Welcome to EXPlay, (Explain & Play) the review series where we care not for scores but tell it how it is when it comes to every game we get our hands on, whilst also taking the time to include some lengthy gameplay, to give you the reader, the chance to shape your own impressions and views whilst watching and reading.
In this explanatory review, we’re covering Kamaeru: A Frog Refuge by developer Humble Reeds:
Kamaeru: A Frog Refuge: (The Explanation)
In Kamaeru: A Frog Refuge, you step into the shoes of Cleo, a young woman looking to escape the hustle and bustle of her desk job by returning to her childhood home. Cleo’s friend, Axel, has been hard at work building a frog sanctuary nearby, and it’s up to you to help restore it to its former glory.Â
The sanctuary starts out run-down and empty, but as you progress, you’ll meet new characters and slowly bring it to life. The story is simple yet charming, focusing on relaxation and the joy of creating a safe haven for frogs.
Kamaeru’s art style is delightful, filled with adorable frogs and charming froggy furniture. The game’s visual design perfectly complements its cozy atmosphere, making every moment spent decorating and expanding the sanctuary a pleasure.Â
The wetlands area is the first of three biomes you can unlock, each offering a variety of decorative items and plants. The game’s vibrant and colorful environments are a joy to explore, adding to the overall relaxing experience.
The gameplay in Kamaeru: A Frog Refuge is straightforward and easy to pick up, making it perfect for fans of casual, cozy games. Your main goal is to attract frogs to the sanctuary by putting out their favorite items and feeding them. You can also breed frogs to create new types and raise money by harvesting plants and creating products like jam to sell. While collecting frogs is relatively easy and doesn’t require meeting strict criteria, the game boasts over 500 types of frogs, providing plenty of content for those who enjoy collecting.
Decorating the sanctuary is one of the game’s highlights. Starting with the wetlands, you can expand and unlock two more biomes, each with its own unique items and decorations. As you progress, you’ll meet new characters like Djena and Annabelle, who contribute to the sanctuary in different ways. Djena helps create new furniture pieces, while Annabelle assists with the breeding mini-game, which, although a bit confusing, adds depth to the gameplay.
Overall, Kamaeru: A Frog Refuge offers a charming and relaxing experience. While some gameplay mechanics can be repetitive and the breeding mini-game may seem unnecessary, the game’s adorable art style and cozy atmosphere make up for it. Decorating the sanctuary with froggy furniture and meeting new characters adds to the fun, even if the story could use a bit more depth. If you’re looking for a chill, enjoyable game to unwind with, Kamaeru: A Frog Refuge is a great choice, especially for those who love frogs and casual farming sims.
Kamaeru: A Frog Refuge is a lovely, simplistic game that allows players to relax and enjoy creating a sanctuary for frogs. While the gameplay may become repetitive after a while, it’s still a fun and charming experience for those looking for something cozy. Whether you’re breeding new frog species or decorating your sanctuary, Kamaeru: A Frog Refuge is sure to bring a smile to your face with its delightful froggy friends.
Kamaeru: A Frog Refuge:Â (The Gameplay)
Game Specifications:
Developer: Humble Reeds
Publisher: Armor Game Studios
Platform: Nintendo Switch (eShop)
Category:Â Adventure, Puzzle
No. of Players: 1 (Single System)
Release Date: June 8, 2024
Price: $19.99
File Size: 468 MB
Nintendo.com Listing
