Developer Background
TNgineers is a small UK-based indie studio founded by two brothers, Ell (ellraiser) and Jamie (metakitkat). The duo made their debut with APICO in 2022, a cozy beekeeping sim that found enough success to allow Ell to transition into full-time game development. In the team’s creative dynamic, Ell handles development and art, while Jamie focuses on writing and design.
While Jamie has been leading design on their next title, Snacktorio, Ell has been busy with what initially started as a personal side project—Mudborne. Drawing from their experience with APICO, Ell envisioned Mudborne as a spiritual successor, blending the lessons learned from their first game with inspiration from childhood favorites like The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past and Dr. Brain. The result? A slimy, puzzle-filled adventure that reflects TNgineers’ signature charm and passion for unique, handcrafted experiences.
Design & Gameplay
Going into Mudborne, I wasn’t expecting much—I thought it would be just another indie “cozy” game. But Mudborne turned out to be so much more. At its core, it’s a casual management sim where you restore your own pond, bringing it back to life. But what makes it stand out is how naturally everything unfolds.
Right from the start, you’re given an encyclopedia that acts as a guide, helping you navigate the world at your own pace. You’re not forced to follow it step by step, which adds a sense of real discovery. Personally, I stuck with the encyclopedia as I played, and I have to say—the progression in this game is incredibly satisfying. It feels organic, never forced. Each time I uncovered a new species, ventured a little further, or stumbled upon something unexpected, the next step in my encyclopedia would unlock, seamlessly guiding me forward. There’s no unnecessary backtracking just to stretch out playtime—every moment feels meaningful, and that’s something I genuinely appreciate.
The part of the game that truly sold me, though, was the dream world. While it’s technically a recolored version of the main world, it somehow feels entirely fresh. The creatures, the atmosphere—everything about it makes it feel like you’re stepping into something truly unknown. It’s a simple touch, but it adds so much to the sense of adventure.
And I can’t talk about Mudborne without mentioning its art style. It’s absolutely adorable. The frogs, the bugs—every little detail oozes charm. Pair that with the soothing music and ambient sounds, and you’ve got a cozy, immersive experience that’s easy to lose yourself in. It’s a small game, but it packs a ton of heart, making it the perfect little world to hop into.
Feedback
As much as I love Mudborne, there’s one thing that could make it even better—more customization. I know not every game needs deep customization options, but in a game where you’re nurturing and restoring your own pond, having the ability to personalize your frog would take the experience to the next level.
Imagine being able to tweak its colors, add little accessories, or even choose different patterns—small touches like that could make the game feel even more personal and engaging. It wouldn’t have to be anything too complex, just enough to let players feel like their frog is truly theirs. Given how much charm the game already has, a bit of customization would only make it more special.
Verdict
Mudborne is far more than just another cozy indie game—it’s a charming and satisfying pond-restoration sim with a natural sense of discovery and progression. Every new species, every step forward feels meaningful, never forced, making exploration genuinely rewarding. The dream world adds an extra layer of wonder, while the adorable art, soothing music, and immersive atmosphere make it easy to get lost in. While a bit of customization could elevate the experience even further, Mudborne already shines as a heartfelt, engaging adventure that’s well worth diving into.
Mudborne is available now for PC via Steam!
