Adorable, cozy, animal-themed games are trendy these days thanks to titles like Apico (okay that’s technically an insect but close enough), Bunhouse, Calico, and Cat Café Manager – and I’m into all of it. Last June I learned about Kamaeru: A Frog Refuge, a cozy froggy farming sim that was announced for PC. I actually included it in my Not-E3 highlights for 2023. But as someone who plays almost exclusively on Nintendo Switch these days, the PC-only thing was a bummer. But wait! Today, the developer announced that the game would be launching for Nintendo Switch alongside the PC version. And Kamaeru: A Frog Refuge is still set for a mid-2024 release!
Kamaeru: A Frog Refuge is a cozy farming simulation game about collecting frogs, raising frogs, farming, and preserving nature. The preservation angle brings something informative to the table alongside adorable itty-bitty froggies. Take on the role of someone helping an old friend restore the wetlands of your childhood, transforming them into a haven for friendly frogs. Photograph and breed frogs to increase your reputation around town, decorate the refuge, and plant native crops so the area can thrive.
The game features over 1,000 frogs to feed, breed, collect, and raise. How do you attract new frogs? That’s up to the player to figure out! A breeding mini-game helps complete the collection by unlocking rare colours. When new frogs join the refuge, photograph them using an in-game camera and make note in your frogedex.
Restoring the wetlands is imperative to succeeding in your quest for frog preservation. This allows the player to support and cultivate the wetlands thanks to a process called paludiculture. (I love learning something new!) Start by digging ponds so that the wetlands become, well, wet. Plant native species and harvest crops. After that, create manufactured goods to be sold to further improve the habitat.
With new furniture (that can be painted) comes new frogs. Continue to personalise the habitat to attract new breeds. It will also attract general attention to the area, bringing new visitors.
Developed by Humble Reeds and published by Armor Games Studio, Kamaeru: A Frog Refuge will be released for PC via Steam and Nintendo Switch in mid-2024. The last estimate I read was June/July, which is right on track.
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