Bonsai
- November 30, 2015
- rootedconcepts
- 30h median play time
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io Store"Bonsai" is a single-player simulation game that takes approximately 30 hours to complete. The game allows players to grow, prune, and shape their own unique bonsai tree through strategic choices and care. With procedurally generated trees and various species, each playthrough offers a distinct experience as players cultivate and guide their tree-friends in their life's journey.
PC
Windows
Linux
Reviews
- The game has brought families closer together, providing a way for parents and children to bond over shared gameplay experiences.
- It can be a relaxing experience, allowing players to unwind while watching their virtual trees grow.
- The game has a charming concept that appeals to those who enjoy simple, low-pressure gameplay.
- The gameplay is extremely limited, with only a few actions available, leading to a repetitive and boring experience.
- There are significant technical issues, including crashes and poor controls, which detract from the overall enjoyment.
- The game lacks depth and meaningful progression, making it feel more like a tedious chore than an engaging game.
- music6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The music in the game has been widely criticized for being annoying and out of place, detracting from the intended relaxing experience. Many players suggest that it feels like a cheap imitation of popular songs, making it difficult to enjoy extended play sessions. Overall, the soundtrack seems to clash with the game's atmosphere, leading some to prefer playing with the music turned off.
“If you love staring at your monitor for hours listening to annoying, repetitive music, then this game is for you!”
“The music is also severely out of place and sounds like a cheap knock-off of Train's 'Hey, Soul Sister' at times, but done with a ukulele and xylophone instead.”
“I relaxed for 5 minutes listening to this music, long enough to realize that I would be okay.”
- grinding6 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and unfulfilling, as it transforms what is intended to be a relaxing experience into a grindy clicker game. The presence of overly grindy achievements detracts from enjoyment, making the gameplay feel more like a chore, especially compounded by the annoying music during extended play sessions.
“This game presents itself as a relaxing tree growing game; however, the achievements turn it into a grindy clicker game, and both are pretty bad.”
“There are two extremely grindy achievements for no reason that just give you time to examine all the flaws in this game.”
“The music is super annoying, which for a game that is supposed to be relaxing, and one that you will spend a lot of time idling in grinding, is a huge problem.”
- gameplay2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The gameplay is generally well-received, with some players praising its engaging nature and storytelling, while others suggest there are superior alternatives for a more relaxing tree-based experience.
“I love this game; the gameplay and the story are the best.”
“There are many better options for relaxing tree-based gameplay.”
- graphics2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The graphics are described as lacking in quality and variety, making the experience less engaging despite some relaxing elements, such as watching trees grow. The visuals are compared unfavorably to a 'Vivaldi' knock-off, suggesting a disconnect between the game's aesthetic and its intended atmosphere.
“Watching the trees grow initially is actually decently relaxing; however, the lack of control, limited options, and poor visuals are very unappealing.”
“A simple YouTube audio library search led me to a royalty-free classical piece that better suits the whole purpose of the game and didn't clash with the obvious 'Vivaldi' knock-off visuals and core concept.”
- story2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The story is highly praised for its engaging narrative and meaningful moral, emphasizing resilience and the unpredictability of life. Players appreciate how the storyline complements the gameplay, enhancing the overall experience.
“I love this game; the gameplay and the story are the best.”
“Moral of the story: you never know what life has in store for you, and if I had given up when all odds were against me, I wouldn't be where I am today.”
- monetization2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The monetization model is generally well-received, as the game is affordable and currently free of microtransactions, which enhances the overall excitement for players despite the presence of ads.
“On the upside, it's cheap and it doesn't have microtransactions yet.”
“The monetization strategy feels overly aggressive, making it hard to enjoy the game without constant interruptions.”
“I find the in-game purchases to be excessive, which detracts from the overall experience.”
“While the game is initially free, the constant push for spending money ruins the immersion.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game experiences occasional crashes and glitches, leading users to describe it as "buggy," though these issues are infrequent.
“It also crashed and glitched a few times, but it was infrequent enough that I would describe it as 'buggy.'”
