The themes and the ending hit hard. Climate change, pollution of land/water, factory farming, land encroachment from farming, mining, and the lumber industries, hunters with no regard for endangered species, and a world continuously edging towards an inhospitable and desolate wasteland. There are moments of kindness, beauty, and love in Endling, but the reminder of how dire life is is just a few steps away.

I'm amazed there isn't a content warning. The ending feels a little random, but that's how life goes. One moment you're happy and content and the next you're in shambles. I also enjoyed how the trapper's story had hidden depth. It's a little predictable but satisfying.

I like how the game feels almost like a rouge-like, where you never know what dangers and boons await you and your cubs. I love the art. It doesn't fall victim to having visual clutter. But at the same time has a lot of detail. They do a good job highlighting what is important in your environment. The difficulty was a bit too easy. I always had a plethora of food options. Especially once you "rank up" your cubs, by teaching them in scripted moments.

The music is decent. I feel like it's missing that special sauce though. I've heard many similar tracks before. The haptic feedback and adaptive triggers are expertly utilized. Haven't seen many games use them better. Most games don't use them at all, which is a bummer. Feeling the raindrops on the controller during a storm is just as tantalizing as it was in Astro's Playroom.

The game starts slow, but gets interesting once your cubs are up and about. I had a good time here as much as it was brutal and depressing. The sad thing is that entertainment that seeks to change minds is usually preaching to the choir. The people who need to hear it won't.