The world has come to an end, but doesn't it look nice? This seems to be the central idea of Verdant, a game in which a young guy rides his bike through the plant-overgrown ruins of post-apocalyptic Germany in the 1980s, solving the mysteries that all young bikers face.
As someone who loves a good game about lonely teenagers with big backpacks heading into the unknown, the combination of soothing, floral nature and darker shades – with skeletons sitting in abandoned cars – that Verdant offers really intrigued me. It seems like camping while jogging would be as cool as poking the barrel of a gun into hidden corners, trying to figure out how the hell the place turned into one big garden center. The soundtrack is a charming mix of tinkling piano interspersed with synths, a contrast I also appreciate.
The German developers of Tiny Roar also emphasize in their review that Verdant is not only about finding your place in the future of the world, but also about immersing yourself in the past. And touch the deer so that they grow even more plants. I hope that all these elements will be deep enough and not just superficial emotions.
The biggest question I'm left with after revealing today's Wholesome Snack presentation is how big Verdant's environment will feel as you wander around it. While it doesn't actually need to be on a huge scale, maintaining the illusion that you're just a small speck among a giant ocean of unknown opportunity or threat is what makes teen adventures like backpacking Keep driving check mark.
You're just a little dude sitting in a car or at a campsite, surrounded by the whole. This is your puzzle, or your cage, or your playhouse. Usually all three at different times.
Verdant doesn't currently have a release date, but you can add it to your wishlist on the site. Steam if you're so inclined.
