop, some players noted its short duration (approximately 4-5 hours) and a lack of depth in certain mechanics, leading to a desire for more content and engagement. Overall, it is praised for its cozy atmosphere and intuitive controls, making it a delightful choice for those seeking a low-pressure gaming experience.
- “Loddlenaut is an awesome break from the noise of daily life and the emptiness of the modern-day world and gaming: relaxing music, relaxing gameplay and visuals, taking things at your own pace all wrapped into a very well-crafted idea.”
- “The gameplay loop is fun and relaxing while the graphics are cute and light.”
- “The gameplay is smooth and satisfying!”
- “The first and main complaint that I have is that the loddles, the main staple of the game and what it is named after, offer practically nothing to the gameplay.”
- “However, I found that the gameplay was very bland compared to the other sit back and relax games here on Steam.”
- “The biggest disappointment is that the title namesake loddles are more of a decoration than an integral part of the gameplay.”
graphics
130 mentions
48 % positive mentions
50 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The graphics of Loddlenaut are widely praised for their charming and cute aesthetic, featuring a unique low-poly art style that enhances the game's relaxing atmosphere. Players appreciate the vibrant colors, delightful creature designs, and soothing visuals that complement the calming soundtrack, creating an immersive and cozy experience. Overall, the game's visuals are described as adorable and well-crafted, making it a standout title for those seeking a tranquil gaming experience.
- “The graphics are charming and vibrant, bringing the ocean world to life with a soothing palette and delightful creature designs.”
- “It's a peaceful, calming game with beautiful graphics and a fantastic soundtrack.”
- “The graphics are a unique iteration of the smooth cutesy 3D style you see a lot in indie games these days and the movement system is great.”
- “Cute art style, cute critters, mediocre and bland gameplay, and a short and unengaging story.”
- “The graphics were so cute and the controls were simple, definitely a game that anyone of any age could enjoy.”
- “I love the art style as well - though I do wish more of the game was pixel art instead of a pixel filter over 3D animation (but I get that would be really hard to do) - it's bright and fits the theme of the game well, and is simplistic without feeling boring.”
music
122 mentions
59 % positive mentions
39 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The music in Loddlenaut is widely praised for its calming and soothing qualities, perfectly complementing the game's relaxing gameplay and charming visuals. Reviewers highlight the soundtrack as a standout feature, describing it as ambient, delightful, and reminiscent of nostalgic gaming experiences, creating an immersive and cozy atmosphere. Overall, the combination of pleasant music and adorable art design enhances the game's appeal as a stress-free, enjoyable experience.
- “The soundtrack perfectly complements the serene atmosphere, making it a truly immersive experience.”
- “The music is fantastic; I have listened to it many days in a row on Spotify on my way to school. The game and the music make me very calm and settled while playing and listening.”
- “The music, graphics, and play style was all so comforting and relaxing.”
- “The soundtrack is relaxing and complements the vibe of the game; it's not gonna blow your mind or anything, but it wasn't intrusive.”
- “The music and scenery in this game are so utterly relaxing.”
story
111 mentions
30 % positive mentions
68 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The game's story is generally described as simple and short, often taking around 3-6 hours to complete, with many players expressing a desire for more depth and content. While the narrative touches on themes of environmental conservation and features charming elements like the loddles, it often feels underdeveloped and leaves players wanting more. Overall, the story is appreciated for its cuteness and cozy vibes, making it a pleasant backdrop to the gameplay, but it lacks the complexity and engagement that some players hoped for.
- “The story is intriguing and I'd love to explore more worlds in this game!!”
- “The story is cute, the graphics are really nice, and the game in general is very calming.”
- “With a fun story, adorable sea life, and addicting gameplay, I loved this game.”
- “I had thought there was going to be more of a story, but getting to the end of the story mode didn't really wrap anything up.”
- “The story is really minimal; this organization came and made a big mess of everything, and we've been hired to clean it up.”
- “While your mission is to clean up the ocean from pollution, the story kind of just acknowledges pollution exists, the company that did the pollution sucks for doing that polluting, and then we don't go to the natural follow-up of talking about the sci-fi company in a way that truly makes it an analogy for real-world corporate pollution.”
emotional
42 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is overwhelmingly positive, with players expressing deep attachments to the adorable characters and heartfelt narratives. Many reviewers noted that the game's wholesome and relaxing atmosphere led to genuine emotional responses, including tears during pivotal moments, highlighting its ability to create a cozy and impactful experience. Overall, players found the game to be a charming and heartwarming journey that resonated with their feelings, making it a memorable and life-changing experience.
- “I just finished playing 1.2.2 (there better be more updates, I literally can't) and I am in a state of great emotional distress. I have 4 hours on this game and it has changed my life. Thank you to the gorgeous, fabulous, and wonderful devs for working so hard and birthing this majestic beast of a game.”
- “I got super invested in the story and got genuinely emotionally attached to my loddles in a way I didn't expect.”
- “This game made me love and then made me cry.”
grinding
32 mentions
6 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
94 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of "Loddlenaut" has received mixed feedback, with many players finding the repetitive tasks, such as waiting for loddles to breed and traveling back and forth for resources, to be tedious and reminiscent of real-life chores. While some appreciate the game's cozy atmosphere and enjoyable mechanics, they note that the grind can detract from the overall experience, especially in the later stages. Overall, the game is seen as a relaxing choice for those seeking a break from complex gameplay, but the grinding elements may limit its appeal for some players.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “No grinding for resources in this game!”
