During the beginning of the year, we all suffer from a lack of gaming content. We all expect the big name games, but unfortunately, have to wait until the developers are ready. So, why not just kick back with a nice relaxing game to pass the time? Garden Paws by developers Bitten Toast Games Inc. might have possibly given us the next sleeper hit.
For gamers that like time management games, RPGs, adventure and simulation games, Garden Paws is one you probably have to check out. With hints of games such as Stardew Valley, Harvest Moon, and Animal Crossing, there is little chance that you’ll want to walk away. Currently playable but in early access, there are some things to work out but the overall game is fantastic.
You, the player have inherited a house from your grandparents and you now need to just finish up little projects to make the home complete. After that, the farm is yours and giving back by helping Frank and Mayor Wilson to build a thriving community should be top of your list. Go on quests to find coins, seeds and other tools to help, or just lay in a hammock, go fishing, and open your own store, the choice is yours.
Each character is a different super cute animal that can be customized at any time. This doesn’t fit the stereotypical manly game, but once you’re hooked it’s all over because anyone can play. Tags in the game are very liberal as well because players don’t have to fight if their name is already taken, everyone can co-exist. Graphically Garden Paws is very well done but not everyone is able to load the game on their computers. Some issues are still being fixed with this as well as patches coming in the near future.
Garden Paws also has multiplayer capabilities so friends can play together. As of right now, the community section is mostly linked to Discord where folks can get together for discussions. Controller options are currently almost non-existent which is frustrating but this hasn’t broken the game. Bugs and other mostly minor issues have come up such as stamina bars being used too frequently, players disappearing randomly, and the time of day not changing. The only major issue is that some players have not been able to load the game up at all or the game quits suddenly and closes. The developers are currently working on all of this and they really aren’t that far from a finished game that fits the image of what Garden Paws should be. Hopefully, they will bring some balance to the game as well as far as finding a rewarding number of seeds to plant crops.
Overall, Garden Paws is addicting for $19.99 USD. The characters are super cute and unique. Bugs haven’t completely broken the game and it can only get better from here. Balance issues need to be resolved but for anyone wanting to just relax with their time, build a community, fish, and run your own store that doesn’t just give you coins the next day, this is the best way to go!
9/10
Available on PC
