Polly Pocket Meets Gardening Sim: Introducing Tiny Garden

Growing up in the ’90s, I can’t help but reminisce about my cherished Polly Pocket sets—the miniature dollhouses I used to carry everywhere. Capturing that nostalgia, Tiny Garden emerges as a charming gardening simulator and decorating experience, cleverly tucked into a Polly Pocket-like case. In this game, days pass with the turn of a hand crank, adding a whimsical touch. While it’s as much a toy as it is a game, Tiny Garden offers a mix of puzzles and playful exploration. Though the full release isn’t until April 8, I had the pleasure of diving into its demo during the Steam Next Fest.

Tiny Garden weaves magic into its tiny world, starting with the enchantment of growing plants. Initially, you find yourself cultivating basics like radishes, carrots, and cacti. As you progress, the game introduces more complex growing conditions, presenting you with puzzle-like challenges. The key is that the soil adapts based on previous plantings, requiring strategic planning for your garden to thrive. Meanwhile, the plants you nurture become valuable for trading decorations, allowing you to spruce up both the interior and exterior of your pocket-sized world.

Beneath the surface, there’s a deeper narrative woven into the toy’s past. As the developer Ao Norte explains on the Steam store page, “Before Tiny Garden found its way to you, it was cherished by others.” Through letters, you’d unravel an emotional tale that highlights how objects like this hold stories from the past. It’s a reminder that these items carry fragments of lives once lived and can foster connections through shared histories. Each discovery brings more than just another plant or piece of furniture—it offers a window into meaningful connections.

In my experience, Tiny Garden is a delightful escape, a simple yet profound respite amid the hustle and bustle of life. With its array of activities and endless decorating options, the game encourages you to create at your own rhythm, inviting surprise and wonder at every turn. It’s incredible how much joy is packed into this small yet captivating game, making it truly worthy of your time and attention.