Shelter 3

The main pros of the game

• Art Style and Graphics: The game maintains the beautiful and unique art style characteristic of the Shelter series, which many players appreciate.
• Atmosphere and Soundtrack: Reviewers have noted that the atmosphere is immersive and complemented by a fitting musical score.
• Exploration and Multiple Paths: The game offers branching paths and encourages exploration, which can lead to different experiences in subsequent playthroughs.
• Story Themes: Some players found the story meaningful and touching, capturing the essence of elephant family dynamics and survival.

The main cons of the game

• Slow Gameplay: The pacing is described as glacial, with many players finding the slow movement frustrating, especially when trying to manage the herd's hunger and navigate the environment.
• Lack of Emotional Connection: Several reviews mention that players do not feel as connected to the herd or calves compared to previous games in the series, diminishing the emotional stakes.
• Bugs and Technical Issues: There are numerous reports of bugs that affect gameplay, such as herd members refusing to eat, which can lead to frustration and loss of herd members.
• Short Playtime: Many players completed the game in under two hours, leading to complaints about the price-to-content ratio.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

• More Gameplay Mechanics: Players feel the game lacks additional actions or interactions with the herd, which could enhance the experience.
• Clearer Navigation: Several reviews mention difficulty in navigating the environment and unclear paths, making it challenging to progress.
• Increased Stakes and Threats: Compared to previous entries, the game is perceived to have lower stakes and fewer significant threats, making the gameplay feel less intense and engaging.
• Nurturing and Care Mechanics: The nurturing aspect of caring for the herd is seen as less impactful, with many players wishing for a more robust system similar to earlier games in the series.

Summary

• In summary, while Shelter 3 has its artistic merits and attempts to provide a unique experience, it suffers from pacing issues, technical problems, and a lack of emotional depth compared to its predecessors, leading to mixed reviews from players.

Summary generated on: November 23, 2025