There are games, especially in casual genres, that revel in their simplicity. Rather than attempting to build complicated gameplay mechanics or huge, expansive worlds, these games seek to entertain through simple interactions and sensory stimulation. The UnderGarden is one of those games.
Game: The UnderGarden
Publisher: Atari
Developer: Vitamin G
Genre: Casual Puzzler
Price: $9.99 (800 MSP)
Verdict: A refreshing take on the genre
Pros: Beautiful world to explore, clever concept, unique gameplay
Cons: Simplistic, game-world physics sometimes don’t behave as expected
Download code acquired via Publisher
The UnderGarden puts the player in the role of an unusual-looking underwater gardener. The “goal” of the game is to explore the large environments, solve simple puzzles, and bring the underwater garden to life. Releasing pollen and passing through the initially dark, drab, and colorless environments transforms them – bright and colorful flora bloom to life as the gardener passes by. Picking up “musicians” along the way will transform the environment further and append new elements to the game’s mellow soundtrack.
Challenge in The UnderGarden comes in the form of physics-based puzzles revolving around the different kinds of fruit that grow in the game’s levels. There are several different varieties of fruit, ranging from a “heavy” fruit that can weigh down rocks and platforms to a “balloon” fruit that floats upwards when picked. There is even an “explosive” fruit that can destroy objects that impede progress. Progressing through the game’s expansive environments will require use of these fruits in creative ways, and although some of the puzzles are more complex than others, it is usually clear what needs to be done to advance.
There are no enemies in The UnderGarden, and no way to die. There are checkpoints scattered throughout the levels for one very specific reason: it is very easy to get backed into a corner with the game’s physics engine. Though The UnderGarden encourages experimentation, things can (and do) occasionally go awry when manipulating the game’s environment. The lack of information provided can be annoying when something doesn’t work quite the way the player expects it to. When this happens, it can feel more than a little jarring in a game built around the concept of a Zen-like experience. Additionally, the controls aren’t quite as responsive as I would like for a game like this, although its underwater setting is partially to blame.
The joy of The UnderGarden comes from exploring the expansive environments and bringing the surroundings to life. There are plenty of collectibles (special flowers and crystals) hidden in the game’s 14 levels as well. The “press button, watch magic happen” style of gameplay is very rewarding, particularly as the gorgeous environments bloom into existence from dark, drab backgrounds. It is wonderfully refreshing to be rewarded by a game for the act of creation (rather than destruction). Level design is simplistic early on, but some of the later puzzles show a lot more creativity.
The UnderGarden is a unique experience that relies on its theme of creation. Although there are occasionally some problems with the controls, balance, and the game’s physics, it remains an intriguing casual puzzler with a unique look and a clever twist. It isn’t the most intense or challenging experience out there, but it isn’t meant to be. Players looking for something different in this season’s crowded digital release schedule would do well to spend some time in The UnderGarden.
GrE Grade: B-
Popularity: unranked [?]
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