Urban Jungle: A Game that Offers Cosy Gameplay and an Interesting Story.
Urban Jungle, developed by Kylyk Games and published by Self-Publishing, is a cozy, puzzle-based, casual gardening simulator. Set in a charming and tranquil world, players are invited to follow the life of Ayta Borisova, the game’s main character, through various chapters of her personal and professional journey. This game offers a unique blend of relaxation and challenge, making it a perfect escape for those who want to unwind and immerse themselves in a soothing environment while engaging in light puzzle-solving.
As players step into Ayta’s shoes, they’ll explore her relationships, career, and daily struggles, each chapter revealing more about her life. The storyline unfolds gradually, inviting the player to piece together Ayta’s world while managing her growing collection of plants. While the game’s premise is simple, it has a heartwarming and endearing charm that encourages players to keep playing and discovering new ways to interact with the environment.
Urban Jungle itself isn’t long; players can expect to complete it in about four hours. With 11 distinct levels or chapters, each representing a different phase of Ayta’s life, the game’s structure is easy to follow, and the progression feels satisfying without being overwhelming.
The gameplay in Urban Jungle revolves around completing plant-related tasks across each chapter. These tasks range from caring for plants to finding the best spots for them, almost like a plant-based version of Tetris. The mechanics are simple, intuitive, and easy to grasp, making the game accessible to all levels of players.
As players progress, they will encounter various challenges related to plant care. For instance, plants require certain conditions like light and humidity to thrive, and players must figure out the right balance to keep everything flourishing.
One of the game’s standout features is its plant companionship mechanic. Unlike typical gardening simulators, Urban Jungle introduces a refreshing twist by allowing plants to have preferences for certain companions.
This adds an extra layer of challenge to the game, as players must figure out which plants work well together and which ones don’t. This unique mechanic encourages strategic thinking and gives players a more immersive experience as they tend to their virtual garden.
In addition to caring for plants and pairing them correctly, the game also features a points system. As you complete tasks and grow your garden, you earn points based on how well you manage your plants and their preferences.
This system is tied to a quest-based progression, which rewards players with gold that can be used to purchase higher-ranking plants. These higher-tier plants are available through the quest system, which is simple to navigate, and the gold earned is crucial to progressing in the game.
The introduction of plant ranks further adds to the gameplay strategy. Players can unlock and acquire higher-ranking plants, which provide more points and open up new opportunities for growth. While some plants require gold to obtain, common plants are available for free, making it easy for players to manage their resources. The balancing act of saving gold while making strategic purchases is another element that keeps the gameplay engaging and rewarding.
While Urban Jungle is primarily focused on gardening and plant care, the game also offers a glimpse into Ayta’s life as she navigates her personal and professional world. As players advance through the chapters, they will encounter flashbacks and interactions with Ayta’s friends and family. These moments reveal more about Ayta’s backstory and relationships, gradually unraveling the deeper narrative of the game.
The game’s levels change as Ayta’s life evolves, with different homes and spaces reflecting her personal growth and changing circumstances. This gives players the opportunity to create a unique garden in each chapter, allowing for endless possibilities in terms of layout and design. The freedom to build and design plant arrangements is a key part of the game’s charm, much like The Sims, but with a plant-centric focus.
However, unlike traditional simulation games, Urban Jungle doesn’t have a complex open-world system or the ability to explore outside the home. Interactions with other characters provide subtle insights into Ayta’s life.
The majority of the gameplay takes place within the confines of her various living spaces. Players don’t have to rush through the game to explore the story; everything is carefully revealed through the interactions and decisions made during the gardening segments.
In terms of visuals, Urban Jungle boasts a modern 3D design with a cute, cartoonish art style that suits the cozy vibe of the game perfectly. The environments are much like other games of their nature, colorful and well-designed, with each level offering a distinct atmosphere that mirrors Ayta’s emotional state or the stage of life she’s in. The design of the homes and the plant layouts are simple but effective in conveying the story, offering players a chance to relax and enjoy the calming aesthetic.
The sound design also complements the overall tone of the game. The soothing background music creates a relaxed ambiance, ideal for winding down after a long day. However, the music can become repetitive, especially if you take your time with each stage.
The tunes loop constantly, which might become annoying for players who prefer a more dynamic audio experience. A small variety in the soundtrack or an option to change music might enhance the overall enjoyment.
Overall, Urban Jungle offers a refreshing take on the cozy gaming genre. The simple yet engaging gameplay, combined with its heartwarming story, makes it an enjoyable experience for anyone looking to relax and immerse themselves in a digital gardening world.
The plant companionship mechanic adds a unique twist to the typical gardening simulator, encouraging strategic thinking and creativity. The game’s relaxed pace and charming visuals make it an excellent choice for those who enjoy casual, story-driven games.
While the game is short and lacks more complex exploration or character interaction, the depth of the gardening mechanics and the emotional depth of the story make it a worthwhile experience. Whether you’re a fan of casual puzzle games, cozy simulations, or just looking for a peaceful gaming escape, Urban Jungle provides an enjoyable and fulfilling experience.
Urban Jungle’s ability to balance simple, accessible gameplay with more thoughtful, strategic decisions ensures that players can enjoy both the immediate rewards of plant care and the long-term satisfaction of watching Ayta’s life unfold. It’s a perfect game for anyone who wants to take a break from high-stakes action and dive into a world of plants, relationships, and cozy moments.
Overall, Urban Jungle offers a refreshing take on the cozy gaming genre. The simple yet engaging gameplay, combined with its heartwarming story and unique twist to the typical gardening simulator, encourages strategic thinking and creativity. The game’s relaxed pace and charming visuals make it an excellent choice for those who enjoy casual, story-driven games.
