Family Zoo: The Story vs Shelter
Family Zoo: The Story
Family Zoo: The Story is a match-3 puzzle-simulation game where you get to play match-3 levels to earn not only coins but also tickets to then use to rennovate and restore a rundown zoo in hopes of bringing it back to its former glory and save it from its terrible fate of being knocked down and replaced with a more profitable supermarket.The match-3 gameplay in this game is rather unique, giving players the option of causing a whole lot more fruity explosions than you may expect from a "standard match-3 game". In fact, by creating bombs and causing explosions, you can fill up the Color Orange meter and get yourself a free booster to use!
The zoo rennovation aspect of the game is somewhat limited though. You are restricted to choosing from a few available options and you can't really decorate your zoo yourself. Everything you add to the zoo have their own fixed positions. It would have been nice to have more freedom in customizing your own virtual zoo.
Overall though, Family Zoo: The Story is an amazing match-3 puzzle game that has some form of simulation elements in it. If you go into the game expecting more match-3 gameplay than simulation, then you'll find the game quite intriguing and fun.
Shelter
Shelter is truly a one-of-a-kind game where you'll get to play as a mother badger who's taking care of her newly-born cubs. Developed by Might and Delight, the game puts you on an exciting yet heartwarming adventure as you travel about with your cubs in tow in hopes of finding the perfect shelter to raise them. In your journey, you and your family will encounter lots of danger and it is up to you - the mama badger - to protect your cubs from harm, whether it is a raging forest fire or a bird of prey.Besides adventure, the game also comes with a second game mode called Nurture. It's a lot like a Tamagochi game where you'll need to head into the game every day (at least once) to give your cubs the stuff they need to survive and also to forge closer bonds with them.
This is one of the breakout indie games of 2013 but it's not the sort of game that will get old with age, so if you love games where you'll get to play as an animal and you enjoy a good story-adventure, then Shelter is your best bet!