Preserve is a beautiful game that helps you unwind and relax. You’ll lose yourself in its relaxed audio, soft colour palette, and varied environments. Moreover, there are several game modes to get your teeth into. Consequently, though it is conceptually simple, it tests your grey matter and keeps you coming back for more.
This puzzle world builder was developed by Bitmap Galaxy and published by Grindstone. It is a single-player game that features a free-moving camera. Moreover, it has a strict set of mechanics that must be understood if you wish to succeed.
Preserve smacks you with its moral compass.
The world is a mess, and creatures are dying. Habitats are being destroyed, and everything is failing as a consequence. Luckily, Preserve does its best to highlight this plight. Each biome is unique with its own animals and vegetation. As you construct the world, you must consider where everything can be placed.
If you get things wrong, you will struggle to expand your world and help every creature. However, if you get things right, each biome springs to life with different thriving habitats. This wonderful puzzle element requires a tactical mindset and a bit of luck. As such, some trial and error goes a long way.
Keep expanding.
As the world expands, you must focus on balance and bonuses. Rivers and other unique items enhance your score. Additionally, combining different animals in their favourite habitat maximises your output. As such, you must evolve and be flexible as the game progresses.
Alongside the core harmony game mode is a puzzle option, creative mode and photo mode. Though I didn’t experiment with the latter 2, I can see them being popular with creative gamers. Alternatively, if you love the freedom to design, this is the perfect mode for you.
Preserve is pretty as a picture.
Preserve delivers an array of biomes to delight. A savanna, an alpine forest, a reef, and more await. Each has a striking and unusual look that is easy to the eye. Furthermore, every habitat is colourful and I loved the detail on each card. As you expand the world, you must build outward and upward. Mountains, pools, and craggy rocks form new homes for plants and trees. This 3D world is a joy to create and better to look at.
The audio is a blend of delightfully calm songs. Each location has a matching sound that brings it to life. This eye for detail makes Preserve just a little more magical.
Easy controls.
Learning the control system is simple. However, mastering the mechanics isn’t as straightforward. Preserve took me a while to understand. Furthermore, the puzzle mode can be challenging if you try to maximise the harmony of each habitat. As such, you’ll need some time to follow the tutorial and gather your thoughts.
3 playable options and a camera mode enhance the replay value and longevity. Though this slow-packed affair may not be everyone’s cup of tea, I enjoyed the change of pace. Moreover, creating a dreamy habitat with no limitations was a joy.
Preserve is a pleasant indie game.
I love it when a game takes me by surprise. Preserve wasn’t a game on my radar, and I think many people will have missed it. This is a shame, as I like the unique concept. Additionally, the beautiful graphics and warm audio enhance the end product. Accordingly, I like it and recommend buying it here! Can you rebuild every biome? Plan ahead, expand the world, and hope for a little luck.
