From a world in ruins to a world in bloom. This serene management game lets you explore an alien planet where things have gone amiss. Harness the power of plants to restore the environment and build a flourishing community with your crewmates.
At the core of the experience, players must carefully select and cultivate a diverse array of alien flora to revitalize the desolate planet. The planting system challenges players to match the right plants to the soil conditions of each hexagonal planting zone, creating an engaging puzzle-like challenge. Reviewers praised the depth and complexity of this system, noting that it provides a satisfying balance of difficulty without becoming overly complicated. As players restore an area, they can harvest seeds and resources from the blooming plants, which they can then use to craft useful tools and items.
While tending to the planet's ecosystem is the primary focus, the game also encourages players to explore its vast and varied alien world. As they progress, players unlock new biomes to discover, each with their own unique environmental challenges and visual splendor. Reviewers highlighted the game's beautiful and atmospheric art design, which sparks a genuine sense of wonder and excitement as players uncover the planet's hidden secrets. The exploration is further enriched by the game's narrative. As players delve deeper into the world, they piece together the history of the planet and the fate of its previous inhabitants, providing meaningful context and motivation for their restoration efforts.
Distant Bloom has been praised for its user-friendly and accessible design. The controls are straightforward, and the progression system is well-paced, steadily introducing new tools and abilities to unlock. Reviewers noted the inclusion of helpful features like a quest log and fast travel options, which mitigate any potential frustration during the backtracking and exploration segments. Furthermore, the game's overall chill and relaxing tone, combined with the lack of combat or time pressure, make it an appealing choice for players seeking a stress-free and cozy gaming experience.