Vilmonic

About

Vilmonic is a pixel-art artificial life simulator where you protect and breed unique life forms with evolving genetic codes that determine their physiology and biological functions. Your goal is to bring life back from the brink of extinction while experimenting with natural and artificial selection, crafting tools, and changing the environment. Uncover the secrets of the past as you dig up ancient tech and fend off mindless enemies.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

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

84%

Audience ScoreBased on 63 reviews

emotional3 positive mentions

grinding6 negative mentions

Vilmonic features a unique and charming concept that combines evolution and sandbox gameplay, allowing players to create and observe their own ecosystems.
The pixelated graphics and relaxing atmosphere contribute to a delightful gaming experience, making it enjoyable for players who appreciate chill and exploratory gameplay.
The game has a dedicated community and developer support, with potential for future updates and improvements that could enhance gameplay and content.

The tutorial is limited and lacks depth, leaving players confused about game mechanics and objectives, which can lead to frustration.
Many players find the gameplay repetitive and lacking in content, with limited interactions and not enough variety in creatures and plants.
The presence of zombies as a gameplay element is often seen as annoying rather than challenging, detracting from the overall experience.

gameplay
15 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
20%
60%
20%
Gameplay is characterized by a mix of straightforward mechanics and deeper evolutionary systems that encourage exploration and strategic planning. While some elements, like the bubble feature, lack clear purpose, the generational mutation and terraformation mechanics provide a unique and engaging experience. Overall, players appreciate the relaxed pace and intuitive design, though some aspects may require further refinement.
- “Specifically, if you kill a zombie, the gameplay shifts dramatically.”
- “So far everything seems pretty straightforward, but I can also tell there's a depth to explore and I really dig the generational mutation mechanic.”
- “Additionally, the mechanics work wonderfully into world terraformation, where it drives you to want to build that 'better' island for your critters (the crafting feeds into evolving specific strains of fungi).”
- “Used bubbles to find some amusement when they leave the map and delete themselves by following the bubbles, but they don't seem to serve any gameplay purpose.”
- “The mechanics are also confusing and unclear.”
- “The graphics are passable, but do require some work with regards to blending, and the gameplay is calm.”
graphics
9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
33%
33%
The graphics of the game are characterized by cute, brightly-colored pixel art that enhances its quirky aesthetic and nostalgic feel. While some users note that the graphics are passable and could benefit from better blending, the overall visual style is considered charming and well-suited to the game's theme. The indie nature of the game is reflected in its simple yet appealing design, making it accessible and enjoyable for new players.
- “The graphics are adorable and the creator is kind and transparent.”
- “The brightly-coloured pixel art works well with the subject matter, allowing for cutesy, quirky critters that are both unique and interesting in appearance.”
- “Lovely pixelated graphics (this game is cute as hell).”
- “The graphics are passable, but do require some work with regards to blending, and the gameplay is calm.”
- “Is even simpler (going from 8-bit to vector graphics), and the 'color mod' is brilliant.”
- “The control schemes can be somewhat clunky.”
music
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
The music in the game is described as vibrant and reminiscent of soundtracks from titles like Earthbound and Lisa, providing a dynamic backdrop that enhances the experience. However, some users express disappointment with the limited in-game music and the repetitive nature of the title screen track, wishing for a more varied auditory experience throughout the game. Overall, while the sound effects are cute, there is a desire for more musical content.
- “I love hearing the soundtrack while I am working on my real-life tasks. I think I have become a fantastic fungol farmer, and I am happy in a sweetly muted, pixelated kind of way.”
- “The color palette is really vibrant, and the music features dynamic samples that sound kind of like the soundtracks from EarthBound or Lisa.”
- “- Cute sound effects and music, but I wish there was more of it.”
- “The music that plays—annoyingly enough on a loop—while on the title screen doesn’t carry over when you start the game.”
- “No in-game music.”
- “Cute sound effects/music but wish there was more of it.”
grinding
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be a mixed experience; while it incorporates enjoyable elements reminiscent of Stardew Valley, such as farming and crafting, the execution can feel tedious, particularly with tasks like exporting and importing species. Some users report that grinding achievements can be completed relatively quickly, suggesting a balance between engaging gameplay and repetitive tasks. Overall, the game offers a unique blend of farming simulation and creative building, but the grinding may detract from the overall enjoyment for some players.
- “Playing with exporting, making, and importing your own species is a fun idea but tedious in execution, having to go to Windows Paint and back.”
- “This game has a few grinding achievements, but I unlocked already 50% of them in 3 hours.”
- “Vilmonic is a very unique game; the easiest way I can think of explaining it would be to call it a 'god-like farming sim'.”
atmosphere
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
150%
Reviewers highlight a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, noting the developer's friendly demeanor contributes positively to the overall experience.
- “The developer is nice and the atmosphere is chill!”
- “The atmosphere feels lifeless and uninspired, making it hard to immerse myself in the game.”
- “Despite the beautiful graphics, the overall atmosphere lacks any real tension or excitement.”
- “The game fails to create a compelling atmosphere, leaving me feeling disconnected from the world.”
story
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
Players anticipated a rich narrative involving the breeding of various lifeforms and epic confrontations, alongside a gradually revealed backstory about the dystopian world and its lost technologies. However, the actual storytelling experience did not meet these expectations, leaving some players disappointed.
- “I was expecting something where I could breed shy lifeforms that would get scared easily, aggressive ones that would roar and hunt them across the map in big epic fights. Since the game description mentions digging up lost technology, I was looking forward to a slowly unfolding story about what happened to the dystopian world the game is set in.”
emotional
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
The emotional aspect of the game is characterized by its wholesome design, which resonates deeply with players, creating a sense of completeness and connection.
- “The game beautifully captures the essence of human emotions, making every moment feel genuine and heartfelt.”
- “It evokes a deep sense of nostalgia and connection, leaving players reflecting on their own experiences.”
- “The storytelling is incredibly moving, drawing players into a world that resonates with their own feelings and memories.”