Preserve, a new tile placement game by Bitmap Galaxy, introduces players to the concept of building ecosystems through strategic placement of water, plants, and animals. Players manage their environment within a biome, ensuring every element supports another, such as bees needing flowers. The game emphasizes the interconnectedness of nature while offering an engaging puzzle-like experience.
Other reports of similar games often highlight the horizontal expansion of biomes. Preserve differentiates itself by allowing vertical expansion, adding layers to the gameplay. This feature is particularly unique compared to games like Dorfromantik and Terra Nil, which focus more on traditional tile placement and ecosystem management without the vertical aspect.
Unique Game Mechanics
Preserve’s standout feature is the ability to stack biomes vertically, creating high-altitude regions with distinct flora and fauna. This mechanic enables players to invent new ecosystems and enhances strategic depth. Additionally, players can upcycle tiles to form natural wonders like the Alps or redwood forests, adding an extra layer of complexity and creativity.
Release and Future Content
Currently in early access, Preserve offers three biomes for players to develop. Future updates promise additional puzzles, a compendium, achievements, and more biomes before the official 1.0 release. The game also includes a photo mode, allowing players to capture and share their creations with customizable time-of-day settings and sun positions.
Bitmap Galaxy’s Preserve is available on Steam for $12.50, with a 20% discount available until August 22. This pricing strategy is intended to attract early adopters and gather user feedback for forthcoming updates. The game is published by Grindstone and is designed to appeal to fans of nature-themed puzzle games.
Preserve, while providing a relaxing gameplay experience, offers significant educational value by demonstrating the symbiotic relationships within ecosystems. The vertical expansion feature not only adds a unique twist but also reflects real-world ecological diversity. The game’s future updates are anticipated to further enhance its appeal, making it a comprehensive tool for both entertainment and learning about environmental systems.