Bug & Seek

This is going to be a very hard review to write but I feel inclined to do so. I never write reviews, but I am very very emotional about this so I will. When I first found out about this game, I was absolutely ecstatic. I had a wild idea to search for "bug games" on the App Store and managed to come across the cutest little pixelated game about collecting bugs. I've found a very close comfort with bugs this year, and even have adopted (kidnapped) my own little bug named Leaf. When I found this game and played through the demo, I immediately fell in love. I, personally, have not seen any other game like it. I was surprised I hadn't seen this sooner. A little background, but I'm not exactly the type of person to spend money on games (out of pocket, anyway). I would usually do commissions and get people to buy the games for me in return for art hahaha. This is one of the first games in a while that I immediately used my own money to buy. In fact, it was actually one of my first paychecks I had gotten since helping with the family business. That probably means nothing to the common person but it means a lot to me. So this game meant a lot to me. However, I am writing a review not recommending the game. I have been a part of the Bug and Seek community for a long minute, a good few months since I found the Discord server. It was such a lovely little community, tight knit and a nice place to go if you want to talk bug. I've met some really good friends in there, and have nothing but positive experience with the community. As of recent, I had been informed that the server would be undergoing some changes, and I didn't really think anything of it other than them bringing in some new people to help them flourish. I mean, the game easily had potential to do so, anyone could say that. However, as of this morning, it seemed like everything had gone downhill. I am still in complete shock as to what I have been reading for the past hour. I was like, mid dinner, and my food literally went cold because I was in so much shock and feeling so much disappointment that I forgot it was there. It seems like this game has been sold off, at least to my knowledge, to crypto. The nature-loving, amazing game has turned to NFTs. I feel absolutely sick writing this, but I want to get my voice out for those who may not be able to. This is not the first time that a comfort game of mine has been treated in a similar way. Wildworks' game Fer.al had experienced something similar. Yes, the big company Wildworks. They decided to sellout to NFTs, and despite their size and nature of the company, Fer.al got shut down due to the backlash (and debt). That's another thing that terrifies me about this change. I am in full belief that So Peculiar is being taken advantage of with this change, and that the new characters in this situation are not as they seem. I have no ill will towards Chera and Craig, I just hope they can get their stuff together before this game ends up like Fer.al, because that is exactly what will happen once NFTs and crypto absolutely suck this game dry. I am echoing other reviews I have read about this situation so far, and I cannot in any good conscious stay silent about this, or write a positive review. I am beyond devastated with this change, and I hope that the creators can catch this before it's too late. If you have contributed in any way towards this game, whether that is art for the community DLC, or if it's simply your name being posted in the credits, you can contact Chera to get your name removed. I can't imagine anyone would want to be associated with the way this is turning, and if I had my name there I would want it removed too. As an artist, this is absolutely disgusting (as respectful as I can be) and I really hope that things change quickly.

I would have, but after learning the devs went the NFT route, I can't. Really disappointing with how talented they were.

Really wanted to love this but it's completely broken for steam deck. Unable to get past tutorial or place items.

A relaxing, addictive and fun game. Think kinda like Animal Crossing, where you find bugs, but you're running an insect museum instead of giving them all to Blathers, who DOES NOT APPRECIATE THE BUGS AS WELL AS HE SHOULD. YOU can appreciate them, though! And there's SO MANY to find! AND THERE'S A WEEVIL XPAC! AWWWWWWWWW YYYYYEAAAAAHHHHH, IT'S WEEVILTIME, BABEEEEYYYYY!!!111!!!

Such a cute cozy game, if you like bugs this is a great game, i bought this for my fiance who is a bug lover and he's enjoying it :) super cute game

very fun if you like collecting bug, only thing I'm sad about is you probably can't fit all the bugs, 1 of each in your placement building. and I would like to keep 1 of each. so I wish the building for your bugs was a lot bigger so you can fit one of each and still decorate nicely, Would have liked if the DLC's added DLC rooms in the Uni building. also more bushes, trees, grasses, leaf piles, ext. it just feels a little empty. and also a compass that you can set to a specific one of those (bushes, trees, ext.) in a specific zone (desert, meadow, ext.) and and gives you an arrow pointing toward ones you haven't searched yet of that type in that zone.

i cant begin to explain how much i love this game. the collecting, exploring, and progression are peak. if youre looking for a good cozy game, highly recommend!

