The Greenening is a loop of washing ash off a forgotten world. Spraying water on the cindered surface carries the session, and the soundtrack stays out of the way.
The game is about exploring and restoring a planet covered in ash, unlocking water skills and gathering resources. Each step feeds the restoration of the map. The unskippable end credits break the rhythm.
The Greenening offers a unique cleaning mechanic
The Greenening’s ash-cleaning loop sticks. Spraying water on dusty ground to reveal secrets and resources is the core cycle. A customizable personal garden adds a second care mode.
The upgrade system is flexible. Each new resource opens skills and areas, and the map opens up as watering stops being a one-off gesture.
It recalls a garden puzzle, but slower and less puzzle-first.
The game has a serious issue
The main loop holds, but crashes and instability cut it short. Sessions can lock up and force a restart, which breaks the cleaning cycle.
The end credits cannot be skipped and they break the rhythm after time spent on the garden.
Pros
- Addictive ash-cleaning mechanic
- Flexible upgrade and improvement system
- Personal garden to customize and care for
Cons
- Frequent crashes and instability issues
- Tedious final credits sequence
Verdict
The Greenening offers a gardening experience that is both relaxing and addictive. However, the stability issues and game crashes are a significant drawback. Despite this,