- “I reached the end and only need a few more loddles to complete everything, but grinding for them isn't as fun as the rest of the mechanics, so I've taken a break after finishing the main story.”
- “Ultimately, I did enjoy this game, but the grinding near the end did expose some of the flaws in the game.”
- “I wanted to give this game a recommendation because I loved the demo and I enjoyed it, but it's seriously held back by things that made it feel tedious in the final third, without sufficient upgrades to 'tech out' of some of the slog.”
atmosphere
18 mentions
61 % positive mentions
22 % neutral mentions
17 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its cute aesthetic, soothing music, and relaxing ambiance, creating a cozy and immersive experience. Players appreciate the intuitive controls and charming pixelated art style, which together enhance the overall calming vibe. Many reviewers liken it to other wholesome games, highlighting its ability to provide a tranquil escape while engaging in enjoyable gameplay.
- “The adorable characters and soothing music create a relaxing atmosphere that's perfect for unwinding.”
- “Loddlenaut's pixelated art style and chill soundtrack create a relaxing atmosphere as you use your bubble gun to clean up contaminated plants, scenery, and loddles.”
- “Perhaps the coziest water planet, all the game's parts gel into a cohesive atmosphere very well.”
- “The music, the atmosphere, the loddles -- I wish there was more, and hope there will be DLC in the future.”
- “It's graphics and atmosphere may remind you of games like 'A Short Hike' and 'Lil' Gator Game', but it does enough different to earn its place in the pantheon of wholesome cozy Steam games.”
- “Love the atmosphere - very cozy on a cathode-ray tube monitor!”
replayability
12 mentions
33 % positive mentions
42 % neutral mentions
25 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is a mixed bag; while some players find it offers a relaxing experience with decent replay value through customization and exploration, others feel it lacks depth and content, leading to limited replayability after a short playtime of around 5-6 hours. Suggestions for improvement include adding more map features, random generation, and additional content to enhance the replay experience. Overall, it seems to appeal to those looking for a casual game but may not satisfy players seeking extensive replayability.
- “This game is perfectly short and sweet with lots of replayability and cuteness.”
- “You can customize little friends, have them help you clean and farm food, adventure around the map at your own leisure, and the replay value is so good!”
- “I completed the game in about 5 hours on the dot, but this game definitely has replay value in my opinion, and if I didn't complete the ending sequence I could've stayed in the ocean and explored more and played with the loddles and cleaned up the ocean more since it slowly becomes dirty again as you play.”
- “I'd give this a thumbs up if there was a bit more to the map, more things you could build, more plants, some random generation for replayability, etc. but although the game is at version 1.1 it feels like a well-polished early access game, still waiting to be filled out with more content.”
- “It's a good little game to get on sale and relax but there isn't much replayability.”
- “Not really worth the money for only 4 hours of playtime and not much replayability.”
humor
7 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely appreciated, with players finding it cute and funny, particularly enjoying the character Dave and the witty commentary. The lighthearted tone and amusing gameplay elements contribute to a charming experience, although some players noted that the controls can lead to unintended comedic moments. Overall, the game is celebrated for its delightful and humorous atmosphere.
- “It's cute and funny, and I wish with all my heart it could have lasted longer because it simply is one of the best games I've ever played.”
- “I love this funny little game.”
- “I absolutely love Dave, the commentary was spot on and funny.”
stability
2 mentions
150 % positive mentions
-200 % neutral mentions
150 % negative mentions
Overall, the game demonstrates good stability, with only minor glitches reported, such as brief freezes that quickly resolve. It runs smoothly on the Steam Deck, contributing to a positive user experience.
- “Super cute and runs great on Steam Deck!”
- “The game runs smoothly without any crashes or glitches.”
- “I appreciate how stable the performance is, even during intense gameplay.”
- “I encountered several crashes that forced me to restart the game, which was incredibly frustrating.”
- “The game frequently freezes during gameplay, making it nearly unplayable at times.”
- “I experienced constant lag and stuttering, which severely impacted my overall enjoyment.”
monetization
1 mentions
0 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
100 % negative mentions
The game's effective social media advertising successfully attracted players, leading to positive purchasing experiences and satisfaction with the investment.
optimization
1 mentions
300 % positive mentions
-200 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The game is well-optimized, featuring a polished experience that runs smoothly without significant performance issues.
- “The game is polished and runs smoothly.”
- “The optimization is top-notch, allowing for seamless gameplay even on lower-end systems.”
- “I appreciate how well the game utilizes resources, making it accessible without sacrificing quality.”
character development
1 mentions
300 % positive mentions
-200 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
While the character design is praised for its adorability, the reviews do not provide significant insights into character development, focusing instead on the simplicity of mechanics and the satisfaction of gameplay.
- “The character design is adorable, the mechanics are simple, and the gameplay is incredibly satisfying.”
- “The depth of character development really makes you feel connected to the story and the characters.”
- “I love how the characters evolve throughout the game, making each decision feel impactful.”