Garden Story

The frequent combat in this ARPG is hit-and-miss, but behind it is a sweet and sincere tale set in a land you'll care about saving and starring the G.O.T.Y (grape of the year).

As one of the surprise drops of the Nintendo Indie World showcase, we couldn't wait to get our hands on Garden Story, one of the most hyped "wholesome" games of the past few months. What we were expecting was perhaps not what we received - and it certainly has its flaws - but nevertheless, we couldn't help being won over by Garden Story's charm as well as its systems.

As an inexpensive and relatively short title by a one-person team, it is hard for me to lend much weight to the game’s misses. Garden Story’s characters and world have a magnetism; it’s hard to stop spending time with them once you’ve begun, and once you’ve finished the game, it’s effortless to stop back in. If you are happy to delve into an experience where everything but the gameplay shines, then Garden Story is definitely worth checking out.

With elements and features that allow players to truly take their time playing, Garden Story is an excellent choice for those looking for an easygoing game. Although some core activities can get tedious due to the system design, and gardening and building could have been more fun or at least more purposeful, it has been a wonderfully pleasant journey on the whole. From the melodious music to the pleasing pixel art and cute characters, there is plenty to savor in this game.

When I imagine my ideal cosy scenario, I picture being under fluffy blankets and playing the latest indie game with a nice cup of tea. The game of choice always has to match the environment. I can hardly be cosy if I’m hunting down the latest cults in Far Cry. One rainy day and a blanket fort like no other, I decided to give Garden Story a go. Instantly drawn in by the adorable graphics and soft-hued colour palette, I knew this light-hearted game would fulfil my recreational needs.

Garden Story offers an enjoyable, light and relaxing experience, although not perfect, between action adventure and life simulator.

Garden Story is a beautiful game with a laid back attitude, but the slow paced gameplay won't be to everyone's taste.

I have enjoyed my 25+ hours with Garden Story for Switch so far. While I have cleared the story, there are still a few upgrades I don’t have, and more cosmetic unlockables to get for Concord to wear. The game is a very chill, relaxing adventure, aside from the bosses which are more hardcore for some reason. However, casual players can still enjoy it using the option to disable death if they so choose. I prefer not to use such an option unless necessary, but it’s a nice inclusion if you want it. The game is marred by a few relatively minor flaws, like the previously mentioned inventory issues. However, it’s a rather unique and enjoyable little journey overall. You can nab Garden Story on the Nintendo Switch eShop for $19.99, and it is also on Steam. Can you help Concord, the unlikely grape hero, restore peace to an ailing grove?

Overall, Garden Story is a lovely and easygoing game that appeals to a broad audience. Despite some easier-than-expected dungeons and some elements being introduced much later than they should be, the game more than makes up for any shortcomings with its charming design, music, and gameplay. It’s enjoyable to play, no matter how you approach it. So jump off the vine and soak up this charming and wholesome experience under the sun!

If you are looking for a stopgap substitute for a 2D Zelda game, but with a bit more to offer in terms of depth and playability, Garden Story is the way to go.