Gardenscapes: An Escape From Reality

Gardenscapes is an engaging mobile game developed by Playrix, which invites players to board on an exciting journey of restoring a once-grand garden to its former glory. Through its fascinating narrative, appealing visuals, and engaging gameplay, Gardenscapes is loved by millions of players worldwide.

Let’s analyze the game from the following perspectives: 

1. Narrative: With the simple yet engaging narrative, Gardenscapes is a game of restoration. Where players are tasked with restoring a beautiful garden in front of the mansion to its former state. Even though the player is the owner, the story revolves around Austin, a player's assistant. It is revealed through a series of uncovering hidden secrets of his childhood and encountering colorful characters along the way that are filled with humor and stories.

2. Graphics & Visuals: Gardenscapes immerses players in a world of vibrant colors and visuals. The game's graphics are carefully crafted, showcasing the lush greenery, blooming flowers, and complex garden designs. Each day presents a new challenge, with unique garden layouts and decorative elements that add to the game's charm. The graphics of mini-games is also interesting and inclusive. Responses like Wow, you won! encourages the player.

3. Character Design: Gardenscapes is populated by a cast of endearing characters, each with their own unique personalities and quirks. Austin, the player's trusty assistant, provides guidance and support throughout the game. I particularly enjoyed the character of Austin. Katherine, a friend who needs Austin's help, Robert Wood, a carpenter, And Mr. Pennyworth, the eccentric neighbor, add a touch of humor to the story.

4. Reward System: Gardenscapes has a rewarding system through the inbuilt mini-games and match-3 games that keep players engaged and motivated. Completing match-3 levels and tasks earns players stars, coins, and special boosters. These rewards can be used to unlock new areas of the garden, purchase decorative items, and enhance the player's progress.  I found the reward system to be very motivating and it kept me coming back for more. Also, after a few level, it asks you to do microtransactions to help one of the characters in the game and unlock another location.

5. Cultural Representation: It has a diversity of gardens and gardening traditions worldwide. The game does not feature any stereotypes or offensive content. The game features a variety of garden styles, inspired by different cultures and regions. This cultural inclusivity adds depth and richness to the game's world. Along with structure, stories are unfolding while restoring the garden through Austin’s dialog box.

6. Sound & Music: The sound effects are well-done and the music is catchy and upbeat. The sound and music help to create a sense of atmosphere and they make the game even more enjoyable. The music changes dynamically as players progress through the game, adapting to the mood and pace of each level.

7. Controls & Interface: The controls in Gardenscapes are very easy to learn. The game uses a simple tap-and-drag interface that is perfect for touchscreen devices. The interface is also well-designed and it is easy to navigate.

 

If I think like a game designer, I would change a few things such as: 

• Austin’s dialog box: After a point, Austin repeats what he is saying. So, I would like to add more conversational data to his character and make it interesting to sustain the player.

• Incorporate reactions on nudges: If a player hovers over some part of the garden, Austin should move there and ask questions like, “What do you need me to do?”

• Introduce more mini-games: Personally, I installed the game because I saw the mini-games on the other app. But after playing, I have to play match-3 more than mini-games. So, I would add more of those.

• Addition of Eastern characters: Even though there are a variety of characters, till now I have not seen characters coming from Eastern countries. That I would like to include in the game. 

• Few changes in mini-games: In a few mini-games, after winning the reaction or not changing the character in the game, which is discouraging for the player. I will add the reaction set for the game within the game characters too. 

Overall, Gardenscapes is a great game that interests players of all ages. It's a fun, relaxing, and rewarding game that is perfect for casual gamers.

- Shraddha Gokul Takale