Screenshots & trailers
Review sentiment over time
Weekly positive-review rate (green) and review volume (bars). Dashed lines mark significant patches; the amber line is the start of the current scoring window. Hover the dots to see what drove a dip or a jump.
How this score was computed
The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.
| Component | Positive | Quality (0-100) | Weight (pseudo-reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press reviews (OpenCritic) | – | 71 | 21 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 85% | 78 | 167 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | – | 0 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 100% | 97 | 2 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 5 reviews sampled · 4 total reviews in window · weighted 3.5 up / 0 down · computed 17m ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (14)
Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.
- 91
“If you’re looking for a new cozy game that involves saving frog’s habitats, this game is definitely worth a hop. It was relaxing and fun to discover all the different frogs. Not only that, I got to make the game my own with endless possibilities and customizations of the wetlands. Lastly, the story and visuals complemented each other in this cozy world that made me want to keep coming back for more.”
read full review ↗ - 68
“While it has charm on its side, there are simply too many engaging life sims out there that offer more”
read full review ↗ - 50
“Kamaeru: A Frog Refuge is a letdown, as it doesn’t feel compelling or rewarding to collect frogs, acquire money, or build up the frog sanctuary.”
read full review ↗ - 75
“Kamaeru: A Frog Refuge combines cute frogs and wetland development to create a refuge management experience you will never forget. The frogs are adorable and collecting them all is enjoyable. Customising your frog refuge and the extremely low chance of failure let you pursue your goals as you wish. While the game is not at all challenging and doesn't have the best UI in late-game areas, it's still fun to play. By far the cosiest frog simulator you will ever encounter, Kamaeru is perfect if you're wondering how you can save our planet.”
read full review ↗ - 60
“While cute and cozy, Kamaeru can definitely become frustrating if played for longer periods of time with little variation in gameplay.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Kamaeru: A Frog Refuge is a uniquely fun farming sim fueled by heart, a message of conservation, and a whole lot of frogs.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Kamaeru: A Frog Refuge blends its real-world science with a method of show-don’t tell that makes it less intimidating than Apico, a game which I adored and which also reminded me how much I’d forgotten from my science classes so many decades ago. It’s also committed to a soft, comfy aesthetic that, even if you’ve never looked at frogs as cute before, this game will teach you why so many people just love froggies. I think my only silly quibble is the lack of audible ‘ribbits;’ just give me a vague background cacophony of happy, croaky little noises. It’s possible it’s something I’ll find as I get even deeper into the game! But that’s so minor and specific to me and isn’t a real complaint at all. The prettiness of this game and its lack of interest in stressing you about time is going to make it a soothing experience for a lot of people. The only way in this game is forward, but at the pace you choose. Pick up and play, or hyper-focus on it; it’s all entirely up to you! The frogs will love you to bits no matter what.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Kamaeru: A Frog Refuge is a cute, simplistic game that allows players to relax, unwind and hang out with some lovely frogs. While gameplay does get repetitive after a while, for those that are looking for something chill, it’s a good time for a few hours. You might not find yourself trying to collect every frog or bothering with some of the more confusing elements of the game, but overall it’s a lovely little title with loads of adorable hoppy lads.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“The game feels like an escape into nature where players are also able to make meaningful change at their own pace, and is a lovely way to wind down at the end of a long day. It's certainly not a cozy game that can be played indefinitely - or, in truth, even for more than perhaps 10 hours at the very most, depending on how fast players opt to progress - but the time that is spent is overall quite endearing. With charming visuals, calming music, and a bevy of adorable frogs to be adopted and given silly names, Kamaeru: A Frog Refuge offers a fun, amphibious twist on a well-trodden format.”
read full review ↗ - 60
“Kamaeru: A Frog Refuge isn't a bad game, it's a disappointing one.It tries to be just another relaxing field management title, however, it ends up committing the same sins as others, and doesn't innovate enough to justify its own existence. It's not the first to use frogs, and it certainly won't be the last.”
read full review ↗ - 100
“Adorably cute in every way, Kamaeru: A Frog Refuge is the perfect game for relaxing and indulging your inner child as you play with frogs and restore their home in the wetlands. Gamers who need a break from the endless grind of other games will love Kamaeru.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“If you enjoy games like Neko Atsume, are a lover of frogs, or are interested in wetland conservation, Kamaeru offers an enjoyable, adorable, and meaningful experience. One can appreciate the diversity of the characters and the way they interact with each other, as well as learn more about the mechanics of paludiculture and how to raise carbon capture. While there are some features that can be expanded upon, Kamaeru is without a doubt a worthy creature collector title.”
read full review ↗
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Patch history
- Spooky Halloween update - and more! 🎃🐸Oct 21, 2024
- New update: House Plants deco pack!Sep 9, 2024
- Steam Deck text size optimizationJul 2, 2024
- Patch n°2 - build version 6.9Jun 17, 2024
- Patch n°1 - Build 6.8Jun 12, 2024
- Development Update #1: A New BiomeOct 24, 2023