Strange Horticulture: A Unique Detective Game Set in Undermere
My name is Rob, and together with my brother, John, I created a fascinating game called Strange Horticulture. At first, we weren’t sure which genre it belonged to, but as we developed it, we realized that it perfectly fits in the detective genre. In Strange Horticulture, you run a cozy plant shop in the sinister setting of Undermere, where you are tasked with solving plant-related mysteries for your customers.
A Unique Twist on Detective Games
In most detective games, you’re required to solve murder mysteries. While Strange Horticulture has its own murder mystery, you, as the player, aren’t directly responsible for solving it. However, every time a customer enters your shop with a specific plant request, you are effectively being asked to solve a small mystery. To find the right plant, you must use your detective skills and consult your horticultural encyclopedia. Paying attention to details and using tools like a magnifying glass is crucial in differentiating the right plant from the wrong ones.
Additionally, detective work is involved in using the in-game map to hunt down new plants. You will receive letters and notes that provide clues about locations, but often you will need to decipher these clues and study the map to figure out where to go. At the end of each day, you will receive a cryptic clue that requires traditional puzzle-solving skills.
Aside from solving plant mysteries, Strange Horticulture has an underlying storyline involving covens of witches, dangerous cults, and occult entities. While you may not directly influence the main mystery, your choices about which plant to use can impact key events in the game.
Inspiration from Board Games
One of our early influences for Strange Horticulture was the board game Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective. We loved how it utilized a physical map to provide clues to the players. So, we decided to add a map to our game as well. This not only helped tie everything together but also allowed us to create interesting puzzles. We wanted to capture the tactile feel of board games and incorporate it into our game’s UI.
Explore the Relaxing World of Strange Horticulture
Whether you agree that Strange Horticulture is a detective game or not, we hope you enjoy the captivating and relaxing world we’ve created. Immerse yourself in Undermere, pet your cat, discover new plants, and uncover the town’s dark mysteries. Be cautious, though, as joining weird cults may lead to unforeseen consequences. Give Hellebore a scratch behind the ear from us as you embark on this unique and captivating adventure.
Strange Horticulture is an occult puzzle game in which you play as the proprietor of a local plant store. Find and identify new plants, pet your cat, speak to a coven, or join a cult. Use your collection of powerful plants to influence the story and unravel Undermere’s dark mysteries.