Shelter

The main pros of the game

• Emotional Depth: The game effectively evokes strong emotions, allowing players to experience the hardships of nurturing and protecting cubs in a harsh environment. Many players felt a deep connection to the mother-badger role and the sense of loss when cubs are harmed.
• Art Style: The watercolor and textured visual style is widely praised for its beauty, creating an evocative and immersive atmosphere that enhances the emotional experience.
• Soundtrack: The minimal yet impactful soundtrack complements the game’s themes, adding to the overall emotional resonance of the gameplay.
• Unique Concept: Players appreciate the originality of playing as a badger, experiencing survival instincts in a natural and often cruel world, which is a refreshing change from traditional gaming narratives.

The main cons of the game

• Short Gameplay Duration: Many reviews mention the game’s brevity, with completion times averaging around 1 hour, which makes the price point of $14.99 feel excessive.
• Linear and Scripted Design: The gameplay is described as linear and lacking in variety, leading some to feel it resembles a tech demo rather than a fully developed game.
• Lack of Clarity: Players noted that the minimal HUD and absence of clear instructions can lead to confusion about objectives and mechanics, making it difficult to navigate certain challenges.
• Bugs and Technical Issues: Several reviews highlight bugs that affect gameplay, such as cubs getting stuck or not responding properly, which detracts from the overall experience.

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

• Gameplay Mechanics: Players expressed a desire for more complex mechanics, such as the ability to dig burrows or have more meaningful choices regarding which cubs to feed.
• Guidance and Instructions: Many felt that the game could benefit from clearer instructions or tutorials to help players understand the mechanics and objectives better.
• Replay Value: Some users mentioned that the game lacks significant replay value, indicating that once completed, there isn’t much incentive to play again.
• Save Functionality: The absence of a save feature was noted, making it frustrating for players who may want to resume their journey after a break.

Summary

• Overall, while "Shelter" is praised for its emotional storytelling, beautiful art, and unique perspective, it faces criticism for its short length, linear gameplay, and technical issues. Players recommend it for its artistic and emotional qualities, but some suggest waiting for a sale due to its high price relative to its content.

Summary generated on: October 29, 2025