| Title | Niche - A Genetics Survival Game |
| Developer(s) | Stray Fawn Studio |
| Publisher(s) | Stray Fawn Publishing, WhisperGames |
| Release Date | Sep 21, 2017 |
| Size | 318.80 MB |
| Genre | PC > Indie, Simulation, Strategy |
Niche – A Genetics Survival Game is an independently developed and published simulation/strategy game designed by Stray Fawn Studio. The game takes players on a challenging journey of evolution, where they must strategically navigate the survival of a species in a beautiful but unforgiving environment.
The Concept
In Niche, players are responsible for guiding a group of animals known as “Nichelings” through various challenges as they adapt to their ever-changing surroundings. They must manage the survival of their tribe by making strategic decisions in areas such as genetics, diet, and exploration. The ultimate goal is to create a sustainable and thriving Nicheling population.
The Gameplay
The game starts with players choosing their starting tribe, which consists of three Nichelings. Each Nicheling comes with its own unique set of genetic traits, such as fur color, horns, and paw shape. These traits play a significant role in their survival and success in the game.
Players must carefully plan breeding to produce offspring with desirable traits that will help the tribe adapt to their environment. However, inbreeding and genetic mutations can also occur and lead to unfavorable outcomes for the tribe.
Inbreeding can cause weaknesses and illnesses in the tribe members, making them more prone to death and decreasing the overall genetic diversity within the tribe. On the other hand, mutations can lead to fascinating new characteristics that may give the Nichelings an advantage in their surroundings.
Aside from genetics, players also have to manage the resources available to their tribe. This includes collecting food, exploring new territories, and avoiding dangers such as toxic substances and predators. As the tribe grows, players can also discover and unlock new genes, biomes, and challenges to keep the gameplay fresh and exciting.
The Challenges
Niche provides a variety of challenges that players must overcome to ensure their tribe’s survival. For example, harsh weather conditions, unexpected events, and diseases can all affect the tribe’s well-being, making it crucial for players to have a backup plan in case of emergencies.
The game also features permadeath, meaning that the Nichelings who die will not come back, and players must face the consequences of their actions. This adds an extra layer of difficulty and realism to the gameplay, making players consider their choices with caution.
The Art and Sound
The beautiful hand-drawn art style and soothing musical score add a serene and immersive experience to the game. The creatures are adorable and intricate, and the diverse environments make for a visually appealing journey through evolution.
The Community
Niche has an active community of players who share their experiences, tips, and fan-art through the game’s official Discord server and forums. The developers regularly interact with the community, taking feedback and suggestions to improve the game further.
Conclusion
Niche – A Genetics Survival Game is an engaging and unique simulation/strategy game that offers a challenging experience through its beautiful art, sound, and gameplay. With its emphasis on genetics and survival, the game provides an immersive and thought-provoking journey of evolution that is both fun and educational. If you are a fan of simulation games, Niche is a must-try that will keep you entertained for hours on end.
“Niche – A Genetics Survival Game is a wonderful experience that lets players create, manage, and watch the evolution of their very own species in a beautiful and hostile world.” – IGN
System Requirements
Minimum:- OS: Windows Vista®, Windows® 7, Windows® 8, Windows® 10
- Processor: 2 GHz Dual Core
- Memory: 4 GB RAM
- Graphics: nVidia® 8800 GT / AMD® 4670 or faster
- DirectX: Version 9.0c
- Storage: 2 GB available space
How to Download
- Click on the "Download" button given above. This will initiate the download process.
- The game file will be downloaded to your computer. It will be saved in the default download location set by your browser.
- Open the downloaded game file.
- A pop-up window will appear asking for permission to make changes to your device. Click "Yes" to proceed with the installation.
- The installer will open. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation process.
- Once the installation is complete, you can launch the game.