Tiny Garden: A Polly Pocket-Style Gardening Adventure

Growing up in the ’90s, I can’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia for Polly Pocket, those charming pocket-sized dollhouses I adored as a kid. That’s why Tiny Garden immediately caught my attention. This game is a delightful mix—a relaxing gardening simulator and decoration game all wrapped up in the iconic framework of Polly Pocket. As you play, the in-game days move forward with a whimsical hand crank. Even though the full release isn’t until April 8, I’ve had the chance to dive into the demo during Steam Next Fest.

Tiny Garden brims with enchantment, beginning with the simple joy of watching plants grow. You’ll start with easy choices like radishes, carrots, and cacti. Then, you progress into cultivating more complex varieties, adding a puzzle-like challenge to the mix. The twist is in the soil, which retains elements from former plantings, pushing you to strategize your gardening plans. These plants aren’t just for admiring, though. They’re your currency for trading and decorating your miniature world, both inside and out.

But there’s more than just gardening at play. The little toybox reveals a backstory that unfolds as you play. According to developer Ao Norte on the Steam store page, “Before you got your hands on Tiny Garden, others have played with this toy.” Through discovered letters, you uncover a poignant tale that reminds you objects hold remnants of past lives and shared stories. Every discovery isn’t just a new item; it’s a bridge to a richer narrative.

To me, Tiny Garden has been nothing short of charming, offering a serene escape amidst the chaos of everyday life. Despite its simple and clear objectives centered around creation and decoration, it invites you to take your time, to be surprised and delighted by every new discovery. In this small game lies a world rich with possibility, waiting to be explored and enjoyed.