PGC NEWS

Grow Home, a surprisingly delightful game from Ubisoft Reflections, offers a refreshing take on the adventure genre. Released in 2015 with minimal fanfare, this charming title quickly captivated players with its simple yet engaging gameplay and unique low-poly aesthetic. Tasked with cultivating the towering Star Plant to replenish oxygen for your home planet, you embark on a journey of exploration and discovery across a series of floating islands.

Climbing the Star Plant and Exploring the Skies

As B.U.D (Botanical Utility Droid), your mission is to nurture the Star Plant and guide its growth skyward. The control scheme is deceptively simple, utilizing just the mouse buttons to control B.U.D’s left and right hands. This allows for climbing, grabbing, and swinging across the environment, but mastering this unique movement system requires practice and coordination.

alt: B.U.D climbing the Star Plant

The journey isn’t solely focused on climbing. Scattered across the islands are precious crystals that unlock upgrades, enhancing B.U.D’s abilities like jumping and gliding. Collecting these crystals encourages exploration and rewards players with improved traversal options. The environment itself is interactive and full of surprises. Giant leaves act as makeshift hang gliders, flower petals offer gentle parachute descents, and mushrooms provide springy platforms, adding a touch of whimsy to the gameplay.

alt: B.U.D gliding with a leaf

The Star Plant is the central focus, with its numerous shoots extending towards the floating islands. By directing these shoots to connect with the islands, you draw nutrients that fuel the plant’s growth. Each new shoot branches out, creating a network of climbable pathways that stretch towards the sky. This organic growth mechanic allows for emergent gameplay, enabling players to shape their own climbing routes and even create towering structures.

A Low-Poly World Brimming with Life

Developed using the Unity engine, Grow Home’s visuals embrace a distinctive low-poly style. Instead of striving for photorealism, the game opts for a minimalist aesthetic, utilizing simple geometric shapes to create a charming and vibrant world. From the quirky design of B.U.D to the gentle swaying of the foliage, every element exudes a playful charm.

alt: B.U.D exploring a floating island

The world is alive with activity. Timid sheep graze peacefully, butterflies flutter erratically, and carnivorous plants pose hidden dangers. Waterfalls cascade from towering heights, rivers carve paths through the landscape, and the day-night cycle bathes the world in shifting hues, creating a breathtaking spectacle.

alt: Scenic view of Grow Home's environment

The simplicity of the graphics enhances the game’s whimsical nature, allowing the player to focus on the joy of exploration and the satisfaction of nurturing the Star Plant’s growth. The dynamic lighting and weather effects further contribute to the immersive atmosphere.

alt: B.U.D near a river

More Than Just a Simple Climb

Beyond the charming visuals and engaging gameplay, Grow Home offers subtle yet meaningful themes. The game encourages exploration, perseverance, and an appreciation for the natural world. B.U.D’s journey mirrors the importance of environmental stewardship and the interconnectedness of ecosystems. The act of cultivating the Star Plant highlights the potential for growth and renewal.

alt: B.U.D reaching for the sky

A Refreshing and Rewarding Experience

Grow Home is a testament to the power of simple yet well-executed gameplay. Its unique climbing mechanics, charming low-poly visuals, and subtle environmental message combine to create a truly captivating experience. This hidden gem from Ubisoft offers a refreshing escape from the complexities of modern gaming, providing a tranquil and rewarding journey through a world of floating islands and towering plant life.