Garden In!

Garden In! is a relaxing idle game where players nurture and grow a beautiful indoor garden at their own pace. The game features a calming soundtrack and allows players to hybridize seeds to unlock new plants, decorations, and vases. It progresses even when not actively played, making it perfect for those who enjoy a low-pressure, persistent gardening experience.

Garden In!: A Relaxing Oasis in the World of Gaming

Introduction

In an era dominated by high-octane action games and complex narratives, Garden In! emerges as a breath of fresh air—a tranquil, meditative experience that invites players to slow down and appreciate the simple joys of nurturing life. Developed by the Italian indie studio Dramatic Iceberg and published by Bonus Stage Publishing, Garden In! is a cozy sandbox game that tasks players with growing and hybridizing plants in a charming, diorama-like setting. Released on January 26, 2023, for Windows, Linux, and Nintendo Switch, the game has carved out a niche for itself in the burgeoning “cozy gaming” genre, offering a soothing escape from the stresses of modern life.

This review will delve deep into Garden In!, exploring its development history, narrative and thematic elements, gameplay mechanics, world-building, and its reception and legacy. By the end, we’ll determine whether Garden In! is a fleeting novelty or a timeless gem in the world of video games.

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Development History & Context

The Studio Behind the Game

Dramatic Iceberg is a young indie studio based in Turin, Italy, founded by a group of friends who met during a game development course at Event Horizon School. The studio’s ethos revolves around experimentation and creativity, blending their passions with new ideas to create unique gaming experiences. Garden In! is their first commercial title, and it reflects their commitment to crafting games that resonate on a personal level.

The idea for Garden In! was born during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when many people turned to indoor hobbies to cope with isolation. Several team members attempted to grow indoor plants, with varying degrees of success. Inspired by their struggles and the joy of nurturing life, they decided to create a virtual gardening experience that anyone could enjoy, regardless of their green thumb. The game’s development was driven by a desire to provide a relaxing, stress-free environment where players could cultivate beauty and creativity.

Technological Constraints and Innovations

Garden In! was developed using Unreal Engine 4, a choice that might surprise some given the game’s simple, cartoony aesthetic. However, the team’s familiarity with the engine allowed them to iterate quickly and leverage its powerful tools, such as Blueprints and built-in physics, to create a polished experience. The use of Unreal Engine 4 also enabled the artists to experiment with materials and particles, adding depth and charm to the game’s visuals.

One of the game’s most innovative features is its real-time growth mechanic. Unlike traditional farming or gardening simulators, where time progresses only while the game is running, Garden In! continues to evolve even when closed. This design choice was intentional, aiming to mimic the patience and care required in real-life gardening. However, it also presents a unique challenge for players who expect immediate gratification, a topic we’ll explore further in the gameplay section.

The Gaming Landscape at Release

Garden In! entered a gaming market that was increasingly embracing “cozy” and “wholesome” experiences. Games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Stardew Valley, and A Short Hike had already proven that there was a demand for relaxing, low-stakes gameplay. Garden In! capitalized on this trend by offering a more focused, intimate experience—one that eschewed complex mechanics in favor of simplicity and mindfulness.

The game’s release in early 2023 was well-timed, as players were still seeking escapism from the lingering effects of the pandemic. Its bright, cheerful aesthetic and soothing soundtrack provided a much-needed respite, and its accessibility made it appealing to both casual and hardcore gamers alike.

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Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Plot and Characters

Garden In! is not a narrative-driven game in the traditional sense. There are no characters to interact with, no dialogue to follow, and no overarching story to uncover. Instead, the game’s “narrative” is emergent, unfolding through the player’s actions and the gradual transformation of their virtual garden.

The game begins in a single room—a “Studio”—filled with basic furniture and a few starter plants. As players progress, they unlock additional rooms, each with its own theme and aesthetic. These rooms serve as blank canvases, allowing players to express their creativity through decoration and plant arrangement. The lack of a traditional narrative is not a flaw but a deliberate design choice, as it allows players to project their own stories onto the game. Whether they see themselves as a botanist, an interior designer, or simply a caretaker, Garden In! accommodates their imagination.

