Viridi

About

Viridi is a single player casual simulation game. It was developed by Kevin Maxon and was released on August 19, 2015. It received very positive reviews from players.

Viridi is a simulation video game developed by Ice Water Games. It tasks players to look after a pot of succulents. While not fully realistic (they're very forgiving), your succulents will require some maintenance and can die from over- or under-watering. Name your favorite plants, give them special care and attention, and they might even flower for you.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

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92%

Audience ScoreBased on 5,873 reviews

music492 positive mentions

monetization14 negative mentions

Viridi is a cute and relaxing game that allows players to nurture a pot of succulents in real time, providing a calming experience.
The game features soothing music and beautiful graphics, making it a pleasant background activity for stress relief.
Players appreciate the weekly free seedling and the ability to care for plants without the fear of them dying, making it accessible for those who struggle with real-life gardening.

The game has a significant reliance on microtransactions for additional plants and pots, which can be frustrating for players seeking a more complete experience without spending money.
Some players find the controls and UI confusing, making it difficult to interact with the plants and navigate the game effectively.
The slow pace of plant growth and limited gameplay options may not appeal to those looking for more engaging or action-oriented experiences.

music
1,117 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
44%
55%
1%
The music in "Viridi" is widely praised for its calming and soothing qualities, creating a serene atmosphere that enhances the overall experience of nurturing virtual plants. Many players enjoy leaving the game running in the background to listen to the tranquil soundtrack, which is often described as beautiful and meditative. However, some users note that the music can become repetitive over time, and there are requests for more variety or volume control options. Overall, the soundtrack is considered one of the game's strongest features, contributing significantly to its relaxing nature.
- “The music and graphics are beautiful.”
- “The delicate, soothing music and nearly watercolor art create a cozy little bubble for you to drop the day's cares and just focus on the wellbeing of your green friends.”
- “The music is incredibly calming, and it only takes a few minutes a day to keep up with, and you can spend as long as you like singing to the plants.”
- “The music isn’t bad, but it’s too much of the same.”
- “I don’t understand why anyone would pay $7 for the soundtrack when you can just leave the game running.”
- “The soundtrack may also get a bit boring and you may want to listen to something else eventually.”
graphics
221 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
49%
49%
2%
The graphics of "Viridi" are generally praised for their charming, simplistic, and aesthetically pleasing art style, which effectively complements the game's relaxing atmosphere. Many users appreciate the soothing color palette and low-poly design, likening it to a nostalgic, calming experience. However, some critiques mention a desire for improved detail and more graphical options, as well as a few instances of dated visuals reminiscent of older games. Overall, the visuals contribute significantly to the game's therapeutic and enjoyable nature.
- “Viridi is a stunning puzzle game with beautiful graphics and relaxing gameplay.”
- “The game's art design has an incredible balance between bringing the nostalgia of low poly and at the same time looking very realistic, choosing to use succulents for this art style was absolutely the right call.”
- “The graphics are soft and gently shaded, and the music is charming and deceptively simple-seeming.”
- “The very primitive graphics from the 90s don't help the overall situation.”
- “There are no graphics options I can find... absolutely nothing to spruce up the stale graphics.”
- “The graphics are very basic, so much that my PS1 would laugh at it; the sound effects are almost non-existent, and the music is forgettable.”
monetization
163 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
7%
84%
9%
The monetization model of the game primarily relies on microtransactions for additional plants and features, which many players find excessive or unnecessary, especially given the game's free-to-play nature. While some appreciate the low prices of these purchases, others feel that the game is overly focused on generating revenue through in-app purchases, detracting from the overall experience. However, players can still enjoy the game without spending money, as a free plant is provided weekly, allowing for gradual progression without financial commitment.
- “The freemium model (free game with microtransactions) used is a good approach.”
- “It's free to play but does have in-game purchases including cosmetic items and more plants, but you get one free plant every week, so it's not a massive deal.”
