Design an ecosystem and watch your creatures evolve through millions of years by means of natural selection. See them fight for survival and produce offspring which share their genes… occasionally mutating to form monstrosities! What will your creature’s final-stage of evolution be?
Gameplay
The gameplay loop centers around the player's role as an observer and designer of a dynamic ecosystem, showcasing the intricate process of evolution through natural selection, genetic inheritance, and occasional mutations. The key elements are as follows:- Ecosystem Design: Players start by designing the initial creatures within the ecosystem. They have the ability to determine various traits, attributes, and characteristics of these creatures, essentially setting the foundation for the evolution process.
- Natural Selection: Once the creatures are introduced to the ecosystem, they engage in a struggle for survival. Environmental factors, limited resources, and interactions with other creatures shape the challenges they face. Some creatures will be better adapted to their environment, increasing their chances of survival and reproduction.
- Reproduction: Successful creatures reproduce and pass on their genetic traits to their offspring. Players can observe the process of reproduction and see how different combinations of traits lead to variations in the offspring's abilities and characteristics.
- Mutation: Occasionally, random mutations occur during the reproduction process, leading to new traits or attributes. These mutations can result in unexpected changes, which might lead to beneficial adaptations or even the development of "monstrosities" with unique characteristics.
- Observation and Exploration: Players can observe how their creatures interact with each other and their environment. Over time, they can explore the changing dynamics of the ecosystem as creatures with advantageous traits thrive and pass on their genes.
- Evolution: As time progresses, the ecosystem evolves in response to the interactions between creatures and their environment. Players witness the gradual shifts in species composition and the emergence of new traits that enhance survival. The goal of the game is to guide the creatures through millions of years of evolution and witness what they ultimately become in their final stages of development. Players can see how their design choices and the forces of natural selection have shaped the creatures' destinies.
The creation tool consists of three different modes:
- BUILD: Customize the shape of your creature by manipulating its spine and attaching transformable body parts. Altering your creature then changes its statistics (e.g., weight, speed, health etc.) and attaching certain body parts gives it special abilities (e.g., flying, swimming, biting etc.).
- PAINT: Change the color of your creature’s body and attached body parts, as well as the pattern and texture of your creature’s skin.
- EVOLVE: Place your creations in the simulation — they will procedurally animate to adapt to their environment.