Themes of Patience and Growth

At its core, Garden In! is a meditation on patience and growth. The game’s real-time mechanics force players to slow down and appreciate the gradual process of nurturing life. This theme is reinforced by the game’s visual and auditory design, which emphasizes tranquility and mindfulness. The soft, pastel colors, the gentle piano music, and the satisfying sounds of watering plants all contribute to a sense of calm and reflection.

The game also explores the theme of creativity. Players are encouraged to experiment with different plant combinations, hybridizing seeds to discover new species. This mechanic is reminiscent of the “Pokédex” in Pokémon, where players are driven to collect and catalog every creature. In Garden In!, the joy comes not from battling or competing but from the sheer pleasure of discovery and creation.

The Philosophy of Gardening

Garden In! can be seen as a philosophical exploration of the act of gardening itself. Gardening is often described as a metaphor for life—it requires patience, care, and adaptability. The game captures this essence, teaching players that growth cannot be rushed and that beauty emerges from consistent effort. In a world where instant gratification is the norm, Garden In! offers a counterpoint, reminding players of the value of slow, deliberate progress.

The game also touches on themes of impermanence and renewal. Plants in Garden In! can wither if neglected, but they can always be revived with a little care. This cycle of decay and rebirth mirrors the natural world, where life is constantly in flux. By engaging with this cycle, players are encouraged to reflect on their own relationship with time and change.

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Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Core Gameplay Loop

Garden In! is, at its heart, a sandbox game with a simple but engaging core loop: plant seeds, nurture them, and watch them grow. The game offers three types of plants—soil-based, air-based, and water-based—each requiring different pots and growing conditions. Players start with a limited selection of seeds and must complete “research tasks” to unlock new plants, pots, and decorative items.

The research tasks are straightforward, often involving growing a certain number of plants or experimenting with hybridization. Completing these tasks rewards players with “beans,” which can be used to unlock new content. This progression system is gentle and non-punitive, ensuring that players never feel pressured or overwhelmed.

Real-Time Growth and Persistence

One of the most distinctive features of Garden In! is its real-time growth mechanic. Plants grow at the same rate whether the game is open or closed, meaning that players must wait hours—or even days—for some plants to reach maturity. This design choice is both the game’s greatest strength and its most polarizing aspect.

On the one hand, the real-time mechanic reinforces the game’s themes of patience and mindfulness. It encourages players to check in periodically, fostering a sense of routine and care. On the other hand, it can feel restrictive, especially for players who prefer longer, uninterrupted gaming sessions. Some critics have argued that the game would be better suited to mobile platforms, where short, frequent play sessions are the norm.

To mitigate this issue, Garden In! includes a “cuckoo clock” that allows players to speed up time temporarily. However, this feature has a long cooldown, preventing players from abusing it to bypass the game’s intended pacing.

Hybridization and Discovery

A key aspect of Garden In! is the hybridization system, which allows players to combine two compatible seeds to create a new plant. This mechanic adds a layer of depth to the gameplay, as players must experiment to discover all possible combinations. The game includes an “herbarium” that tracks discovered plants, providing a sense of accomplishment as players fill it out.

Hybridization is not just a mechanical feature but a thematic one as well. It reinforces the idea that beauty and novelty can emerge from the combination of different elements—a metaphor for creativity and collaboration.

UI and Controls

Garden In! features a simple, intuitive UI that is easy to navigate. The game is controlled primarily with the mouse, with players clicking and dragging to place pots, water plants, and interact with objects. The controls are responsive and unobtrusive, allowing players to focus on the meditative aspects of the game.

One minor criticism is that rotating objects can sometimes be finicky, requiring precise mouse movements. However, this is a small issue in an otherwise polished experience.

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World-Building, Art & Sound

Setting and Atmosphere

Garden In! takes place in a series of diorama-like rooms, each with its own distinct theme and aesthetic. The game’s setting is contemporary and cozy, evoking the feeling of a well-loved home. The rooms are filled with charming details, from bookshelves and desks to potted plants and decorative knick-knacks.

