Game: Little Mouse’s Encyclopedia
Genre: Puzzle, Adventure, Education
System: Nintendo Switch (also on Steam, (Windows, macOS & Linux) Xbox, iOS & Android)
Developers | Publishers: Circus Atos | RedDeerGames
Age Rating: US Everyone | EU 3+
Price: US $12.99 | UK £11.69 | EU €12,99
Release Date: April 23rd, 2021
Review code used, with many thanks to Keymailer.
Though LadiesGamers pays attention to indie games, we also look out for good family-friendly games to play. Parents who aren’t gamers often check out our Best of Children games articles to get ideas on what game is suitable for their child.
Child-friendly and Educational
Little Mouse’s Encyclopedia is a very child-friendly educational game that is easy-going and sweet. Aimed at younger early school-age children. The game is almost a successor to the developer’s other title, Under Leaves, which I have played too.
The game makes learning fun in an interactive nature class. You control the little mouse around the environment, from the burrow, forest, pond and to the garden.
Easy Controls
There are only two button prompts to deal with in the Little Mouse’s Encyclopedia. The mouse moves close to the point of interest, be it a creature or flora and fauna. If it’s a creature present, and you press the button to use the magnifying glass, the creature will animate adorably. In addition, pressing the other button will bring up an information card detailing its name, display a picture that points out parts of its body, some other fun facts, and additional illustrations.
Beyond these two actions and having Little Mouse wander around, there is no actual gameplay. I completed it in less than an hour. The game’s length is not a criticism, as the game’s target audience is many years younger than I am, and they don’t usually have a long attention span.
No Storyline
There isnt a storyline in the game, and Little Mouse’s Encyclopedia doesn’t expand on the story behind its lead character, the mouse. A little back lore on the mouse would have been excellent, especially to flesh the game out. Unfortunately, considering its price point in the eShop, you don’t get a lot of playtime ot content for your cash.
The encyclopaedia facts about animals and plants will be fascinating for children, some they will find amusing. I researched some of the encyclopaedia facts myself to see how accurate they are and didn’t find much misinformation. However, I imagine a parent and young child getting a few minutes of fun out of the game.
Visuals and Sounds
The game is visually gorgeous, with hand-drawn illustrations similar to paper cutouts. In addition, the game’s soundtrack is very relaxing and chilled to listen to, along with sounds of nature, such as birds chirping or frog toads.
Conclusion
Little Mouse’s Encyclopedia does precisely what it says on the tin, an interactive educational game with over 160 species of animals and plants to discover. Perfectly suitable for parents to introduce their young ones to nature in a fun way.
Final Verdict: I like it 
You must log in to post a comment.