Loddlenaut
Released: 11/16/2023
Score Breakdown
78.8
Critic Average
12 reviews
98
Steam User Score
5,328 reviews
N/A
Metacritic User Score
Disparity Breakdown
79 vs 98
Average of both sources
Review Disparities
Each point represents a critic review. Hover for details. Positive = critic higher than users. Negative = critic lower.
10/2/2024
Late Review“Loddlenaut is so perfectly simple, relaxing, and beautiful that I can't help but want to dive straight back into the planet of GUP-14 to breathe life into it all over again. Its gameplay is satisfying and grants the player enough control to not bring down the pace in bogging down the mechanics; it never overstays its welcome but provides a plentiful amount of stress relief and fun to stand out in the indie world. With its gorgeous graphics and style, I hope I can venture across space again with Moon Lagoon to clean up its planets.”
90
90/100
9/27/2024
Late Review“Loddlenauts is one of those satisfying games that balances a clear and important message with fun gameplay and a population of adorable creatures that it is all too easy to become deeply attached to.”
90
90/100
9/23/2024
Late Review“The striking aesthetic of Loddlenaut's 3D world pulled me in and its gameplay kept me immersed in its impressively deep waters. Superb!”
80
80/100
9/18/2024
Late Review“Loddlenaut is sort of a job sim where the job in question feels futile. Cleaned places need re-cleaning, fed loddles need re-feeding. Given that the project at hand is to purify a mega-corp-abused ocean, it's quite a downer that the game feels so unwinnable – but maybe that's the point, in a melancholy kind of way. In any case, if you don't overthink it, the environment is calm, the loddles are cute and the execution leaves few irritations. If this is a PowerWasher's fever dream, then it would be a shame to wake up.”
80
80/100
1/4/2024
Launch Window“If you go into Loddlenaut expecting anything in the way of stakes or drama or a challenge, you’ll probably be underwhelmed. But if you just want a relaxing, chill game that you can escape into for a couple of hours, it’s hard to think of a nicer, more pleasant way to pass the time.”
85
85/100
11/16/2023
Launch Window“It's a very short and simple experience, as the Steam page suggests, but it's definitely worth the time if you like the idea of cleaning an alien ocean to help the fishies out.”
65
65/100
11/16/2023
Launch Window“Loddlenaut is a relaxing survival-lite title which offers up a satisfying gameplay loop with a beautiful and important message at its core.”
80
80/100
11/16/2023
Launch Window“There’s very little to dislike about Loddlenaut. It ticks all the boxes of an ideal cozy game, with adorable companions, a calming atmosphere, and uncomplicated mechanics. You’ll be zapping away goop and caring for Loddles during this roughly 4-5 hour clean-up adventure, making it a great game to curl up with on a lazy afternoon. Its only downsides are its upgrade limitations and bare-bones story, which could have seen this little indie float to the top. Despite this, if you’re looking for your next wholesome game, and one with an ever-important message, you and Loddlenaut will get along swimmingly.”
80
80/100
11/16/2023
Launch Window“Loddlenaut invites us to remove pollution from an oceanic planet in a relaxing experience. Simple mechanics make underwater cleaning enjoyable and meditative, and it's rewarding to see nature reappearing due to our efforts. A captivating atmosphere with colorful visuals, a soft soundtrack and lots of pet fish make the adventure even more enchanting. For those looking for a few hours of uncomplicated relaxation, Loddlenaut and its ocean cleansing are a great option.”
75
75/100
11/16/2023
Launch Window“While Loddlenaut failed to make me care about its cute fish in the long run, it ultimately delivered a poignant, memorable message, while also delivering on its promise of cozy underwater cleaning gameplay.”
60
60/100
11/16/2023
Launch Window“Cute, joyous and packing in an important message to boot, I adore Loddlenaut. This is the epitome of relaxing, stress-free gaming, with the only thing you need to worry about being keeping your oxygen topped up. Cleaning up the oceans is fulfilling in a way that few video games are – and getting to interact with the adorable loddles is simply a bonus you’re going to want to keep coming back for.”
80
80/100
11/16/2023
Launch Window“Loddlenaut is a beautiful gem to add to your collection if you’re into exploration and foraging. With no gameplay clutter, you can get right to do what you want, and with a cozy post-game, you can keep going as long as you like. Combat-free, stress-free, and super cute, there’s no wonder this game is already getting awards in the wholesome indie market. It isn’t everything, but everything it is is admirable. Dive into it for yourself!”
80
80/100
