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The Plant Desk's itch.io pageResults
| Criteria | Rank | Score* | Raw Score |
| Impact | #2 | 4.400 | 4.400 |
| Audience | #3 | 4.600 | 4.600 |
| Aesthetic | #6 | 4.800 | 4.800 |
| Overall | #7 | 4.371 | 4.371 |
| Scope | #10 | 4.200 | 4.200 |
| Theme | #14 | 4.400 | 4.400 |
| Production Plan | #18 | 4.000 | 4.000 |
| Concept | #24 | 4.200 | 4.200 |
Ranked from 5 ratings. Score is adjusted from raw score by the median number of ratings per game in the jam.
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Comments
The narrative concept of the game is very clear, and I find the topic interesting and covers something that is less frequently discussed. However, I feel that I am not sure what the core gameplay mechanics are or how they would be designed to work well with the concept of being an invasive species manager. The prospect of the game being highly research-based could be played in a novel manner, but for the same reason can also be hard to balance, but I am excited to see what shape the project takes later on.
Great concept! Invasive species are definity a great problem for a healthy ecosystem and I would love to see what the game's mechanic is gonna evolve into. Personally, I really love Papers, Please and all sorts of tinder simulator so I think your ideation is very valid.
I really like how your game makes invasive species and biodiversity feel approachable through a cozy, engaging gameplay concept. Using real West Coast plants gives the project an educational purpose without making it feel like a lesson, and the idea that every seed can have either a positive or harmful impact fits the Climate Jam theme especially well. The Papers, Please-style identification loop also sounds like a strong foundation because it asks players to actively pay attention to details instead of just being told what is right.
As someone from the west coast, I like the unique explanation of the problem with invasive species preventing biodiversity which causes wildfires to break out like the ones within the past three years. For me the game loop also feels like a quick version of Papers Please mixed with visual novels, it also provides educationally by showing how scientists can potentially identify which plants to plant within a certain environment. Thematically I feel like it also teaches a good lesson that while you can plant a seed to help the environment, it really depends on what kind of seed you are planting that can ultimately help or hurt the environment.
I think this is a really charming idea. It takes a topic that most people don’t know much about and turns it into something approachable and interesting. I also like that your choices have visible effects on the environment, it gives players a reason to care about making the right decisions.
One thing I’d love to see is a little more variety in the gameplay between identifying plants, just to keep each day feeling fresh. Other than that, I think it’s a thoughtful concept with a strong message and a nice, hopeful direction.
I love the concept and aesthetic choice, the detailed plans and milestones are also great!! I'd be really curious to know how the team would represent invasive species in game and how players would identify them! is it from talking to NPC? Through visual investigation? Or observing certain impacts when the invasive spiecies are put with native species for a while. Lots of potentials!
I love the idea of a game that you need to gather information and knowledge. you guys seem really on top of everything planned down to the week. looking forward to seeing what plants you decide to use. unrelated but i am not looking forward to losing my maya student subscription.
I like the concept and the detailed game design document. My main concern is the scope, especially since this is a narrative-heavy game. I recommend finalizing the main story and gameplay flow as early as possible, and consider scaling back some ideas if time becomes an issue.
Just a quick thought (not fully developed): what if the seed (the invasive species) were actually "alive" and gradually formed a close bond with the player? This could create a compelling moral dilemma at the end of the game: should the player save the ecosystem by destroying their friend, or be unable to resist their emotional attachment and allow the invasive species to continue spreading? I think this could help reinforce the idea that environmental conservation often involves difficult personal sacrifices and that choosing between personal emotions and the greater good is rarely easy.
Nice! I think the direction you are taking is a great way to integrate an established genre with a meaningful message. If I understood correctly, the game will be specifically about plants which can be found on the West coast. And call to action will be to apply the same knowledge they gained in the game in real life by reporting those species? That sounds like a genuinely impactful game! It sounds like the game will mostly be in the botanist’s shop where the player will identify plants by reading about them. How will their impact on the environment be shown, through the narrative or some kind of visualization? I also think the scope is really appropriate and that you’ll be able to make a cool game. I look forward to playing it!
I think this game has a lot of potential and could be very impactful, especially if each plant in the game is based on a real-life plant. That would make it both an engaging and educational experience for players. From what I understand, the core gameplay is about surviving for as long as possible. I'm still a little unsure whether the game will have distinct levels or if it will be one continuous survival experience. I also really like the art style you've chosen for the game. The bright and colorful 3D aesthetic is very appealing and will definitely attract a wide audience. Overall, the planning and task distribution look very well organized. I'm excited to see how this game develops!
Overall concept and vibes are super solid! Concentrating on invasive plants and biodiversity was a great call especially considering where most of your team is from. I wish your document went in a little bit more detail on how exactly the gameplay loop is played especially with how information gathering could go.