Tools for this page
Print

Eco-Creatures: Save the Forest

(2008, Video Games - Real Time Strategy (RTS), Rated E)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 9, age appropriate for kids over 10; suggested age 10.
  • Is it any good?

    2.0
  • Common Sense says

    Pro-environment message poorly executed.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 10 and Up

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    Places environmental issue such as deforestation, garbage dumping, toxic waste inside of a video game.
  • Messages:

    Players try to clean up the forest by planting trees, clearing garbage, and defeating the tree-cutting Mechas.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Forest creatures battle mechanized enemies. Defeated allies respawn indefinitely; there is no blood or graphic violence.
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Eco-Creatures: Save the Forest was written by Erin Bell

Parents need to know that the game carries a straightforward pro-environment message that illustrates the impact that deforestation, garbage dumping, toxic waste, and the encroachment of industry can have on an ecosystem. Players assume the role of a saviour of the forest and must plants trees, destroy machines, and repel a variety of mechanized enemies.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about some of the real-world examples of the environmental issues portrayed in the game. How could things have been different if the Mechas had tried to compromise instead of using all of the forest's resources without asking? What are some ways that industries and machines could become more environmentally friendly? What are you doing on a personal level to be more environmentally conscious?
Did this review help you decide?
Do you play it? Review It!

More on Eco-Creatures: Save the Forest

What’s the Story?

When the peaceful Mana Woods come under attack from the mysterious Mecha, hero Dorian leads an army of Wood Spirits to repel the Mecha invasion in a series of real-time strategy encounters, while re-planting trees and cleaning up garbage and toxic sludge along the way. Dorian's army consists of the Ecolis (ground soldiers), the floating Ecomon, and the swimming Ecoby.

During combat, Dorian can summon his army and direct them on the battlefield to either attack, defend, or follow. The Wood Spirits can level up and learn special skills, and Dorian has a variety of magic spells at his disposal. The battle ends when winning conditions are met (typically, destroy all enemies on the screen), and is lost if the Mecha manage to cut down all the trees or destroy the Mana House -- Dorian's home base. Close

Is It Any Good?

Unfortunately, ECO-CREATURES: SAVE THE FOREST's strong pro-environment message is undermined by frustrating gameplay.The Wood Spirits are hard to wrangle, don't always follow orders, and have a habit of wandering away or getting stuck on scenery. Also, Dorian will die after a couple of enemy hits, making him an ineffective general -- yet it's essential to have him close to the enemies since you can't issue commands to the Wood Spirits unless he's on the same screen. The game is unreasonably difficult at times, and controls and goals aren't always clearly explained.

There's some depth to Eco-Creatures: Save the Forest, but gamers will have to decide whether the frustration is worth the effort. Close

Publisher’s Details

Released on 03/04/2008, price $29.99, not online enabled
ESRB rating: E

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Do you play it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Eco-Creatures: Save the Forest?
  •  I think this game is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in Wisconsin
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 3.0

    Good Game

    This game is a good game, but it takes forever to earn enough eco creatures to defeat a boss. When you are high in levels though, the stages are so long that I get bored of it. I'm giving it three stars, for quality and time.

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Where the Wild Things Are

    Where the Wild Things Are

    Sometimes-dark adaptation focuses on friendship, loneliness.

  • Advice for Parents

    Are Your Kids Obsessed with Twilight & New Moon?

    Are Your Kids Obsessed with Twilight & New Moon?

    Discussion pointers for parents of "twilighters."

  • Must See TV

    Fanboy and Chum Chum

    Fanboy and Chum Chum

    Zany adventures are low on depth but high on imagination.

  • Issue Spotlight

    The 10 Most Violent Video Games (And 10 Alternatives)

    The 10 Most Violent Video Games (And 10 Alternatives)

    Our video game experts weigh in.

  • Game of the Week

    Ni Hao, Kai-Lan: New Year's Celebration

    Ni Hao, Kai-Lan: New Year's Celebration

    Virtual Chinese New Year with perfectly designed games.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name