Minami Lane was one of my favorite cozy games of 2024, so when Doot Tiny Games announced Kabuto Park, I was more than excited to try out the demo. Minami Lane was short, sweet, and crafted with clear purpose and quality. With so many big-budget games demanding dozens of hours to play, smaller titles can feel like a breath of fresh air. The dev behind the screen, Doot, has advocated for more tiny games in the indie space – and Kabuto Park appears to be following this “think small” approach. Like Minami Lane, it will be priced around $3–5, making it an affordable and accessible experience for all.

A Bug-Sized Preview

Kabuto Park is a bug-catching, collecting, and battling game. I spent around 30 minutes playing before Doot let me know I had seen most of what’s currently available and encouraged me to explore other games while I wait for the full release. Here are my key takeaways:

Catching Bugs: A Simple Yet Addictive Mechanic

The bug catching mechanic is super easy and satisfying – you aim for the “hot spot” of a meter to make a successful catch. If you hit the green zone, congrats, you got the bug! And if you hit blue, your character will actually walk a little closer to the bug, making the green zone easier to land on. Bugs are categorized into rarity levels, and duplicates can be sold for candies which in turn can be used to upgrade your existing collection.

Battling With Your Bugs

Beyond catching, the game features a card-based battle system where each bug has unique abilities. Every card comes with a cooldown time, adding a layer of strategy. Players must decide which cards to use and whether that cooldown is worth the tradeoff. Winning a battle rewards you with coins and candy, which are in turn used for purchasing equipment and leveling up your bugs.

Equipment Upgrades and Progression

The shop allows you to upgrade your equipment, making your bug-catching escapades even easier. You’ll also need specific upgrades to access other areas of the map – such as the lvl 2 boots to visit Calm Lake. Money for these upgrades is earned through battles, adding another incentive to engage in combat.

A Charming Art Style

The art direction leans towards a colorful palette and simplistic designs, giving the game a playful and lighthearted feel. The bug catching environments I’ve seen so far are vivid and serene, and the bugs themselves are cute, detailed depictions of their real-life counterparts.

Final Thoughts: Let’s Go Bug Catching!

While my time with Kabuto Park was brief, it left a great first impression. Doot Tiny Games continues to deliver focused, high-quality indie experiences that stand out in a market dominated by massive, time-consuming titles. I can’t wait to see the full version in May and meet the rest of the bugs.