Game: Tents and Trees
Genre: Puzzle, Arcade, Strategy and Party
System: Nintendo Switch, Android
Developer | Publisher: Frozax Games
Age Rating: US E | EU 3+
Price: USD $9.99 | UK £8.99 | EU € 9,99
Release Date: March 14th, 2023
Review code used, with many thanks to Frozax Games.
Tents and Trees is a unique puzzle game developed by Frozax Games based on the classic game of Sudoku, but with a twist. Instead of numbers, players must place grass and tents next to trees on a grid to form a complete camping ground. The game is challenging, addictive, and visually comforting. This Nintendo Switch port works excellent, considering there is a mobile port for this game, yet it was smoothly adapted for the Switch with even more to offer players.
Let’s build a Campsite!
The gameplay is quite simple yet challenging. The game’s objective is to place tents and grass according to the quantity asked on each column on the grid to complete a level. Players must follow specific rules to place the tents and trees, making the game more complicated than it may seem at first glance. The rules state that each tent must have one tree next to it, and tents cannot touch each other. Additionally, there is a certain amount of tents required in each column. It is similar to Sudoku, but the player must use tents and trees instead of numbers.
Tents and Trees has a variety of difficulty levels, ranging from easy to expert. The game starts with a tutorial level, which explains the game’s rules and how to play clearly. As the player progresses through the levels, the puzzles become more challenging, requiring more strategic planning and problem-solving skills. The game has many puzzles and plenty of content to keep players engaged for hours.
Controls
The controls of the game are straightforward. Players can place the tents and grass in any area without trees. The game also has a helpful hint feature that players can use if they get stuck. The hint feature gives the player a suggestion for the next move, but it does not solve the puzzle for them. Even though there is a timer to record the time spent on each level, it can also be taken stress-free, and you can correct your mistakes or redo the level at any moment.
Simple and Beautiful
The first thing that stands out about Tents and Trees is its visual design. The game has a minimalist look with a pleasant color scheme that complements the gameplay. The tents and trees are represented by simple yet recognizable icons that are easily differentiated. The design is sleek, and the icons are large enough to see clearly on a small screen. Overall, the visuals of Tents and Trees are aesthetically pleasing and add to the game’s overall experience.
Not only that, but different themes are available to bring a bit of variety to the scene. The player needs to progress and complete certain levels to unlock these features, but it’s lovely to have that earned change once you get there.
Do you hear that?
The game has a relaxing soundtrack that complements the visual design. The music is subtle and unobtrusive, making it a perfect background for a puzzle game like this one. It is calming and helps players focus on the puzzles without any distractions. Some natural sounds like birds, animals, or rivers would have been welcomed since we’re placing tents and grass on the fields with primary nature around them.
What Else is Out There
Players do require careful planning and logical thinking to complete the puzzles. Still, the game is suitable for all ages and skill levels, making it great for family and friends. Tents and Trees also offer an endless replayability factor with daily challenges and many levels. Not to forget, it has a multiplayer feature to work together on puzzles.
As for innovation, Tents and Trees may not be the most groundbreaking game out there. The changes in grid sizes, challenges, layouts throughout the levels, and the different modes that can be unlocked add a lot, but nothing that hasn’t been seen before.
Conclusion
Overall, Tents and Trees is a great puzzle game that is both challenging and relaxing. The game’s simple yet effective design and intuitive gameplay make it accessible to players of all skill levels. It is nothing very new, but at the same time, what it does, it does it well.
In conclusion, Frozax Games’ Tents and Trees is a solid puzzle game worth checking out for puzzle enthusiasts looking for a casual yet challenging experience. With its sometimes brain-scratching challenges, cute visuals, and engaging level design, Tents and Trees is an excellent addition to any puzzle game collection.
Final Verdict: I Like It.
