Eco-Creatures: Save the Forest

 DS
Metascore
55

Mixed or average reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 13
  3. Negative: 2 out of 13
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  1. Nintendo Gamer
    76
    Although not quite as challenging as it could have been, there is still much fun to be had in this quaint little forestry world. [June 2008, p.55]
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  2. Cheat Code Central
    76
    The eco-friendly message and cute, cushy exterior make this game an easy-sell to parents wanting to hook their kids up with something a little more wholesome than your average beat'em up, but Eco-Creatures: Save the Forest packs enough substance to hold up under the scrutiny of those whose gaming tastes lean towards the more mature end of the spectrum.
  3. Pocket Gamer UK
    60
    Fun, but flawed, if you're looking for some strategy for younger DS players, you could do a lot worse than Ecolis.
  5. Da Gameboyz
    60
    Although Eco-Creatures: Save the Forest is an RTS game, it is definitely not aimed at those who are hardcore into the genre.
  6. GamePro
    60
    If not for the wretched controls, it would be a perfect first-time RTS game for the younger crowd. As it stands though, it's too frustrating for both veterans and beginners.
  7. Games Master UK
    58
    The cutesy graphics fail to mask this RTS's frustrating controls. [Sept 2008, p.78]
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  8. PTGamers
    55
    Ecolis isn't a bad game… it just isn't fun, and the awkward controls make it difficult to enjoy.
  9. IGN
    55
    The clunky controls, slowdown, and useless multiplayer pollute an otherwise clean title. Saving the forest is a worthy endeavor, but gamers are better off just saving the green in their wallets.
  10. Game Chronicles
    55
    With all the cute animals and characters I really enjoyed this game.
  11. GameSpot
    50
    This real-time strategy game's cute visuals belie a mostly frustrating experience with poor controls.
  12. GamesRadar+
    50
    Eco-Creatures has a good core theme, cute characters, an interesting level editor and an hour or two of fun in it. Otherwise, its muddled approach to real-time strategy and mixed messages make it a gimmicky game that doesn’t quite succeed the way it was intended.
  13. Edge Magazine
    40
    It all feels like a bit of a hassle, and that, presumably, is not the message the WWF would like to convey about saving the environment. [May 2008, p.98]
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  14. Game Informer
    30
    A description of Eco-Creature’s controls could easily read like a manual on how not to design an RTS.

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User Score
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No user score yet- Awaiting 2 more ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. ThunderBrine
    Apr 19, 2022
    8
    Gameplay: This Nintendo DS game is a strategy game akin to Pikmin, where you micromanage groups of creatures into battle. You can control upGameplay: This Nintendo DS game is a strategy game akin to Pikmin, where you micromanage groups of creatures into battle. You can control up to 15 types of creatures split into 3 key groups. The player can utilize spells to interact with the world easier.
    Controls: The controls are fine. You move with the d-pad (or stick), however, the player travels at a fixed speed. Personally, I was fine with the player character's speed, but If the player feels that the game is too sluggish, then that is an unfortunate experience.
    Story: Man vs Nature, and we are taking nature's side. The game revolves around stopping imperial mechanical forces from performing deforestation, pollution, harmful industrialization, and in a way, colonialization of the main character's kind. It's a simple story that children can latch onto quickly and get wrapped up in.
    Characters: Dorian, the orange-colored durian creature that acts as a fledgling mage and tamer of wood spirits. He comes off as naive, weak, and brave at the start, but will quickly develop in the story into a strong, dependable lad as he is forced into the situations he's in.
    Music: There is not much music, but it's all used quite well. The main stage theme comes off as heroic and epic, matching Dorian's brave nature. There will also be music that plays at certain events, and when those tracks play, it certainly is a treat.
    Art Style: The art style of the game is simplistic. It relies on 3D models for the big creatures in the game (player and bosses), and will use 2D sprites for the wood spirits. You can have up to 90 wood spirits on screen, so using sprites instead of models full of polygons was the optimal strategy for the time.
    Replay Value: Personally, I don't like replaying games, and just keep playing them. But if you want to go through the stages again, then they are still fun.
    Accessibility: Again, the story and gameplay are easy to understand, and the premise is good vs bad, so it's easy to pick up and start and have an instant enjoyable time
    Graphics: A product of its time, the 3D models have not aged well, but the 2D cartoony sprite work is great. The minimum potential of cartoony sprite work can only go so low, and this game is well done.    … Full Review »
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