- Progressively challenging puzzles
- No hints
- More features are on the way
If you love gardening as much as you love arcade-like puzzles, then you may want to check out Graine. From developer Umeshu Lovers, Graine tasks you with aiding a seed in reaching fertile soil so it can sprout into a beautiful plant. You do this by drawing twigs to steer your seedling toward its goal while avoiding pesky thorns.
Graine Features Easy-to-Learn, Hard-to-Master Gameplay
Gameplay is pretty straightforward. Often, levels begin with your seed suspended in the air. Tapping the screen starts the level, triggering your seed to fall. Use your finger to draw a line on the screen, which transforms into a twig upon completion. You can strategically place twigs to avoid obstacles like thorns. Additionally, tapping on a twig that the seed is on at just the right moment can give you the perfect boost to launch it on higher platforms.
However, while it may seem simplistic in nature, be prepared for a real challenge, especially during later levels. Some levels require rather specific placement of twigs, and you’ll need time to tap your twigs carefully to reach your goal.
You’ll also need to use your parts of your environment to reach your destination in later levels. For instance, you can bounce off of mushrooms to reach hard-to-reach spaces. Once a level begins, your seed is in constant motion, meaning you won’t have much time to plan your next move.
Graine Offers No Hints
If you tend to get frustrated when you get stuck and prefer a hint system to help you along, you’re out of luck here. Under settings, you will find a help button. Unfortunately, this only allows you to replay the early tutorials and doesn’t actually help you through tough levels. While there is certainly more of a feeling of pride in completing a level on your own, it’s always nice to know there’s a hint system waiting in the wings.
Beyond the main goal of getting your seed to rich soil, each level also includes three secondary goals, which are optional to complete. These goals include tasks such as creating a limited number of walls, collecting stars, and finishing the level within a specified number of seconds. You gain a star each time you complete a level goal for the first time. These extra challenges make replaying past levels worthwhile, especially since you’ll also earn coins.
Graine is in Early Access
Currently, Graine is still in early access, and as such, certain features are missing. Upon its official launch, a Sanctuary feature will allow you to view your plant collection, customize your sanctuary garden, and visit the sanctuary boutique, where it seems likely you’ll spend those coins you’ve been earning. You can visit your sanctuary by tapping the home button. However, as of now, you can’t actually interact with it.
However, here’s hoping the sanctuary adds a zen-like gardening experience. Graine is a charmingly simple arcade puzzler all about nature and growth. As you proceed, the levels become progressively more challenging, keeping you engaged. The lack of a hint system may turn off some players. However, hardcore fans of puzzle games will likely enjoy the challenge it provides.
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