Bug & Seek is a warm, cozy, and quietly addictive insect-collecting adventure that blends exploration, light management, and a gentle mystery into a relaxing indie experience. Developed and published by So Peculiar, the game places you in the shoes of Buggburg’s newest insectarium owner, a role that immediately invites curiosity and discovery. The town once thrived thanks to its impressive insect collection, but after the infamous “Great Bug Heist,” the museum fell into disrepair. Your task is clear: rebuild the insectarium, uncover what happened to the missing specimens, and breathe life back into a town that has lost its spark. From the outset, the game establishes a wholesome, welcoming tone—one where wandering, collecting, and meeting quirky townsfolk feel just as important as economic progress. Visually, Bug & Seek embraces a charming pixel-art style that suits its small-town atmosphere. Environments range from forests and meadows to beaches, caves, and desert biomes, each rendered with enough detail to feel distinct without overwhelming the player. Small touches—rustling leaves, sunbeams shifting across the landscape, and ambient insect sounds—give the world personality and warmth. The day/night cycle and seasonal changes subtly alter what you’ll encounter, with certain species appearing only under specific conditions or times of day. Music plays a major role in establishing mood, leaning into relaxed, lo-fi melodies that perfectly complement the game’s gentle pace. Whether you’re sweeping through fields with your net or chatting with townsfolk after a long day, the soundtrack supports the sense of easygoing exploration. Mechanically, the game revolves around catching bugs, expanding your insectarium, and completing requests for the citizens of Buggburg. The catching process is simple and approachable: you explore the environment, shake trees or rocks, trigger interactions, and use your net to grab whatever creatures appear. With over 200 realistically inspired species to find—including butterflies, beetles, moths, spiders, and more—the game offers a satisfying sense of collection. Donating insects helps restore the insectarium and unlocks rewards, while selling extras provides income for upgrades. Completing quests for NPCs, such as gathering certain species or clearing areas of pests, further enriches your relationship with the community and expands the map’s available regions. The game also uses a gradual experience system: the more you catch, the better your bug-hunting skills become, allowing you to chase down rarer and quicker insects. Its strength, however, lies in its relaxed and non-punitive design. There are no timers breathing down your neck, no energy meters limiting your day, and no threats to derail your progress. Bug & Seek respects the player’s pace—whether you spend an hour chasing down a rare moth or simply strolling through town chatting with locals, the game remains welcoming. This approachability makes it ideal for short sessions or winding down after more intense gaming experiences. It also encourages players to absorb the world slowly, noticing details like changing weather patterns or unique environmental objects that hide clues to new bugs. At the same time, the simplicity of the core loop can become a double-edged sword. While the variety of bugs is impressive, the actual process of catching them doesn’t evolve dramatically over time. Players may find themselves falling into a routine of shaking the same trees, sweeping the same patches of grass, and filling their inventory in predictable patterns. Some quests rely heavily on fetch-style objectives, which can feel repetitive if played in long stretches. The game also offers minimal guidance in certain areas—especially when hunting for elusive species—which can lead to moments of wandering without much direction. These issues don’t break the experience, but they do highlight that Bug & Seek is more about zen-like routine than strategic complexity. What ultimately elevates the game is its sense of warmth and personality. Buggburg’s residents are varied and charming, each with their own quirks and stories that unfold through side quests. As the insectarium begins to flourish under your care, the town itself feels more alive, reinforcing the satisfying loop of rebuilding something meaningful. The mystery surrounding the Great Bug Heist adds a gentle narrative push without overshadowing the cozy atmosphere. By the time new areas open and rare species begin to appear, the sense of progression feels earned through patient exploration rather than forced milestones. In its entirety, Bug & Seek is a delightful, calming experience centered around discovery, routine, and the simple joy of collecting tiny creatures. It may not offer deep systems or dramatic plot twists, but its charm lies in its consistency and inviting nature. Players who enjoy games like Stardew Valley’s foraging or Animal Crossing’s bug-collecting will feel right at home here. If you’re looking for a slow, comforting adventure with low stakes, heartfelt pixel art, and a surprisingly engaging catalog of insects, Bug & Seek offers a cozy escape where curiosity is always rewarded. Rating: 8/10

So far I LOVE this game! I've done Entomology since i was 8 yrs old and I'm in my 30s now and was so excited when I stumbled upon this game! I love the aspect of collecting, selling, and donating insects to the museum. I've had alot of fun thus far and just found out the seasons change in the game which I love! i hope as time goes on some more DLCs might come out with tons more bugs, I've not found them all yet nore upgraded the building yet but i still would love more bugs haha! Would recommend for any insect lover out there!

Enjoyable cozy little bug hunting game! Enjoyed playing this with my daughters. :)