In an age where we usually prefer our gaming experiences to involve a lot of explosions, a sprinkle of blood, and increasingly elaborate ways to achieve superhuman feats of mayhem, there comes 'Grow Up'. Imagine if a toddler decided it would be a good idea to build a rocket out of LEGO while wearing a Buzz Lightyear outfit; that’s the vibe here. Following the adventures of a little robot named B.U.D. (which stands for ‘Bot undergoing development,’ can you believe it?), the game is a sequel to the relatively well-received 'Grow Home'. So, hold onto your pots and pans as we embark on a whimsical journey to save a spaceship or something equally crucial.
Gameplay in 'Grow Up' can best be described as a series of climbing sessions interrupted by moments where B.U.D. has a good ole time with foliage. You will be scanning plants, and each type comes with its own unique abilities. There’s one that can launch you into the air, which is great because just gently climbing wasn’t enough fun for our little robot hero. Your mission? Recover the parts of B.U.D's spaceship after it had the audacity to crash into the moon. Yes, somehow our beloved M.O.M. (that’s Mother... just kidding; it stands for Mysterious Object Machine) has become a victim of poor piloting skills, and it's up to you to put the pieces of your life back together—literally. Along the way, you'll encounter challenges requiring you to race against the clock, because if there’s one thing we know, it’s that nothing screams “fun” quite like watching the timer run out as you fumble your way through a colorful world.
Visually, 'Grow Up' has the look of a vibrant watercolor painting splattered over a fun-loving 3D framework. It’s as if the game was developed in a happy place that was thoroughly stocked with bright colors and good vibrations. Expect to be surrounded by lush tropical landscapes, uncanny flora, and peculiar aesthetics that suck you in. If you love dandelions and mushrooms more than the average bear, this might just be your paradise. B.U.D.'s awkwardly cute design strikes a balance between endearing and slightly confusing, which is a fantastic metaphor for life itself.
In the great pantheon of games, 'Grow Up' may not steal the spotlight, but it’s a cozy little gem where you can escape the chaos of your day-to-day life. It's fun, quirky, and at times laughably awkward, much like that one friend who can’t quite hold their liquor but is always ready to dance anyway. With its charming mechanics and enjoyable exploration, it’s undoubtedly worth a try if you’re an adventurous spirit at heart—or just bored stiff on a Tuesday night. Just don’t expect Earth-shattering revelations or plot twists; this game is like a relaxing bubble bath after a long day, complete with rubber ducks and all sorts of relatable silliness. So, grab your controller, plant some seeds, and prepare to grow a bit—figuratively and literally.