In an intriguing twist for gaming enthusiasts, Strange Horticulture, a narrative puzzler that seamlessly blends plant care with detective work, is available for free on the Epic Games Store this week. Released in 2022, the game invites players to step into the shoes of a plant shop owner in the alternate-history town of Undermere, nestled in the picturesque Lake District.
A Unique Gameplay Experience
Each day in Strange Horticulture presents a new set of customers, each with a unique request for a specific plant, often described only in vague terms. Armed with a magnifying glass and an eccentric horticultural textbook, players must identify the plants in their shop and match them to the right patrons. This engaging mechanic has garnered praise, with one reviewer declaring it “the best detective game I’ve played in years, and it’s mostly about staring at plants.” The allure of uncovering multiple endings has captivated players, leading to a dedicated following eager to explore every facet of the game.
The Inspiration Behind the Game
The creative minds behind Strange Horticulture, John and Rob Donkin, spent a decade crafting Flash games before embarking on this ambitious project. Their inspiration stemmed from a botanical text titled Breverton’s Complete Herbal: A Book of Remarkable Plants and Their Uses. “We just found this in a library one day and were like, gosh, how good is this?” John Donkin shared in an interview. The book’s fascinating plants, each with unique properties—some mystical, others medicinal—sparked the idea to create a game that infused these elements with a touch of magic.
Upcoming Developments
Players have until August 28 to enjoy Strange Horticulture for free, making this an opportune moment to dive into its enchanting world. Looking ahead, fans can anticipate the release of a sequel, Strange Antiquities, set to debut in September. This new installment will transport players from the plant shop to an antique store in Undermere, promising even more intricate investigation techniques and a fresh narrative to explore.
