Well, ain’t this cute. Bug Fables: The Everlasting Sapling got here out at present, planting a microscopic journey in a fantastical world of bugs. It’s unashamedly “a bit like the Paper Mario RPGs”, however these games by no means got here to PC and I hear the final one was a bit naff. I’ll let it slide for now. If Bug Fables manages to seize the attraction of a sequence that made a soulless plumber mascot likeable, although, we may have a family-friendly winner on our arms right here.
Bug Fables won’t look too advanced or difficult. But gosh, it’s terrible good to take a look at.
Like the paperweight games it aspires to, Bug Fables is an enthralling little light-weight RPG. It’s your customary fare, nothing too outrageous – save the kingdoms, discover the magical doodad, meet some pleasant NPCs. Job’s ’un. With a group of three critters you’d hate to search out in your bathtub at night time, you’re off to search out the eponymous sapling by the use of exploration and loads of RPG battling.
For essentially the most half, you’re doing customary JRPG stuff – assault, defend, use objects, and so forth. But Bug Fables features a sorta-realtime mechanic the place a well timed button press will typically land you a crucial hit, or enable you dodge a tough blow. Characters may also carry particular strikes into the overworld – for instance, a chilled-out wizard can create icy platforms to cross rivers, whereas a tough-as-nails beetle can burrow beneath obstacles to succeed in hidden corners.
There’s no manner round it. Bug Fables is gosh-danged lovely. Your wee band of critters is perhaps two-dimensional, however have a look at their wee faces! The world is named Bugaria. All the areas known as “The Bee Kingdom” and “Snakemouth Den”. It’s the form of daft nonsense my accomplice and I banter about after we’re manner too drained. I like it.
Bug Fables: The Everlasting Sapling is out there on Steam, Humble and Itch proper now for £15.49/€16.79/$19.99.
