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Species: Artificial Life, Real Evolution

Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux • 2018

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Quick resume

Play with evolution! Species: ALRE is a scientifically-grounded, emergent simulation of natural selection. Creatures evolve and speciate in response to in-game mutation and selection forces, allowing you to experience and tinker with evolution in real-time.

Global score

74/100

Genres

Simulator, Early Access

Pros

  • Realistic and detailed evolution simulation
  • High customization and experimentation
  • Educational value for biology enthusiasts
  • Dedicated and responsive developer
  • Engaging for long passive sessions

Cons

  • Frequent crashes and bugs
  • Performance issues and lag
  • Clunky and unintuitive ui
  • Limited direct gameplay interaction
  • Slow development and infrequent updates

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players can set world parameters, intervene or let evolution run freely, allowing control over actions and decisions."

  • Competence
    3

    "Players engage in complex simulation management and analysis, requiring understanding of evolutionary mechanics."

  • Competition
    -3

    "Focus is on observing natural selection and species evolution rather than direct player-vs-player competition."

  • Continuation
    4

    "Players report long sessions watching evolution unfold and habitual engagement despite bugs."

  • Cooperation
    -4

    "Gameplay is primarily single-player and simulation-based with limited or no multiplayer cooperation."

  • Creativity
    4

    "Players can customize world parameters, genetically engineer creatures, and influence evolutionary outcomes."

  • Domination
    -4

    "Interactions are balanced within the ecosystem simulation; no evidence of exerting control over other players."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Players use the game as a relaxing, immersive simulation to escape real life and explore evolution."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of interest in biology and evolution without external pressure."

  • Experimenting
    5

    "Strong emphasis on trying new parameters, mutations, and evolutionary scenarios."

  • Exploration
    3

    "Players explore new evolutionary outcomes and environmental conditions, though within a fixed simulation space."

  • Expression
    3

    "Some customization of creatures and environments allows for personal expression, though limited by simulation constraints."

  • Fantasy
    -3

    "Focus on realistic biological evolution and natural selection rather than imaginative or mythical elements."

  • Fellowship
    -4

    "Primarily a solo experience with minimal social interaction or community features."

  • Growth
    4

    "Players learn about evolutionary biology and develop understanding through simulation and experimentation."

  • Health
    -5

    "Game is sedentary with no physical activity or health-related features."

  • Idle
    4

    "Often played passively or in the background while observing evolution unfold over time."

  • Intimacy
    -5

    "No evidence of close social relationships or emotional sharing; experience is individual."

  • Leadership
    -4

    "Players influence species evolution but do not lead or manage other players."

  • Progression
    3

    "Players see progression through species evolution, genetic changes, and ecosystem development."

  • Relaxation
    4

    "Many players find the game relaxing and enjoy the flow of watching evolution."

  • Sensation
    2

    "Visual and auditory stimuli are moderate; focus is on simulation rather than sensory excitement."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social recognition or status systems; achievements are personal and internal."

  • Story
    -4

    "No narrative or plot; gameplay centers on emergent simulation without scripted story."

  • Strategy
    3

    "Players plan and manipulate environmental variables and genetic traits to influence evolution."

  • Thrill
    -3

    "Gameplay is calm and observational rather than suspenseful or high-risk."

  • Value
    2

    "Players appreciate the educational and entertainment value despite bugs and early access state."

  • Violence
    -2

    "Some predation and extinction occur naturally, but focus is on ecological balance rather than combat."

  • Survival
    3

    "Simulation involves survival pressures and natural selection influencing species success."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026