Happy Monday!
Over the weekend I had a fun and relaxing time playing the demo of Loddlenaut on my Steam Deck. I remember hearing this game featured on Nintendo's Indie World showcase some time ago and I finally had a chance to sit down and play. Just as I suspected... I enjoy!
Loddlenaut is a cozy underwater survival game that takes place on an ocean planet. You play as an interstellar custodian who is sent to clean up the pollution left behind by a mysterious corporation and befriend some cute creatures along the way. [Source] This is where the game gets its name from, little alien axolotl creatures. I think it's cool how this small game dev team in Texas, Moon Lagoon, originated this game design as a college thesis project.
I haven't uncovered the lore of this game, but I suspect something is there. Why is this ocean planet so covered in grime and pollution? What exactly is this GUPPI corporation up to? I'm not sure if there's a story there but in the demo, it definitely alludes to something. I also think the caretaking of the loddles is super cute and I can't wait to see what else is in store for that aspect of the game, once I grab the full version.
For the most part Loddlenaut is therapeutic, grabbing all the stray bottles, cans and trash while blasting the plant-life clean. There are menus within the game to see your tasks and a percentage counter for each biome, so you know when the job is done. Keeping track of my oxygen levels and trying not to die on the job is a constant task, but honestly that is the only level of challenge you'll face in this game. There is a map that indicates each biome area, but not a full map of the biome that you are currently in. You'll need to use your landmark mapping skills to remember where you are and find your way back to an air source. There are equipment upgrades that you'll craft with your recycled trash though, that will help with that.
My only drawback was the odd button mapping for ascending upward and descending downward as you swim, but I'm hoping this can be changed on Steam Deck with the full game version. I knew I'd enjoy this, so I snagged it while it was on sale from the Steam Game marketplace. It retails for $19.99 USD but I got it for $9.99 USD. This game is also available on Nintendo Switch E-Shop for purchase.
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