The Sapling is a short simulation game where you design your own plants and animals, and put them in a world together. Or you turn on random mutations, and see what evolution does to your ecosystem!
The game allows players to design their own distinct plants, algae, and animals using a comprehensive and intuitive editor system. Players can customize a wide variety of features, including color, body shape, and appendages, enabling them to bring their creative visions to life.
At the core of the gameplay is a deep ecosystem simulation that models the intricate relationships between different species. As players introduce their designed organisms into the game world, they can observe how the species compete, adapt, and evolve over time. The random mutation system introduces an element of unpredictability, leading to the emergence of surprising and novel species.
The game features a series of tutorial-like scenarios that progressively introduce new concepts and mechanics. These scenarios task players with building ecosystems that meet specific requirements, guiding them through the game's systems in a structured way before they dive into the open-ended sandbox mode.
The sandbox mode provides players with a free-form environment to create and observe their own unique ecosystems. This open-ended mode allows players to freely tweak environmental factors, introduce new species, and witness the long-term effects of their actions on the simulated world.
Many reviewers have commended the game for its attention to realism and the potential of its underlying simulation systems. They have drawn comparisons to beloved titles like Spore, praising the game's ability to model natural selection and evolution in an authentic and engaging manner.
While the game is currently in Early Access, players have expressed excitement for its future development and the continued support from the solo developer. Reviewers have highlighted the game's strong foundation and are eager to see how it will evolve with new features, improvements, and refinements over time.