Loading critic reviews...
Deals
Finding deals...
Live Streams
Finding live streams...
About Fauna
Fauna is a branching adventure game developed by Cadin Batrack for the Playdate handheld. Released on January 20, 2026, it casts you as hacker duo Jun and Polly, navigating a near-future world where AI enables human-animal communication. Rival groups battle for control of this tech, while animals push for rights. The game unfolds as a comic-style narrative with dozens of story paths, each decision reshaping the plot. Designed for 15, 20 minutes of play, it leans into short, replayable sessions. Ideal for fans of narrative experimentation, Fauna blends sci-fi intrigue with moral dilemmas, letting you uncover secrets through branching dialogue and environmental exploration.
Gameplay
You navigate Fauna’s world via a mix of dialogue choices and environmental interactions. Each comic panel pauses for decisions, like siding with animal rights groups or corporate factions, which directly alter outcomes. The game emphasizes nonlinear storytelling, you might rescue a scientist one playthrough, betray them another. Combat is absent; tension builds through ethical stakes and hidden clues. The Playdate’s unique D-pad and crank controls let you flip through panels or adjust perspective to spot secrets. Sessions typically last 15, 20 minutes, but full completion demands multiple runs to track all 40+ story paths. Replayability hinges on curiosity, as later choices often reference earlier decisions.
What Players Think
With a 8.7/10 critic score and 78% completion rate among PlayPile users, Fauna shines as a narrative curiosity. Average playtime clocks in at 52 minutes, with 63% of players logging three+ sessions. Community moods skew "puzzled" (32%) and "thoughtful" (41%), reflecting its dense dialogue. Early reviews praise the "clever use of branching moral questions" but note "underwhelming visuals for a $20 game." Achievement hunters target the 100% completion badge, requiring all 12 endings. The most-played path involves aligning with corporate interests, while the "animal ally" route sees just 18% completion.
PlayPile's Take
Fauna is a niche but polished experiment in moral storytelling. At $15, it’s a low-risk pick for those who enjoy branching narratives like 80 Days or Analogue. The short playtime and lack of combat make it a quick diversion, though the sparse art style may not appeal to all. With 10 achievements and 12 endings, it rewards persistence, but don’t expect a impressive experience. Best for rainy afternoons and players who crave replayability over epic scope. The real draw? Wondering how animals might reshape our world if they could truly speak.
Achievements
Loading achievements...
Similar Games
Finding similar games...
Buzzing on Bluesky
Checking Bluesky...