Seedlings

Short but beautiful puzzle game that really tested my persistence a couple of times. Set in the lush green forests of New Zealand. Grab it on sale - support Kiwi game development.

I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful game! It only took me 1 hour and 45 minutes to play through and get all achievements, but it was such a lovely experience - I'll definitely replay it. Seedlings' "real photograph" aesthetic strongly drew my interest as a lover of nature photography. I'm impressed by the artistic care that clearly went into the collage of photos/videos and the recorded sounds to create an immersive, natural appearance - on top of the fun logic puzzles designed perfectly for a simple 2D platformer. Awesome! As I played through the game, I kept pondering what the visual design process must have been like. I imagine that selecting specific photos of branches, rocks, and plants to create the characters and various scenes must have been such a fun challenge for the dev. (I'd love to see a series of games like this, made of photos from different parts of the world featuring all kinds of flora and fauna.) Great game with a great concept!

"Seedlings" is a beautiful yet short indie game. The game can be completed in about 1 hour. Main selling point is the amazing New Zealand photo/video backgrounds that blend in beautifully. The gameplay is not that hard, it has some platforming and collectibles, but nothing tough for real gamers. Very cheap and casual game. Beautifully done. Nature always finds a way ;)

Lovely little puzzle game made by some talented folk, showcasing New Zealand's native beauty. I've played many Amanita games like Machinarium and Samorost and I'd have to say Seedlings is on par with them!

Quite short, with easy puzzles. Personally, I'd've liked a few challenging puzzles. However, the aesthetic is quite pleasant. If you're looking for a nice calm game to kill an hour, this might fit the bill. [Marginal thumbs up].

Seedlings, developed and published by Bardsley Creative, is a small-scale puzzle-platformer that distinguishes itself through an unusual core mechanic and a strong sense of atmosphere. Rather than relying on traditional movement systems or complex controls, it builds its entire experience around a simple but inventive idea: guiding a fragile seed through a forest by inhabiting different plant-like hosts. It’s a focused, experimental title that prioritizes cohesion and originality over length or mechanical complexity. At the heart of the gameplay is the limitation placed on the player’s primary form. The seed itself cannot jump or interact with the environment in meaningful ways beyond rolling and launching itself. Progress depends on transferring into various plant creatures scattered across each level, each offering a specific ability—some can climb, others can leap, and some can interact with obstacles. This creates a layered puzzle structure where movement is less about direct control and more about planning sequences. Players must think several steps ahead, positioning hosts and timing transfers carefully to navigate increasingly intricate environments. The puzzles are built around this chaining mechanic, gradually introducing new elements that expand the possibilities without overcomplicating the system. Early sections focus on teaching the fundamentals, while later levels demand greater precision and foresight. Despite the limited number of mechanics, the game manages to maintain a steady sense of progression by combining familiar elements in new ways. Solving a puzzle often feels like executing a carefully arranged plan, where success depends on understanding how each piece fits into the larger sequence. What truly elevates Seedlings is its presentation. The game uses real-world imagery and blends it into its environments, creating a visual style that feels both natural and slightly surreal. Forest scenes carry a sense of authenticity rarely seen in the genre, and the use of ambient sound reinforces this atmosphere. Instead of relying on dramatic music or visual spectacle, it creates a quiet, almost meditative tone that encourages players to take their time. This understated approach gives the game a distinct identity, making it feel less like a conventional platformer and more like an interactive vignette. Narratively, the game remains subtle. Story elements are hinted at through the environment and brief moments rather than explicit exposition. There is a sense of something larger happening beyond the immediate gameplay, but it is left open to interpretation. This minimalist storytelling aligns with the overall tone, though it may leave some players wanting a clearer or more developed narrative thread. The game’s short length is one of its defining characteristics. A full playthrough can be completed in a relatively brief amount of time, and while optional collectibles provide some incentive for replay, the experience is ultimately concise. This brevity works in its favor to an extent, as it ensures that the core idea remains fresh throughout, but it also limits the depth and evolution of its mechanics. By the time players fully grasp the system, the game is already nearing its conclusion. There are also minor issues related to control precision. Because the gameplay relies heavily on positioning and timing, small inconsistencies in movement or interaction can occasionally lead to frustration. These moments are infrequent, but they stand out in a game where accuracy is essential to progression. Still, they do not significantly detract from the overall experience. Ultimately, Seedlings succeeds by committing fully to its concept and delivering it with clarity and intention. It offers a unique take on puzzle-platforming, supported by a cohesive aesthetic and a focused design philosophy. While it lacks the scale and variety of larger titles, it compensates with originality and atmosphere, leaving a lasting impression despite its modest scope. Rating: 8/10

Seedlings has a relaxing and naturalistic vibe. Its use of actual photographic and video footage sets this game apart in today's ocean of computer and AI generated assets. The puzzles are clever but not too long or challenging. Usually there are enough guardrails and leeway in place that you are almost guaranteed to be able to solve them after trying different methods.

绿洲滚动 ！

적당히 즐길만함. 배경과 브금은 정말 힐링 좋아하시는 사람에게 추천. 한국어 번역이 없기는 한데 딱히 플레이에 크게 지장 안줌. 조작도 간단해서 설명 안봐도 그냥 금방 다 알음. 하지만, 개인적으로 결말까지 그냥 평범해서 딱히 강렬하게 기억에 남지는 않음. 그냥 평범한 힐링 게임 이라는 것 정도. 뉴질랜드 게임이라는 거 알고 살짝 놀랐음.

10/10, would spread radioactive seed again.