Alba: A Wildlife Adventure

About Alba: A Wildlife Adventure

Alba: A Wildlife Adventure is a gentle indie adventure game developed by Ustwo Games. Released in 2020, it drops you on a litter-ridden Mediterranean island where you play as Alba, a young girl determined to clean up the environment and protect local wildlife. The game combines exploration, problem solving, and light roleplay elements. You’ll chat with villagers, remove trash, and interact with animals across sun-drenched beaches, forests, and a crumbling castle. Its single-player story spans around 15 hours of playtime. The game’s charm comes from its colorful art style and focus on small, impactful actions. It’s a calming experience for players who enjoy slow-paced exploration and feel-good narratives.

Gameplay

You control Alba using simple, responsive controls to walk, climb, and interact with objects. Each session involves wandering the island, picking up litter, and helping animals trapped in debris. You’ll also complete quests by talking to villagers who ask for specific items or tasks. For example, you might clear a beaver’s dam or rescue a turtle stuck in a net. Mini puzzles pop up, like rearranging logs to block trash or using a bucket to fetch water. The game lacks combat or complex mechanics, focusing instead on observation and interaction. Each chapter introduces new areas and challenges, with a playtime of roughly 2-3 hours per section. The experience feels like a digital nature walk, with a focus on discovery and incremental progress.

What Players Think

The PlayPile community gives Alba an 81 Metacritic score, reflecting its warm reception. Players complete 60.8% of the 9 achievements on average, with most finishing around six of them. Average playtime hovers at 14.5 hours, though completionists may spend up to 20. Community moods are overwhelmingly positive, with users calling it “refreshing” and “heartwarming.” Reviews highlight the “stress-free atmosphere” and “colorful world,” while some note the game’s “simple but satisfying loop.” A few critics feel the story lacks depth, but the majority praise its accessibility and environmental message. The game’s gentle difficulty and short sessions make it a hit with casual players and families.

PlayPile's Take

Alba: A Wildlife Adventure is ideal for players seeking a relaxing, feel-good experience. Its straightforward mechanics and 15-hour runtime make it a light but fulfilling commitment. With 9 achievements and a 60.8% completion rate, it rewards exploration without demanding mastery. Though the price isn’t listed, its availability on 10 platforms suggests broad accessibility. This isn’t a deep narrative or intense adventure, but it succeeds as a charming, family-friendly diversion. If you enjoy slow-paced exploration and uplifting stories, Alba offers a breezy, satisfying escape.

Storyline

Join Alba as she visits her grandparents on a Mediterranean island. She is ready for a peaceful summer of wildlife exploration with her friend Ines, but when she sees an animal in danger, she realises she needs to do something about it. This is truly a Mediterranean paradise if you ignore all the litter! From the idyllic beaches to the ancient castle overlooking the town a whole island is ready to be explored. With Ines and your grandfather - who is a total bird nerd - by your side, you can start the movement to save the island. Maybe even the world after that.