The game’s isometric perspective and soft, pastel color palette contribute to its inviting atmosphere. The visuals are reminiscent of a storybook, with rounded edges and a handcrafted feel. This aesthetic choice reinforces the game’s themes of warmth and comfort, making it a joy to simply explore and admire.

Visual Design

The visual design of Garden In! is one of its strongest aspects. The game’s art style is bright, colorful, and full of personality, with each plant and object rendered in a charming, cartoonish manner. The attention to detail is impressive, with subtle animations—such as plants swaying gently or leaves rustling—adding life to the environment.

The game also includes a “color-blind mode,” ensuring that it is accessible to a wide range of players. This commitment to inclusivity is commendable and reflects the studio’s dedication to creating a welcoming experience for all.

Sound Design and Music

The sound design in Garden In! is understated but effective. The game features a soothing, piano-driven soundtrack that complements its relaxed pacing. The music is dynamic, shifting subtly to reflect the player’s actions—such as the gentle sound of water when watering plants or the cheerful chime when completing a task.

The ambient sounds—such as the rustling of leaves or the buzzing of insects—add depth to the game’s atmosphere, creating a sense of immersion. The lack of voice acting or dialogue is not a detraction but a deliberate choice, as it allows players to focus on the meditative aspects of the experience.

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Reception & Legacy

Critical Reception

Garden In! received generally positive reviews from critics, with an average score of 76% on MobyGames and praise for its relaxing atmosphere and charming visuals. Critics highlighted the game’s ability to provide a soothing, stress-free experience, with many comparing it favorably to other cozy games like Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley.

However, some reviewers noted that the game’s real-time mechanics could be frustrating for players who prefer more immediate gratification. Others criticized the lack of depth in the gameplay, arguing that the game’s simplicity might not appeal to all players.

Despite these criticisms, Garden In! was widely praised for its accessibility and inclusivity. The game’s color-blind mode and simple controls were highlighted as positive features, making it a welcoming experience for a diverse audience.

Commercial Performance

Garden In! was released at a competitive price point of $9.99, with frequent discounts making it even more accessible. While exact sales figures are not publicly available, the game’s presence on multiple platforms—including Steam, GOG, and the Nintendo Switch—suggests that it has found a niche audience.

The game’s success can also be measured by its reception on platforms like Steam, where it has garnered a “Very Positive” rating from players. Many users have praised the game for its relaxing gameplay and charming aesthetic, with some describing it as a “digital stress reliever.”

Influence and Legacy

Garden In! is part of a growing trend of “cozy” and “wholesome” games that prioritize relaxation and mindfulness over competition and challenge. Its success has contributed to the popularity of this genre, inspiring other developers to explore similar themes and mechanics.

The game’s emphasis on patience and creativity has also resonated with players, offering a counterpoint to the fast-paced, high-stakes nature of many modern games. In this sense, Garden In! can be seen as a small but significant step toward a more diverse and inclusive gaming landscape—one that values tranquility and self-expression as much as action and competition.

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Conclusion

Garden In! is a delightful, meditative experience that offers a much-needed respite from the stresses of modern life. Its charming visuals, soothing soundtrack, and gentle gameplay make it a standout title in the cozy gaming genre. While its real-time mechanics may not appeal to all players, they are a deliberate design choice that reinforces the game’s themes of patience and mindfulness.

In a world where video games are often associated with competition and intensity, Garden In! is a reminder that games can also be spaces for relaxation, creativity, and self-reflection. It is a testament to the power of simplicity and the beauty of slow, deliberate progress.

For those seeking a digital oasis—a place to unwind, create, and nurture—Garden In! is an essential experience. It may not be a game for everyone, but for those who resonate with its themes, it is a treasure worth cultivating.

Final Verdict: A Tranquil Masterpiece

Garden In! is a beautifully crafted, relaxing experience that stands as a testament to the power of simplicity in gaming. While its real-time mechanics may not suit all players, its charm, accessibility, and meditative qualities make it a must-play for fans of cozy games. 9/10