Apico
Apico is a simulation game where you play a beekeeper and conservationist. You explore environments, breed rare bees and release them into the wild while growing your business. There are no enemies, time constraints or set objectives so you can focus on learning through play. Add to this real bee species and facts, and the bonus that some profits go towards bee conservation, and you have an unusual game on many fronts.
CONTENT RATING
PLATFORMS
POSITIVE GAMEPLAY
PLAY STYLE
You return to Port Apico after several years away to take up the family tradition of beekeeping. As you explore the island's varied biomes, you collect different bee species and bring them to your beehives, where you can cross-breed them to make new species and sell honey and other produce to expand your business. There are over 30 species of bee to collect, some real, others more fantastical, each with a different rarity.
To progress, you chop down trees to make space for your operation and use the timber to create houses and buildings, but only if you want to; you could also choose to live out in the woods as a hermit. Either way, you steadily meet various diverse characters on the island with whom you interact and build relationships.
You craft tools which allow you to gather other resources like stone, then complete mini-games to turn them into usable materials. These are novel in that they mimic real-life action. Maybe moving your mouse back and forward to saw wood into planks, or clicking to chip away at stone with a hammer.
The result is an open-ended game you can play at your own pace and style. Real-life bee species and information mixed with fantasy elements create a unique educational (and tranquil) experience that balances learning with fun, relaxation and, of course, lots of bee puns.
GAMEPLAY TRAILER
Good to know
Insights to ensure your child's gaming experience remains safe and enjoyable
Develop strategic thinking
Strategy games promote strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and creativity. They encourage planning ahead and considering consequences. Develop these skills by asking children to talk through their choices and explain how they came to that decision.
Match skill level
Strategy games vary in complexity. Choose games that match your child's skill level to provide an enjoyable yet challenging experience.
Improve life skills
These games often ask players to make choices like in business, such as managing money and resources. This can help improve these skills in real life.
Skill level age
Suggested by Family Gaming Database
Because you can play it at your own pace it works for really young children. Even if they just tootle around the island interacting here and there, the game doesn't punish them. However, it really comes to life for older children who can come up with their own unique ways to play.
Content rating
Rated PEGI 3.
Accessibility
There are 29 accessibility features for
Apico
Data by Family Gaming Database
Game details
Platforms
Mac, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Release date
May 20, 2022, updated in 2023
No. of players
You can play this by yourself or as a 4-player online game.
Genre
Simulation | Strategy
In-game purchases
Yes
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