Apico

{
"short": "Apico is a relaxing sandbox game that combines resource gathering, biology, and beekeeping. Players rediscover lost species, breed new bees, and repopulate islands in a colorful, endearing world.",
"long": "## Introduction\n\n*Apico* is a sandbox game that uniquely blends resource gathering, biology, and beekeeping minigames. Set in a series of lush environments, the game draws inspiration from both real-life and fantasy apiculture and floriculture. Players embark on a journey to rediscover lost bee species, cross-breed new ones, and help repopulate the islands. The game offers single-player, multiplayer, and co-operative game modes, viewed from a bird's-eye perspective.\n\n## Development & Release\n\nDeveloped by ellraiser and published by Whitethorn Games, *Apico* was released on May 20, 2022. The game's core design revolves around a unique take on farming simulation mechanics, focusing on the intricacies of beekeeping. The game emphasizes a relaxed pace, allowing players to progress at their own speed, focusing on crafting, breeding, and building within the game's world.\n\n## Gameplay & Content\n\nThe core gameplay loop involves exploring the islands, gathering resources, and engaging in various beekeeping activities. Players can breed different bee types to obtain desired traits, while also discovering new species. The game incorporates crafting and building features, allowing players to customize the islands. The world is designed to be accessible, with easy-to-learn mechanics, and it offers a calming experience. Screen Rant noted that \"those looking to learn more about bees, conservation, and genetics will likely enjoy the colorful world and endearing narrative of APICO, making it a great adventure for any player.\" Digital Chumps praises the game's soothing soundtrack and the element of surprise within the gameplay loop of beekeeping, breeding bees, and discovering bees. Pure Nintendo highlighted the beekeeping aspect and the element of science incorporated into the gameplay. For completionists, the game requires approximately 62.8 hours to fully complete.\n\n## Critical Reception\n\n*Apico* has received positive reviews. Digital Chumps states that \"it is SO easy for one to lose track of time and relax in the bee-pun filled world of APICO.\" Pure Nintendo highlighted that \"APICO might start off slow, but it becomes intriguing pretty quickly.\" Reviewers have praised the game's relaxing nature, engaging gameplay loop, and the unique combination of mechanics that set it apart from other farming simulation games.
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}