Review: Garden of the Sea Struggles on the Switch
Launched as a cozy life simulator, Garden of the Sea invites players into a world of farming, construction, animal companionship, and island exploration. Originally a VR title released in 2022, its transition to the Nintendo Switch raises questions about its effectiveness outside the immersive VR environment.
A Tranquil Yet Sparse Adventure
Fans of Neat Corporation’s earlier work, Budget Cuts, might anticipate a fast-paced experience; however, Garden of the Sea embraces a more serene atmosphere. Set on a deserted island populated solely by various animals, the game features minimal dialogue, relying instead on signs to guide crafting efforts. In comparison, even the initial episodes of the TV show Lost offer a more elaborate context for isolation, shedding light on the game’s stark narrative.
Gameplay Mechanics: Simple Yet Frustrating
The initial exploration phase includes a brief tutorial that teaches players how to cultivate crops like carrots and radishes. Planting is straightforward; simply place seeds, water them, and wait. However, crops can wither if not harvested promptly, introducing a minor urgency despite the game’s relaxed tone.
Post-tutorial, players enjoy newfound freedom to choose their paths, be it socializing with animals like penguins or undertaking specific tasks indicated by signs. The overall experience feels akin to a glamping trip, promoting a leisurely pace.
Crafting: A Puzzle Without Clarity
Throughout the game, players discover scraps of paper illustrating the materials required for various constructions. The crafting process sometimes feels like a visual puzzle, reminiscent of the game Pictureka. For instance, to construct fences—essential for building—players must gather wood and process it into crafting materials. However, the lack of clear instructions can lead to confusion, as some crucial mechanics are learned only through trial and error.
Inventory Limitations: A Source of Frustration
While the mechanics of gathering materials may sound intriguing, a significant barrier emerges: players can carry only a limited number of items. If an item is dropped, it may vanish entirely, discouraging players from switching tasks and undermining the game’s free-form design.
Challenges in Building and Exploration
Constructing a boat for island exploration reveals another design flaw. Players must feed the whimsical Manateecow three turnips to obtain the steering wheel. Misplacing this item—thinking it could be retrieved later—results in its disappearance, forcing players to make difficult decisions and strategically hoard inventory items. The lack of clarity in task requirements can lead to frustrating gameplay experiences.
Aesthetic and Creature Design: The Highlights
On a more positive note, while the graphics are not groundbreaking, the aesthetic design of Garden of the Sea is delightful. Bursting with vibrant colors, the various islands each present unique characteristics, such as a bamboo outback and a perpetually nighttime locale. The charming animal designs—ranging from oversized birds to flying catfish—bring joy to exploration, allowing players to build friendships through feeding and petting. Players can capture these interactions using a polaroid camera and even breed their virtual pets in stables.
Final Thoughts: A Mixed Experience
While Garden of the Sea strives to deliver a relaxed life-simulation experience, its limitations—lack of structured objectives and gameplay bugs—detract from its potential appeal. Players may quickly find themselves longing for the more rewarding gameplay of titles like Stardew Valley.
Garden of the Sea is currently available on PS5, PC, and Switch, along with VR platforms like the Meta Quest.
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