Loddlenaut

Developer: Moon Lagoon
Release: Nov 16th 2023
Platforms:
Adventure
Casual
Indie
Relaxing
Cute
Addictive
Short
Pricey
Loddlenaut Poster

Loddlenaut Review

Loddlenaut is a charming and relaxing game centered around cleaning polluted underwater environments and collecting adorable creatures called Loddles. Players appreciate its calm, straightforward gameplay that combines exploration, environmental restoration, and creature management. The game features a pixelated art style with cute animations and a soothing soundtrack, providing a cozy atmosphere perfect for casual play sessions.

The gameplay loop involves cleaning ocean chasms, breeding and evolving Loddles, and upgrading tools, delivering a satisfying and cathartic experience. While the story is minimal, it adds enough context to keep players engaged. Most players complete the game within 6 to 9 hours, with some wishing for more content or a sandbox mode for extended play. The game is highly recommended for those seeking an easy-going, wholesome experience without complex mechanics or high difficulty.

Highlights

Players praise Loddlenaut for its adorable creature designs and relaxing, satisfying cleaning mechanics. The pixel art graphics and smooth animations create a visually pleasing underwater world. The soundtrack is frequently highlighted as a strong point, enhancing the cozy vibe. The game’s balance of casual gameplay and creature collection appeals to fans of similar titles, making it a delightful experience for chill gaming sessions. Its simple, intuitive mechanics and moderate length make it accessible and enjoyable for a wide audience.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include the game’s relatively short length and limited content, with some players desiring additional regions or a sandbox mode for more replayability. Certain quality-of-life improvements, such as clearer guidance on creature evolution and better interface elements, are also requested. A few players noted that cleaned areas can become polluted again, which detracts from a sense of lasting progress. Additionally, the pixelated art style may cause eye strain for some, and there are no in-game settings to mitigate motion sickness for sensitive players. The price point is considered high by some, especially outside of sales.

Pros

  • Adorable Loddle creatures with charming designs and animations.
  • Relaxing and satisfying ocean cleaning gameplay loop.
  • Cozy pixel art style with vibrant underwater environments.
  • Engaging soundtrack that complements the peaceful atmosphere.
  • Accessible and straightforward mechanics suitable for casual players.
  • Creature breeding and evolution add depth to gameplay.
  • Well-paced progression without overwhelming complexity.

Cons

  • Game length is short, leading to limited replay value.
  • Lack of sandbox mode or extended content for endgame.
  • Cleaned areas can become polluted again, reducing progress feeling.
  • Some quality-of-life features and guidance are missing.
  • Pixel art style may cause eye strain for some players.
  • No in-game settings to help with motion sickness issues.
  • Price considered high relative to content volume by some.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

Play as an interstellar custodian sent to clean up a polluted ocean planet. Pick up trash, explore the vibrant waters, and take care of axolotl-like alien creatures!

Release Date Nov 16th 2023
Publisher Secret Mode
Developer Moon Lagoon
Platforms

User Reviews

Overwhelmingly Positive (2,215)
99% Positive 1% Negative

Online Reviews

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Metacritic
77