User:Tanscan27/Niche (video game)

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Niche (Title)

Niche is a turn-based and extremely strategic genetics simulation game that main objective is for the gamer to build a tribe of animals. which can grow, adapt, and thrive for as long as possible within the game without starving or succumbing to their game environment. Players are able to use genetic selection and specific breeding to create their own species of animal and develop new species of animals that are easily able to adapt as they raise their species and attempt to strengthen each generation. There are struggles throughout the game which the players will need to find effective ways to overcome, such as climate change, disease, illness, and injury, all while doing their best to feed their tribes and ultimately build upon the generations that they help continue to thrive .

Gameplay[edit]

The game starts off with the player choosing story mode, a quick how-to tutorial or sandbox mode, where the player chooses their animals and terrain for their tribes and environment and a short cut-scene of a tribe of nichelings living on an island. A large bird takes a child niche and tries to fly off with him but he falls onto a random island. This starts off the game by playing as a nicheling named Adam and the tutorial level. Animals only live about 25 in game plays and if your animal goes extinct, you lose the game.

Game Mechanics

Niche's game mechanics were inspired by population genetics and effectively provide what is considered a fairly realistic genetic gaming experience. Animals can perish due to illness, injury, and even old age, so learning what will help them thrive with consideration to their living environment is key to not only building a solid tribe, but winning the game as well. Niche simulates over 100 genes, houses 4 different biomes with each having their very own predators, plants, and prey. Within the 100 available genes, there are characteristic options which a player can choose in order to realistically develop their own animal species, some of which detail physical characteristics, disease immunity, fertility, and overall dexterity There are additional genetic options available as the gamer unlocks and utilizes new environments and events ingame.

Reception[edit]

Critics at Metascore found the game to be a charismatic infusion of simulation and creative freedom that is strategy-based and fun. Users enjoy the ability to create and develop their own animal tribes while finding ways to best grow their numbers and ultimately keep their tribes thriving. This is a brain game that takes a fun look at serious topics like climate change and disease spread and bases much of its content on real genetic researching. It's a great game that makes using your brain for conservation fun and environmentally smart.

This game, though thought-provoking, has not found favor with every game player. Zachary Miller, an Associate Editor with Nintendo World Report, states that the game seems geared more towards science and learning than about gaming at all. Miller likens this genetics driven game to "North Star Games" "Evolution" tabletop game, and wonders where the creative charm is, and notes that the format is clearly developed for PC play and not handheld action because of the many "mouse over" prompts that are filtered into the menu. In a nutshell, MIller finds the game to be generic in totality and fairly uninteresting.

References

Bristol, Jenny. "Niche - a Genetics Survival Game Review for Teachers." Common Sense Education. Common Sense Education, 22 Apr. 2020. Web. 06 May 2021.

1. "Niche: a genetics survival game". Metacritic. Retrieved 2021-04-23.
2. "Niche Review - Review". Nintendo World Report. Retrieved 2021-04-24.