The standard formula for most games design as casual games is usually fairly cartoony graphics, simple but addictive game play and little to no plot. Great Tree however does away with all of these conventions. Without giving too much away, the game is the story of the Wren (fairies) who must nourish their magical tree or they will die.
To do so the Fairies must venture into the hazardous woods in and collect the pollen while avoiding dangerous animals out to hurt them. With a surprisingly detailed story involving cinematics with hand drawn illustrations and narration the game has a feel that’s normally associated with traditional fairy tales instead of video games.
The game involves controlling a fairy to collect glowing balls of pollen and avoid the dangerous insects in an area. Utilizing a small levelling up system and a number of different wings that can equipped you are able to fight back move faster or get different power ups allowing you to suit the game to you playing style. It also offers a hard difficulty for players with more experience but the game play is quite definitely not the focus of the game.
Game play:
Sadly the game play of Great Tree really does manage detract from the whole experience. The overtly simplistic levels simple are neither challenging nor interesting to hold your attention, and the addition of role-playing game elements just really isn’t particularly helpful. 3/5
Graphics:
The graphics of the game are simply superb, from the traditional illustrations to the beautifully rendered 3D backgrounds the graphics of the game are definitely its strong point. 5/5
Audio:
Similar to the game play the sound in the game just seems to lack the depth that should be there, the music for the levels is nice enough but the narration seems to be spoken in a very bored monotone which does detract from the overall feel. 3/5
Lasting ability:
Sadly with its focus on the story side of the game, its shallow game play, its short length and lack of difficulty it is really hard to imagine this game lasting particularly long. 2/5
Creativity:
As I have already said this game takes a considerably different stance than most casual games, trying a completely new style of game and while it didn’t quite seem to work it is still a good idea 5/5
Overall:
My overall impression of this game is that it is a good idea that just didn’t quite work. However I do applaud their inventiveness and hope that reflexive attempts another game with the same style as there was definite unrealized potential. However I can definitely say that I would not recommend buying the game as I don’t think you would get your moneys worth. 3/5