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Review of Paleo Pines on Xbox Series X|S

by Chucky Chucky photo Sep 2023
Cover image of Paleo Pines on Xbox Series X/S
Gamefings Score: 7
Released: 26 Sep 2023
Genre: Life Simulation/Farm Life Sim
Developer: Italic Pig
Publisher: Modus Games

Introduction

If you've ever wondered what it would be like to raise dinosaurs on a farm while politely ignoring the fact that humanity went extinct 65 million years ago, then *Paleo Pines* might over deliver on that fantasy. Welcome to a delightful and absurd world where the only thing larger than your vegetable patch is the dinosaur that just stomped through it. Yes, you read that right - farming and towering reptiles, together at last! Grab your controller, pretend you know how to plant potatoes, and let's dig into this prehistoric petting zoo.

Gameplay

In *Paleo Pines*, you don't just plant carrots and watch them grow like a responsible farmer. Oh no, you're given the delightful and utterly convincing responsibility of caring for dinosaurs while also charming the locals - who, for some inexplicable reason, tolerate creatures that could swallow a cow whole. You'll collect a smorgasbord of dino species and their feathered associates (because feathers are what cool dinos wear these days, apparently). Your trusty sidekick, Lucky the Parasaurolophus (try saying that three times fast), will accompany you on your quest to befriend both flora and fauna. You will spend your days digging for dino bones, feeding them, and attempting to make them do tricks - because who needs a puppy when you can teach a T-Rex to fetch? Not only must you keep those prehistoric pals happy, but you'll also have to engage with the colorful townspeople. Befriend them for help, trade goodies, and take part in equally colorful quests, all while sidestepping their questionable design choices that make every character look like they just wandered out of a thrift shop in the '90s. If you're looking for action-packed dinosaurs battling each other, you might want to adjust your expectations because *Paleo Pines* is less Jurassic World and more *Jurassic Weekend Chill-Out Session*.

Graphics

Visually, *Paleo Pines* is a feast for the eyes, albeit one that tastes a little like cotton candy - sweet, colorful, and fleeting. Picture this: vibrant sunrises that could make a Monet weep, seamlessly blending with a world that sometimes looks like it was made in a weekend art class. The game's art style expertly merges the cute and the quirky, animating a world inhabited by charming dinosaurs that come off as more cuddly than terrifying (one wishes their 7-ton weight included a hug option). The character designs, however, are an acquired taste. Some of the townsfolk look like they've just returned from a retro convention that you never wanted to attend. Still, the overall aesthetic gives you just enough eye candy to keep you engaged (and keep you from promptly switching to TikTok).

Conclusion

In conclusion, *Paleo Pines* is the proverbial carrot stick in the huge salad bowl of life simulation games, mixing in just the right touch of absurdity with its dinosaur farming mechanics. A charming mix that can feel a bit undercooked here and there, it may not satisfy the most hardcore farming sim fans. However, if your idea of a good time involves planting crops alongside your new dinosaur buddies and you're not too picky about the character designs, prepare for a cozy yet quirky escapade. It falls slightly short of becoming the next *Stardew Valley*, but it has enough charm to keep the chill vibes rolling. So, if your friend is trying to convince you this game is the next *Animal Crossing*, just shrug, grab a controller, and dive into the delightful chaos of raising dinosaurs - because frankly, in the end, who can say no to giant lizards and potatoes?

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