We first reported the reveal of Cloud Gardens back in July and I've been following developments with interest since then. I'm always especially attracted to games and projects that differ from the norm and that bring something original to the table.
Cloud Gardens fits this criteria exactly. By it's own admission Cloud Gardens is an experimental project, somewhere between a game and an interactive experience.
The game can be played either as a single player campaign or as an interactive sandbox, the premise is the same. You are presented with lo-fi diorama of urban decay and a single seed that you must decide where to plant.
The seed will start to germinate and cover the scene with foliage, as it grows a meter in the bottom left of the screen will start to fill to show your progress.
As the plant continues to grow, you are given additional objects to expand the scene. These objects contribute energy to the growing of plants, but you will also have to cover them in foliage to complete the stage, when the meter fills it's on to the next stage.
As you progress plants will blossom and flower, these flowers can then be harvested to create additional seeds, these are needed as the scenes get progressively larger.
Eventually you will unlock new seeds that have specific requirements for growth or unique benefits you can use to your advantage.
This really is a delightful title and something very different, it's a simple premise with limited strategy elements and a low challenge threshold, but a challenge isn't what this game is all about. It really is a relaxation aid.
Gentle puzzle elements, beautiful, peaceful environments coupled with a gorgeous soundtrack by Amos Roddy as you de-stress and while away the hours.
The pacing is perfect and watching the plants grow, snake and entwine their way around girders, rubble and signposts never feels too slow or too rushed. It's genuinely satisfying to see each scene muddy the line between wasteland and nature as the diorama flourishes
You really are allowed to delight in your own creativity while playing this game. If the campaign wasn't already laid back enough, you can opt for the sandbox mode and just interact with each environment without any restrictions or challenge, even take pictures of your accomplishments.
Noio Games were kind enough to provide me with an Early Access copy of the game for review, so things may change slightly in the full release and subsequent patches. But it honestly serves its purpose perfectly as it is.
Although the game is touted as Lo-Fi, it would be great if the fidelity and resolution of the game could possibly be upped in the future. It's a game that could only be enhanced by more distinct visuals. That being said it's already a stunner and all of the elements seem to combine perfectly to create a truly relaxing, memorable and above all original experience.
This game should appeal to almost everyone and I urge you to give it try. Cloud Gardens is available now on Steam.
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