Garden Simulator Review (Hollow Leg)
An enjoyable, yet vapid, simulator that has been ruined by lack of updates and predatory """DLC""" if it can be called such.
Things the game does right:
Full customization of your yard
Everything looks pretty good graphically
Planting, harvesting, mowing, and decorating are all quite satisfying
However, there are some critical missteps this game makes:
Small variety of plants to select from
Most plants and decor are arbitrarily locked behind requirements
Quests start off introducing new mechanics, but then devolve into simple busywork and they will repeat without end
QoL mechanics are missing, such as knowing how much space a plant will need before purchasing
A few annoying bugs, such as weeds growing under your house and being unreachable
All plants just need watering. There are no mechanics for sun, shade, seasons, over-harvesting, etc. Just water them.
The most egregious fault I have with the game, however, is the "Official Game Guide" being a paid-for """DLC""" at half the price of the main game. This should have been included, for free, with the base game. For a game to have not received an update since October of 2022, then to have this """DLC""" drop after five months of no new content is simply insulting.
After 15 hours of gametime, I feel I have done everything I can possibly do in the game. I am stuck re-harvesting the same crops and watching my money go up for no purpose or goal. There is nothing left, and there appears to be no more content coming.
Is it worth the price? Maybe on sale. Is it worth supporting such bad development practice that makes basic information paid """DLC"""? Not in a million years.