Developer: PRODUKTIVKELLER Studios
Publisher: Toplitz Productions
Genre: Simulation
Reviewed For: Nintendo Switch
Also Available On PC, Xbox, PlayStation
It’s easy to fall into the allure of simulation games. When done properly, these titles will suck the player in and they will eventually crawl out of their hole shouting “What month is it?” The Switch has o shortage of great simulation games, which benefits players even more because they are so easy to pick up and take breaks on. Garden Simulator is another admiral addition to the Switch’s simulation library, allowing players to grow the garden of their dreams.
How many games involving gardening have to open with the player quitting their corporate job and moving out to some quiet locale where they can suddenly put all their time into the outdoors? I’m not sure, but it’s happened at least a few times since Stardew Valley. Garden Simulator keeps this premise going. Players inherit a home with plenty of space for a garden, even if it starts off messy with trash everywhere. Players start with very little, but will gradually follow a list of tasks and missions to ease themselves into Garden Simulator. Players will buy the necessary tools and a few seeds, then go from there.
As a simulation game, there might be the expectation of realism. While this is here to an extent, most of the realism is simply in the information that players will learn about various crops. They won’t get into the nitty-gritty of gardening. It’s no deeper than Story of Seasons or Stardew Valley. Players will till the land, plant the seed, then water it daily until it grows. They don’t have to worry about drowning their crops or the acidity of their soil. There’s tons of flavor text to teach players, but this isn’t too applicable to the actual gameplay.
Aside from unlocking new tools, land, and crops, the core gameplay of Garden Simulator is pretty repetitive. Days are generally quick, especially early on, and if players aren’t interested in repeating menial tasks, they will burn out quickly. Still, there is an additive loop here, and players who enjoy relaxing tasks will get tons of mileage out of Garden Simulator. Planners will find even more to love as they plot out their gardens and (if they are like me) place gnomes everywhere.
The visuals and sound effects are of middling quality at best. The game doesn’t have any real distinctive art style, and simply features somewhat realistic visuals without a high resolution or sharp graphics. It’s not offensive, but it won’t astound either.
It’s not for everyone, but Garden Simulator is a good time if the vibe is right. It’s easy to get sucked into the daily tasks, and players will likely learn a thing or two about a few plants along the way. Just don’t expect a deep experience.
Garden Simulator
Garden Simulator is a polished and enjoyable foray into gardening, even if the pacing isn't perfect.
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