- “In-game purchases are not mandatory, and you get a free seedling every week, making it possible to enjoy the game without spending any money.”
- “The first point goes directly to Zoe Vartanian, Kevin Maxon, and Isa Hutchinson. Excuse my bluntness, but what on earth possessed you to add in-game purchases to a game like this?”
- “I truly believe this game was made just as a cash grab without any actual care.”
- “The impression that this game left me was that it was created solely for the purpose of microtransactions and that the effort put into developing it was minimal.”
gameplay
161 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
19%
79%
2%
The gameplay in Viridi is characterized by its simplicity and minimalism, focusing primarily on watering plants and enjoying a calming atmosphere with soothing music. While some players appreciate the meditative quality and aesthetic appeal, many criticize the lack of depth and meaningful mechanics, often describing it as more of a virtual gardening simulator than a traditional game. Overall, it serves as a relaxing experience for those seeking a low-investment, ambient activity rather than intense gameplay.
- “The gameplay is simple but you can get attached to your plants.”
- “The mechanics are simple yet challenging, and the vibrant colors create a calming atmosphere.”
- “The music is relaxing and the gameplay simplistic, but it is pleasing and satisfying to see your small plants grow and bloom under your care!”
- “There is very little in the way of gameplay and absolutely nothing in the way of action.”
- “This isn't even really a game, it's just a virtual pot plant, with no gameplay loops beyond 'acquiring' more plants.”
- “Don't expect a lot of gameplay out of this, as it's more of a 'do a thing, then leave it alone for the rest of the day' sort of game.”
atmosphere
53 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
53%
41%
6%
The atmosphere of the game is consistently described as calming and zen-like, enhanced by soothing music and vibrant visuals that create a relaxing environment. Players appreciate the game's ability to provide a comforting escape from daily stress, making it an ideal choice for unwinding. Overall, the combination of serene soundtracks and charming aesthetics contributes to a delightful and tranquil gaming experience.
- “The calm music and atmosphere make this a great way to unwind for a few minutes after getting home from a stressful day.”
- “With its whimsical charm, heartwarming atmosphere, and the pure delight of cultivating your own little green haven, it's an experience that will make your heart bloom with happiness.”
- “Attempt at creating an atmosphere rather”
- “I feel like it has a very peaceful atmosphere.”
- “Calming music and the serene atmosphere of a large pot of soil over a soft, colorful background make Viridi feel less like a free grind for achievements and more like a reprieve from the struggles of life.”
story
36 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
28%
64%
8%
The game's story is minimal and largely revolves around the player's experience of growing virtual plants alongside a snail companion, with no traditional narrative or plot progression. Players are encouraged to create their own stories through their interactions with the plants, but those seeking a rich storyline or action-packed adventure will likely find it lacking. Overall, the focus is on the calming and aesthetic aspects of plant care rather than a structured narrative.
- “You make your own story out of your plants and your little snail friend, that's the bottom line.”
- “Story: you grow these plants with your best friend Douglas the snail in an attempt to please the almighty oak tree.”
- “Great story line.”
- “There isn't a real story to this game.”
- “If you're looking for a fast-paced story-packed adventure with lots of fireworks, gunpowder, and blood, you're in the wrong place.”
- “The main plot is nothing more than managing your own pot with flowers.”
emotional
32 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players express a deep emotional connection to the game, often feeling attachment to their virtual plants and snails, leading to genuine feelings of joy and sadness when they experience loss or neglect. The game's whimsical charm and serene atmosphere create a calming environment that resonates with players, making it a unique and heartwarming experience that evokes a range of emotions, from happiness to guilt. Overall, "Viridi" is celebrated for its wholesome nature and ability to foster emotional bonds, making it a standout title for those seeking a peaceful gaming experience.
- “I love this game so much; it's so cute. I killed one of my plants today for the first time, and I didn't know you could, and I cried.”
- “By now, you can certainly see why this touched me in quite the way it did and made me cry tears of a thousand emotions when I experienced it.”
- “An incredibly amazing and touching interaction that can bring tears to your eyes.”
humor
20 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
