Embracing Nostalgia: A Look at Tiny Garden, the Modern Polly Pocket

Tiny Garden is a delightful farming simulation game that takes inspiration from the beloved Polly Pocket toys of the nineties. Developed by Spanish studio Ao Norte, the game transports players into a whimsical world where tiny plastic clamshells serve as miniature ecosystems for growing crops. Reminiscent of the iconic hinged mini-dioramas, Tiny Garden allows players to plant seeds and watch as carrots, lettuces, and a variety of plants and vegetables flourish inside the virtual toy.

A Comfortable and Customisable Experience

Unlike traditional farming sims, Tiny Garden focuses on providing players with a sense of comfort and customization. There are no specific objectives or challenges to overcome, allowing players to create their own unique garden oasis. Harvesting crops rewards players with more seeds, offering the opportunity to discover rare shiny plants reminiscent of Pokemon. Additionally, players can enhance their garden with furniture and decorations obtained through crop trading. Certain plants in the game have the ability to terraform the landscape, enabling players to create different environments such as arid deserts for cacti, lush grassy areas for bushes, or serene water features for aquatic flora.

A Compact Yet Engaging Gameplay Experience

Ao Norte describes Tiny Garden as a compact experience, mirroring the size of the toy clamshells that inspired the game. While the development team acknowledges that the game may not offer hundreds of hours of unique gameplay, it promises a relaxing and enjoyable experience for players looking to unwind. Despite its modest nature, Tiny Garden has already surpassed its funding goal on Kickstarter. Ao Norte plans to release the game on platforms like Steam and Itch.io in February, inviting players to immerse themselves in this charming farming toybox.

Overall, Tiny Garden offers a nostalgic and enchanting gaming experience that celebrates the spirit of Polly Pocket while introducing modern twists to the classic toy concept. With its emphasis on creativity, relaxation, and customization, Tiny Garden is poised to captivate players seeking a tranquil and immersive virtual gardening experience.