This article is all about giving you the information you need to see if you should play Grimoire Groves.
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If you’re anything like me you love cozy witchy games with the added twist of taking care of plants. For me, and it would seem for many others, that the mixing witchy elements with horticulture makes for a fun game to play. I can’t get enough of these types of games and if you’re the same then you’ll want to look into Grimoire Groves.
Grimoire Groves is a bright and colorful dungeon crawling game that takes eco restoration to a whole new level of entertaining. In this game you play as Primrose an aspiring witch who is eager to finish her studies and reach the level of a full fledged magic user. Your mentor Lavender has tasked you with helping to restore her magical garden by using your magic to repair the damage done to the forest known as Grimoire Grove. As you venture through this magical land you meet a full cast of characters who frequent the grove as you seek to bring back the life that was once brimming in this vibrant forest.
This game is fully a dungeon crawling cozy game built around “combat” that involves you planting new foliage to bring life back into this once bustling forest. Though this is an interesting and fun premise with a conglomeration of themes, you may be thinking, “Is this game right for me?” This article is here to give you a firsthand look at Grimoire Groves to see if this is a title that’s right for you. Interested yet? Then keep on reading and see if you should play Grimoire Groves.
Story
As stated above in this game play as the main character known as Primrose who is on a quest to finally finish her studies and be promoted to a full fledge witch. Your new mentor a kind, and very patient, woman known as Lavander.
In order to complete your studies Lavender relinquishes the project of reviving the grove to you as she informs you that she is unable to complete the task alone.
This begins your quest as you venture through the woods you meet plenty of characters that inform you about the forest and the forces that take part in its growth.
This game’s story is as charming as its graphics and despite its simple premise is no less interesting. The eagerness of the main character to strengthen her magic is infectious and the friendliness that Primrose imbues into the story is enough to keep you wanting to come back for more.
The game’s story is fairly simple and not overtly complicated so it makes for a fun time while you dungeon crawl the forest slamming new plants into the ground.
There is also a social system in the game as you are able to further relationships. This involves gifting likable items to each character as well as completing different quests for them. I will say there is no romance system but the game is done well enough to where this is not needed to keep the game interesting.
I will say if you’re looking for something more story driven this may not be the game for you as, while it is a big factor in the game, it is not a heavy story. However, if you like a wholesome plot with a vibrant atmosphere and fun characters then this might be a title that you’ll want to check out.
Gameplay
Now upon hearing the premise you might be wondering how “dungeon crawling” fits into the mix of a magical cozy game that is about eco restoration.
The forest is the Grimoire Grove and is the figurative dungeon in which you must crawl (only figuratively there is not literal crawling). In each level of the dungeon you must engage in replanting new foliage into the ground by interacting with walking plant creatures.
Using your magic and your watering can, you venture through the dungeon to and engage in “combat” by planting these creatures into the ground to replenish the forest. As you move through the game you unlock new spells and strengthen old ones that help you get through the woods easier.
You also gain new seeds and other items from planting these creatures that will aid you in other tasks such as crafting, quests, and upgrades.
Personally, I really enjoyed the cleverness that the developers utilized to make the game play for Grimoire Groves.
The fact that they were able to create creatures aren’t necessarily hostile and all they really do is steal your energy. Nothing in this game is lethal and the only consequence of losing all of your energy in the dungeon is passing out.
If this happens you respawn at your main base yet again with a full energy bar but a lighter inventory as some of your resources to go missing if you faint in the woods. Despite this there is no other time lost and you are able to run right back into the forest right after you wake up.
That being said, the gameplay can be difficult and resembles that of classic arcade games such as Super Mario Bros or Donkey Kong in that you do need to play through levels a few times to be able to learn how to get to the next stage. There is a strategy to getting through this game and you will have to learn how to use your controls if you want to get to the next level.
Dungeon crawling is also how you gain resources for power ups, crafting, research, gift giving, and questing so be sure to make your headway through the forest as best you can.
Progressing through the forest is also how you further the story as going through the dungeon so if you’re someone who is not interested in dungeon crawling you may want to rethink this title as it is the main form of gameplay.
This game features a fun and lighthearted methodology to dungeon crawling that will keep you interested for hours of play. Those looking for a different kind of gaming mechanic may want to steer clear of this game. Nevertheless, if this does not bother you then I would recommend at least checking this game out.
Who Will Like This Game?
Gamers looking for magical elements, clever dungeon crawling mechanics, and a wholesome experience will enjoy this game. The aesthetic alone is enough to draw you in and the ability to learn more about dungeon crawling is a great start for those may not be very familiar with the genre.
This is also a fun game for those who prefer a controller as that is the recommended way to play as per the developers. I played the game with a mouse and keyboard and from my own experience it was still fun provided you give yourself enough time to get used to the controls.
Who Won’t Like This Game?
In saying that, any gamers who are looking for a deeper story or less dungeon crawling may want to steer clear of this game. While the story is great if you’re going into this game looking for Baldur’s Gate 3 levels of story then you’ll be out of luck.
Also, this game is 95% dungeon crawling in the coziest way possible. If that genre of gaming is not your jam then you will probably not enjoy this game.
Finally, one other aspect of this game that may be difficult for some players is that there is a lack of tutorials and explanations for the gaming mechanics. Though I thoroughly enjoyed my experience playing Grimoire Groves the lack of tutorials and direction wad confusing even to me.
It doesn’t take a long look at my blog to see that I’ve played a lot of video games. So when a game’s tutorials, or lack thereof, is confusing for me then it’s probably confusing for others too. I still think the game is very enjoyable regardless of this but if this is a concern for you then you may want to skip Grimoire Groves for now.
Pros
- Engaging story.
- Interesting characters.
- Vibrant aesthetic.
- Clever and innovative dungeon crawling mechanics.
- Mushroom wifi.
Cons
- Lack of tutorials.
- Gamers who are not interested in dungeon crawling may want to skip this title.
Conclusion
The cozy gaming genre is vibrantly full of interesting magical games and Grimoire Groves is no exception. If this game sounds like something you’re interested in then check out the links below if you’ve decided you should play Grimoire Groves.
Purchase Grimoire Groves for PC here
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