Honestly, I'd prefer to rate this one a 2/5 on account of how little of it landed right, but in trying to be objective I'll break the 3 stars down: 1/5 - the game works, I haven't experienced any technical issues, the menus work and the UI is responsive 2/5 - there is a game to play through here. A lot of characters to meet, and events to take part in. All eventually ends in only half a story being told, but setting many foundations for a beautiful small world nonetheless. 3/5 - the art is coherent and sticks to clear style, if nothing else, this game sure looks fine. Knocking back two stars because the story just isn't all there, and it has negative impact on gameplay. Even the foundation of the story has cracks in it, and many events are lacking coherent through line. Sense of urgency is created and lost, dangers and character motivation are confusing, and many questions are left frustatingly unanswered in a clear sequel bait. The world bounces in scale along with the stakes, and in all that incoherency the classic feeling of "what do I do? why?" crept in more than once. While I won't spoil the ending, it pulls a sharp turn that unfortunately is so removed from the idyllic little critter town that I was suffering whiplash all the way until the credits rolled. I don't recommend this game at all, but it does do some things right. Exhaust other options before giving this one a shot.
