The Sapling
" Deep simulation with complex evolution and dynamic ecosystems but steep learning curve "
The Sapling Review
The Sapling is an evolution simulation game that has garnered mostly positive reviews, praised for its unique concept and detailed biological systems. Players enjoy the deep evolutionary mechanics that allow for the creation and observation of species evolving over thousands of years, offering a true sandbox experience for evolution enthusiasts.
While the game is celebrated for its charm and complexity, some users note a steep learning curve and occasional difficulty in keeping creatures alive. The graphics receive mixed feedback, with some finding them charmingly simple and others wishing for improvements. Performance issues and UI limitations, especially on ultrawide monitors, have been reported. The game is actively developed by a single developer, which explains some rough edges but also inspires appreciation for the ambitious scope.
Overall, The Sapling is seen as a promising and enjoyable evolution simulator that continues to improve with updates, though it still has room for refinement in gameplay depth, UI, and technical polish.
Highlights
Players praise The Sapling for its deep and realistic evolutionary simulation, allowing species to evolve over millennia with complex biological traits.
The game's unique concept and detailed biology stand out, providing a fresh take on evolution sandbox games. Many enjoy watching life adapt naturally in a dynamic ecosystem.
The simulator's charming and immersive gameplay keeps players engaged, with some spending dozens or even thousands of hours exploring its mechanics and scenarios.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include a steep initial learning curve and difficulty in sustaining life forms through generations.
Players mention UI and control issues, especially on ultrawide monitors, and a camera system that can be frustrating.
Some feel the graphics are underwhelming and the creature editor restrictive, limiting creative freedom. Additionally, performance bugs and balancing problems with tides and seasons reduce enjoyment for some users.
Pros
- • Deep and realistic evolutionary simulation with complex biological traits.
- • Unique concept that stands out among evolution sandbox games.
- • Engaging gameplay that holds players’ interest for many hours.
- • Dynamic ecosystems with natural life adaptation over millennia.
- • Detailed and immersive species development and environmental interactions.
- • Active development with frequent updates improving the game.
- • Charming and thoughtful design that appeals to evolution enthusiasts.
Cons
- • Steep learning curve can be overwhelming for new players.
- • UI issues on ultrawide monitors make the game hard to play.
- • Camera controls are unintuitive and sometimes buggy.
- • Creature editor is restrictive and limits design creativity.
- • Graphics are considered basic and could use improvement.
- • Performance issues and bugs disrupt gameplay occasionally.
- • Balancing problems with tides and seasons affect ecosystem stability.
Rating Criteria
The Sapling is a short simulation game where you design your own plants and animals, and put them in a world together. Or you turn on random mutations, and see what evolution does to your ecosystem!