Nintendo Switch Critic Reviews

Thus, this is basically an interactive form of the many PSAs that have come out over the years about the importance of taking care of the environment. While some may see this as being too “preachy,” I think Koral‘s way of handling this is actually rather beautiful. It wraps up this message in a neat little puzzle game that exudes a lot of character and can be enjoyed by both skilled and novice gamers. Even though it’s not heavy on content, it’s a relaxing experience that you can embed yourself in for a while and get lost in the world below that, as the game points out, we really don’t know all that much about.

Carlos has managed to transmit his two passions in a game to create a simple experience in which the player will discover the situation of the coral reefs. The visual and sound harmony is excellent and manages to catch you from start to finish.

Koral is a good little puzzler though many will find it very easy to get through. As an educational tool Koral definitely has value to raise awareness of climate change and the impact of pollution on our oceans. As a game it Koral is a simple affair that plays well. It may lack much challenge for puzzle fans, but this is an engaging and thought provoking experience.

Koral is part science display, part puzzle game, and all design compromise. It feels like a roadmap on what not to do when designing an environmentally conscious game. Without a doubt, the visuals are initially captivating, but their flair quickly wears off and you’re left with the game’s dismal content. The game provides a clunky experience that doesn’t satisfy in any meaningful manner. Too shallow in both its educational content and puzzle-solving gameplay, Koral finds the perfect middle ground to embody an especially painful kind of mediocrity.