Garden Trills, a charming solo project by developer Yukim, puts you in the tiny wings of Tomi the sparrow. This cozy adventure game follows Tomi as she explores her new home, makes friends, and utilizes the power of gardening to traverse a colorful world. Infused with their passion for adventure games and whimsical scenery, Garden Trills has been Yukim’s passion project for almost a year. And though there are some areas that could use some polish, the performance and aesthetic truly shine.

Garden Trills Gameplay Overview

Tomi and her family have just moved to a new birdhouse, and although pleasant enough, it can use a little work. She is sent off by her parents to help fix the irrigation system across four distinct areas. Along the way, she can collect marbles, plant magical flowers, greet the neighbors, and make some friends. Each bird you meet has a distinct personality and appearance, with missions related to their storyline. Once you complete their missions, they become friends that can be called upon to lift heavy watering cans, launch you to other islands, and more. At its heart, Garden Trills is about building community.

The main missions are related to fixing the garden’s watering system for your family. However, this unravels into helping the entire neighborhood that has been affected by the faulty equipment. Your garden powers act as both traversal tools and puzzle solvers, with various flowers to plant for platforming and bramble-clearing. I loved the creativity behind the flora and how you can use a variety of flowers to achieve the same results. Seeds become valuable currency that can be obtained via weeding, completing missions, or greeting your new neighbors.

While the cute aesthetic and errand-focused plot might suggest a more laid-back experience, platforming in Garden Trills requires fast reflexes and coordination. Tomi’s nimble movements, while fitting for a sparrow, can make a precise landing on a flower more challenging than expected. And when flying at full speed, the gorgeous environments blur past you in a way that can be disorienting. However, there’s no pressure to rush. That’s because the game’s pacing hits a sweet spot, with each area taking about an hour to complete the main story mission. The unique environments and flora are a treat to experience along the way, and you’re free to explore and chirp around (there’s a button for that) at your leisure.

A Solo Dev’s Love Letter to Adventure Games

Garden Trills stands as a testament to ambitious indie game design. While some aspects could use a little refinement, the overall experience wraps an immersive world, original gameplay, and cute little hats into a delightful adventure. For players seeking a blend of wholesome community building and platforming, Garden Trills offers a unique take on classic adventure games.