Pocket Oasis

Angela Anaconda meets a gardening game! I check this almost daily to water and harvest my plants. The music is lovely, and the art is stunning! The hitboxes for this game are HORRIBLE! I dislike the bees because they overlap the plants and they hinder me from harvesting my produce. I hope there will be an option to hide them! 🐝🐝🐝 It uses real-time so you need to check your plants. Achievements are also easy to do! I would get it on sale because there's not much to do after unlocking some decor and plants. It's super relaxing to play though!

Takes too long to progress in the game. It's almost like it wants to be an idle game but you still have to meticulously take care of the plants. The weather elements are so inconsistent and difficult to adapt to in the beginning of the game, slowing down progress even more than already established.

Although I like the concept of gardening on a balcony throughout the seasons, all the while making jam, either Pocket Oasis was intended as an idle game/screen saver or there was a creative vision that completely flies over my head. My two main issues are: 1) pacing is very slow in all aspects, but most painfully in progression with very little to do in one check in unless constantly returning to the main menu and back for the time skip; 2) as a part of the pacing issues the economy is strictly stifled, with thus far me needing eight plants to have roughly 15 jam per check in (just enough to buy a tier three plant like a pineapple). There are some smaller things that are just confusing, such as why the chili is the default plant when spring is too cold for it, but nothing better progression would not outweigh. I think the concept would have made more sense as a pure sandbox with everything unlocked from the beginning and no currency, but even if not I would have at least picked between time progression and in game currency progression rather than having both, especially since they are both so slow. This all said, if you are looking for a slow, idle type game about raising plants…

Edit: The update to remove pets is a massive improvement, especially when dealing with the bees achievement. There are still bugs in the game, however, as right now in my game, the arrows to switch between plants have disappeared and the button to exit the game or change settings has disappeared. It's a pretty idler game, but VERY buggy. For example, I have something like 12 gnomes on my balcony, the max number, and it doesn't show the achievement. Also, the gameplay is very buggy. You will be trying to click on the fruit, and the area is so small, you end up clicking away from the plant. It's more frustrating than relaxing. I messaged in the forum, but no updates are forthcoming. Also, to get the last plant, you need an infestation of pink lady caterpillars, but I have no idea how to get those. I have had every other plant, nothing. The biggest issue I have with the game is that the greenhouse is worthless. The characters are unable to navigate it properly to water and fertilize the plants, and it doesn't affect the plants need for sunlight or temperature in any way. When winter comes, there are no plants that can survive. You basically have to keep the game open in the backg…

The game is very cute and charming. I love the gameplay loop and keep coming back to it. It feels satisfying when you get the hang of your first few plants and start to be able to branch out and decorate! I personally really like the pace and gameplay loop. It may be a slower pace for some, but I found it perfect and relaxing. I think it strikes a nice balance and is something I can recommend to even my more casual friends. It is satisfying seeing the plants grow through their stages. The music is pleasant and easy to listen to and the art has a warm and charming feeling. I also love little touches of humor and love such as the Hammock furniture unlock requirement. (Think: Banana Hammock) Things like that are cute and charming and add that nice little touch of character! The Devs are also really proactive about fixing bugs in the earlier stages of the game - which I really appreciated! I definitely recommend it for a cozy and relaxed experience. Just expect it to be that. Cozy and Relaxed. It is better suited for a slower a patient play.

Nice to see that the devs are still active in the steam discussions and fixing issues (bought the game after the major update 1 year after release, and I'm happy with it)