Growth
- October 16, 2023
- VoodooDuck
- 12h median play time
Get on Steam"Growth" is a single-player strategy game featuring cozy, idyllic hex grid-based exploration. Players utilize the unique abilities of 8 different animals to populate procedurally generated worlds, transforming barren landscapes into lush forests and meadows. With challenging navigation around obstacles and highly replayable content, this soft-strategy puzzle game offers points of interest that reward additional animals and special ones, along with 9 different tile types for beautifully crafted maps.
Nintendo Switch
PC
Reviews
- Charming and relaxing puzzle game with a cozy atmosphere and cute graphics.
- Simple mechanics that are easy to learn, making it accessible for players of all skill levels.
- Engaging gameplay loop that combines strategy and exploration, providing a satisfying experience.
- Lacks replayability and variety, leading to a repetitive experience after a few playthroughs.
- Limited content with only a few animals and biomes, which may leave players wanting more.
- The game can feel underwhelming once completed, with little motivation to continue playing.
- gameplay19 mentions
- 37 % positive mentions
- 47 % neutral mentions
- 16 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by a simple yet engaging loop that involves exploring and taking over randomly generated areas using animal mechanics, which adds a layer of charm and strategy. While some players find the mechanics to be somewhat shallow and the challenge lacking, the game offers good replayability and a cozy atmosphere reminiscent of other puzzle games. Overall, it is enjoyable for those who appreciate straightforward puzzle and strategy elements, despite some criticism regarding the tutorial and depth.
“There is still plenty of content and replayability that makes it worth playing, and the general gameplay loop makes it a game that's easy to keep installed and pick up from time to time.”
“A very clever little puzzle game, with a lot of charm, color, and clever mechanics.”
“The mechanic of exploring the map by sending animals to create and find new biomes is brilliant.”
“The gameplay was on the boring side for me.”
“It's pretty good but the tutorial isn't great at explaining the mechanics.”
“The core gameplay is rather simple, but honestly?”
- replayability6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's replayability is considered lacking by many users, particularly for a puzzle game, with some noting that while there is content available, it doesn't significantly enhance long-term engagement. However, a few players find the gameplay loop enjoyable enough to revisit occasionally.
“There is still plenty of content and replayability that makes it worth playing, and the general gameplay loop makes it a game that's easy to keep installed and pick up from time to time.”
“So replayability probably isn't crazy great.”
“Honestly, there isn't much replayability value, which is kind of odd for a puzzle game.”
“Not going to keep you engaged longer term at the moment as replayability is a bit lacking.”
“Replay value”
- graphics6 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics are praised for their charming and cozy aesthetic, featuring a cute low-poly style that enhances the overall atmosphere. Users appreciate the lovely design and fun visuals, complemented by atmospheric sound effects, which contribute to an engaging experience as players unlock different environments.
“The graphics and ambience are lovely.”
“The simply graphics are charming, and the little sound effects are very atmospheric.”
“Aesthetics: cute low poly-ish style.”
- music6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally described as calm and soothing, providing a pleasant background experience. However, it is noted to be repetitive and may become annoying over time, especially given the limited variety with only a single track. Overall, while the music enhances the atmosphere, its lack of diversity is seen as a downside.
“Looks adorable, music is calm, very soothing experience.”
“Lovely calm music.”
“However, with the lack of difficulty options, general content (game modes, etc.), and only a single music track, there are downsides to growth that make it feel ever so slightly unfinished.”
“The music is very fitting but might become a bit annoying after a while.”
“I like the music, although it is very repetitive; but at a low volume, it's a nice background noise.”
- story3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- -33 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
Reviewers suggest that while the current story features a mission to "calm the volcano," it lacks meaningful rewards, and they propose the addition of variable missions to enhance gameplay. Ideas for alternate missions include "paint the desert," "spread the habitats," and "save the unknown," which would encourage players to adapt their strategies and add depth to the narrative experience.
“At the moment, there is a sort of mission to 'calm the volcano': this is a good and challenging goal, but it isn't actually worth any points!”
“I can imagine alternate missions such as 'paint the desert' where you have to color all the barren land to green/yellow/blue/purple; or 'spread the habitats' where you need to introduce habitat for all 5 species onto each big hex, or 'save the unknown' where you need a continuous zone of undiscovered tiles linking across all big hexes. Then each game, you would need to adapt a strategy.”
“What would take it to the next level is adding some variable missions.”
“But I can imagine alternate missions such as 'paint the desert' where you have to color all the barren land to green/yellow/blue/purple; or 'spread the habitats' where you need to introduce habitat for all 5 species onto each big hex, or 'save the unknown' where you need a continuous zone of undiscovered tiles linking across all big hexes, etc. Then each game you would need to adapt a strategy.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's charming graphics and subtle sound effects create a calming and immersive atmosphere, enhancing the overall experience of this cute puzzle game.
“The simple graphics are charming, and the little sound effects are very atmospheric.”
“A very cute designed puzzle game with a calming atmosphere.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by its lightheartedness and unexpected challenges, often leading to hilarious situations that require both minimal and then significant brainpower, such as finding yourself with a duck and no water. Players appreciate the blend of simplicity and complexity that elicits genuine laughter.
“Little brain power needed... until a lot is needed, and you start laughing hysterically when all you have is a duck and no water in sight.”
“Funny game! :D”
