Garden Story
In short: Garden Story is a simulation game released in 2021 by Picogram, available on PC and Nintendo. Our score: 8.0/10 (worth buying, especially on sale).
Adventure sim as a grape guardian
{"title":"Garden Story","category":"Simulation","year":2021,"developer":"Picogram","shortdescription":"Adventure sim as a grape guardian","longdescription":"Garden Story is a charming and heartwarming adventure simulation game where players step into the tiny, yet significant, shoes of Concord, a newly appointed Guardian tasked with protecting the island of The Bloom from the encroaching Rot. This isn't your typical farming simulator; while there are elements of gathering resources and tending to the land, the core experience revolves around exploration, community building, and a surprisingly poignant narrative.\n\nThe story unfolds with Concord inheriting the role of Guardian after the previous guardian has gone missing. The island's inhabitants, a vibrant cast of anthropomorphic fruits and vegetables, are facing a devastating threat: the Rot, a creeping corruption that withers plant life and drives its victims to despair. Concord's mission is to restore hope, rebuild shattered communities, and push back the Rot's influence. Along the way, Concord will meet and befriend a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique personalities, struggles, and quests. Helping them not only strengthens Concord's bond with the island but also unlocks new abilities and unlocks new areas of the map.\n\nGameplay in Garden Story is a delightful blend of genres. At its heart, it's about exploration and puzzle-solving. Concord navigates the world, which is divided into distinct biomes,…
Game details
- Developer: Picogram
- Publisher: Rose City
- Release year: 2021
- Platforms: PC, Nintendo
- Category: simulation
Our review
Garden Story is a delightful and cozy simulation game that blends farming, community building, and light combat. Players take on the role of a brave grape named "Warden" tasked with restoring the fading "Garden" from the encroaching "Rot." The game shines with its charming pixel art, a heartwarming story, and a satisfying gameplay loop. You'll spend your days tending to crops, gathering resources, completing requests for quirky villagers, and upgrading facilities to bring life back to the land. The narrative is surprisingly deep, exploring themes of community, responsibility, and environmentalism, all presented with a gentle touch. While the combat isn't the main focus and can feel a bit simplistic, it serves its purpose in adding a layer of challenge. The day/night cycle and some tasks can become a bit repetitive, but the overall experience is incredibly rewarding and relaxing. Garden Story is a gem for anyone seeking a peaceful and engaging simulation experience.
Pros
- Charming pixel art and engaging world-building.
- Satisfying gameplay loop of farming, upgrading, and building.
- Rich narrative with memorable characters.
Cons
- The day/night cycle can feel a bit arbitrary, and some tasks can become repetitive.
- The combat, while functional, lacks depth and can be easily overwhelmed.
FAQ
- Does Garden Story support Hebrew?
- The game supports both,’ run the game in the language you prefer.
- How do I save my game?
- You can save your progress by interacting with the largest tree in each region. After interacting, you will be prompted to save your game.
- How does combat work?
- Combat in Garden Story is simple. You can attack enemies with your equipped weapon, dodge their attacks, and use special abilities. The key is to learn enemy patterns and time your actions.
- How do I upgrade my gear?
- You can upgrade your tools and weapons by visiting the blacksmith in Spring City. You will need resources, which can be found throughout the world, to perform the upgrades.
- Does Garden Story have a day/night cycle?
- Yes, Garden Story features a day/night cycle that affects gameplay, such as when certain NPCs appear or when specific events occur.
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Last updated: 18/09/2026