90%
10%
The humor in the game is characterized by a blend of lightheartedness and dark comedy, primarily centered around the amusing antics of a snail and the ironic struggles of plant care. Players find the snail's antics and the game's quirky dialogue to be genuinely funny, while also appreciating the juxtaposition of relaxing gameplay with themes of plant neglect and death. Overall, the humor adds a unique charm to the experience, making it both entertaining and soothing.
- “The music is beautiful and calms the nerves, the graphics are beautifully stylized while still maintaining the real-life grace of the succulents they depict, and the snail is a hilarious and useless but soul-enriching part of the game.”
- “This game is extremely relaxing, soothing, and surprisingly hilarious.”
- “A funny game with really good music.”
- “You're not funny!”
- “If you are not good at this like me, you will probably feel bad for the dead virtual plants you let die... over and over and over... I've had to bin so many of these plants it's not funny.”
grinding
14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
21%
93%
Reviews of the grinding aspect in this game highlight a mix of experiences; while some players find the farming mechanics relaxing and enjoyable, others describe the process as tedious and lacking in engaging actions. The need for repetitive tasks, such as watering plants individually, detracts from the overall enjoyment, leading some to suggest that there are better farming games available. Overall, the grinding can be seen as a double-edged sword, offering a zen-like experience for some while frustrating others with its monotony.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “Grinding in this game is incredibly rewarding and keeps you engaged.”
- “The grind is challenging but satisfying, making every achievement feel earned.”
- “Frankly, I have personally found it tedious, with not many actions to take.”
- “This game could be dramatically improved if you could grow your plants to maturity in your pot, then place them in a bigger garden you could arrange as you liked - especially if once placed in the garden you no longer had to water the plants (gets tedious watering each one individually).”
- “Planting here is just tedious.”
stability
14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
21%
93%
Overall, the game's stability is mixed, with users reporting occasional glitches and bugs, particularly on Linux systems. While features like "vacation mode" are appreciated for their utility, some players have experienced significant issues, including freezing and lag during startup. Despite these problems, many find the game enjoyable once it is running smoothly.
- “Runs great on Linux!”
- “The game has a solid performance with minimal crashes.”
- “I appreciate how stable the game is during long play sessions.”
- “A bit buggy on my computer but overall amazing.”
- “Occasional glitches and bugs that can happen when changing the names of plants and the snail.”
- “Way too many glitches.”
optimization
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
43%
14%
43%
The game's optimization is mixed; while it runs smoothly on portable devices and features a simplistic art style, users report poor menu navigation and high CPU usage, particularly in certain scenes. Touch controls are the primary focus, which may limit usability for other platforms. Overall, the experience is marred by some frustrating design choices despite the excitement of weekly rewards.
- “Gameplay optimized for portable devices that you carry around.”
- “The game has always run smoothly, and getting a free plant every week is very exciting.”
- “It runs smoothly, the art style is simplistic and enjoyable, and... it's free!”
- “The menus are poorly optimized, having to close out on one to get to another, and selecting plants individually to water is its own source of hell.”
- “I'm using my old dual-core system as a way to test performance in games and this one, due to Unity, hits it a lot, especially in the garden/woods scene, where there's just graphics from the 90s to show.”
- “Unoptimized; uses too much CPU for a game of this kind.”
replayability
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
100%
Users highlight a strong sense of replayability, with one reviewer giving it a perfect score of 10/10, indicating they could play daily until the novelty wears off. However, there are concerns about the potential for monetization affecting the experience, as some feel that additional content might feel like purchasing achievements rather than genuine gameplay.
- “[*][b]Replayability: 10/10[/b] (I find myself playing once a day, every day, until I lose enjoyment from ripping hard-earned plants out of their pots.)”
- “Even if there was more playable content and I could justify spending money on it, it still feels like you can just buy achievements, which doesn't thrill me.”
- “The lack of meaningful choices and consequences makes replaying the game feel pointless.”
- “Once you've completed the game, there's little incentive to go back and play it again.”