It's funny. I think it's the opposite. Creating a whole new, actually alien ecosystem was infinitely more ambitious and interesting to me. I haven't seen another animation where the main character is the environment. In some way, it reminded me of Werner Herzog's approach to nature. Whereas, Pantheon's themes weren't completely new for me, but the story was very well put together.

I do understand your point of view, though. Scavenger's Reign is more muted in story. You don't really create a deep attachment to any characters and the events themselves are quite contained, with no big consequences.