Preserve

Game Title: Preserve
Released: May 15, 2025
Game Length: N/A
Grade: A-

 Gameplay

Tile System: There was a review that stated this game was Terrascape but with animals. The two games are perhaps only similar in the way that you are looking to gain points by carefully choosing which cards to play and where. In fact, its features are probably more similar to Dorfromantik or Panorama. The concept is rather simple in nature. You place down a section of tiles, pair habitats with landscape cards, and attach animal cards as the length of those areas grow. You gain more tiles as you reach certain milestones in points. One point is awarded for each tile you rain upon or increase a habitat. Three points are awarded for groups of three. 

Bonuses: The trick is to obtain habitats large enough to hold three animals. You gain 10 points per animal placed, 30 points for three of the same animal, and 60 points for three different animals. Since you gain cards that can pull animals off a certain habitat or retract other things played on tiles, there isn't really a reason to avoid placing down any animals you might have available in your hand. Bigger bonuses come after certain conditions are reached such as a waterwheel when a river extends 15 tiles or wonders after habitats reach 15 or more tiles. Depending on the circumstances, you may need to exchange 18 cards from one type of habitat to obtain one wonder card. You may choose to exchange 3 of the same card for 1 from the same type of card.

Biomes: You can choose to progress through the campaign as they continue to unlock more features or challenge yourself by learning how to gain the most points possible in different scenarios. While the first biome mostly caters to the traditional requirements of changing the environment with rain cards, the second biome adds another step with yellow grass. The water biome adds oxygen-based habitats and more concerns over the elevation in or out of water. The last biome pretty much removes rain entirely as it raises or even lowers the elevation with new types of cards. All of these diversify the game just enough to experience something new or fresh. 

Summary

Review: Preserve is a rather relaxing game where you build habitats in various biomes with very little to worry about in the terms of gameplay. You can always undo a move, change something you might have done in the past, and automatically save your game if you don't have enough time to finish a session. You can continue building on something after you have reached the final milestone to complete achievements. For those looking for a challenge, there is a large number of levels where you can put your smarts to the test. All in all, the game is a decent distraction from the norm.