Graine review – “A challenging arcade puzzler”

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  • Progressively challenging puzzles
  • No hints
  • More features are on the way

If you’re equally passionate about gardening and arcade-style puzzles, you might be intrigued by Graine. Created by Umeshu Lovers, Graine challenges you to assist a seed in finding fertile soil to grow into a lovely plant. You accomplish this by sketching branches to guide your seedling towards its destination while avoiding sharp thorns along the way.

Graine Features Easy-to-Learn, Hard-to-Master Gameplay

Gameplay is pretty straightforward. Often, levels begin with your seed suspended in the air. Tapping the screen starts the level, triggering your seed to fall. Use your finger to draw a line on the screen, which transforms into a twig upon completion. You can strategically place twigs to avoid obstacles like thorns. Additionally, tapping on a twig that the seed is on at just the right moment can give you the perfect boost to launch it on higher platforms.

Although the initial appearance might suggest an easy task, be warned, things get tougher as you progress, particularly when it comes to strategically arranging the twigs in certain levels. Precision is key here, so take your time to tap those twigs with care if you want to achieve your objective.

In the upcoming stages, it’s essential to utilize your surroundings to get to your destination. For example, you can jump off mushrooms to access difficult-to-reach areas. Once a level starts, your seed is always moving, so you won’t have much time to strategize your next action.

Graine Offers No Hints

If you tend to get frustrated when you get stuck and prefer a hint system to help you along, you’re out of luck here. Under settings, you will find a help button. Unfortunately, this only allows you to replay the early tutorials and doesn’t actually help you through tough levels. While there is certainly more of a feeling of pride in completing a level on your own, it’s always nice to know there’s a hint system waiting in the wings.
Beyond the main goal of getting your seed to rich soil, each level also includes three secondary goals, which are optional to complete. These goals include tasks such as creating a limited number of walls, collecting stars, and finishing the level within a specified number of seconds. You gain a star each time you complete a level goal for the first time. These extra challenges make replaying past levels worthwhile, especially since you’ll also earn coins.

Graine is in Early Access

Currently, Graine is still in early access, and as such, certain features are missing. Upon its official launch, a Sanctuary feature will allow you to view your plant collection, customize your sanctuary garden, and visit the sanctuary boutique, where it seems likely you’ll spend those coins you’ve been earning. You can visit your sanctuary by tapping the home button. However, as of now, you can’t actually interact with it.

As a gamer immersed in the digital world, I can’t help but express my anticipation for the sanctuary to introduce a serene gardening experience that mirrors the tranquility of a Zen garden. ‘Graine’, this delightful arcade puzzler, takes me on a captivating journey through nature and growth. The levels gradually increase in complexity, keeping me hooked and wanting more. However, some might find it daunting due to the absence of a hint system. Yet, for die-hard puzzle game enthusiasts like myself, this challenge is a welcome addition to our gaming repertoire.

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2025-02-13 08:48