Tom's Verdict
When I first played the demo of Garden Cleanup Simulator, I came away feeling that I'd found something rather special. It wasn't trying to reinvent the cosy simulation genre or overwhelm me with complicated mechanics. It simply gave me a neglected garden, a few tools and the freedom to make everything look lovely again. Those twenty-five minutes flew by, and I remember feeling genuinely disappointed when there were no more gardens left to restore.
So, when the full game arrived, I was rather excited to get my gardening gloves back on. And I'm delighted to say that the experience has been every bit as enjoyable as I'd hoped. There's something incredibly satisfying about cutting back an overgrown hedge, mowing a lawn or clearing away piles of rubbish, then standing back and admiring the difference you've made. The additional tools are particularly welcome, and I found myself thoroughly enjoying the hedge trimmers and branch cutters. I never thought I'd get quite so much pleasure from tidying up somebody else's garden!
What I particularly appreciate is that the game lets me work at my own pace. I'm not racing against a clock, worrying about failing a mission or being pushed towards the next objective. I can simply potter around, do what needs doing and get on with it one thing at a time. That's exactly what I want from a cosy game, especially when I'm looking for something peaceful to unwind with.
Of course, my return to gardening hasn't been entirely without its little adventures. After spending around two hours happily restoring gardens, I eventually found myself defeated by one elusive piece of rubbish. I searched absolutely everywhere, repeatedly, but that final bit of litter refused to reveal itself! It was a slightly frustrating way to finish my session, although I suspect I'll laugh about it when I eventually discover where the little blighter was hiding. And yes, I fully intend to go back and find it.
What matters most to me is that, even after those two hours, I still wanted to carry on playing. The demo left me wanting more, and the full game has reminded me exactly why I enjoyed it so much in the first place. It's gentle, satisfying and wonderfully easy to lose yourself in, without demanding that you play in any particular way.
For me, Garden Cleanup Simulator earns a 💜 Tom Recommends. If you enjoy cosy games, peaceful simulation experiences and the simple satisfaction of turning a neglected space into somewhere beautiful, this is a game I'd happily recommend. Just be prepared to develop a personal vendetta against the occasional well-hidden piece of rubbish!
Game Screenshots
Watch My Gameplay
Prefer to see the game in action? Watch my Garden Cleanup Simulator gameplay video on my De Tom Plays YouTube channel.
Why I Liked This Game
- ✅ 🌻 Wonderfully relaxing gameplay that lets you restore gardens entirely at your own pace.
- ✅ ✂️ A satisfying variety of gardening tasks, with hedge trimmers, branch cutters and lawn mowing adding to the enjoyment.
- ✅ 🏡 Seeing neglected, overgrown gardens gradually transform into lovely outdoor spaces is genuinely rewarding.
- ✅ 🌿 No stressful time limits or unnecessary pressure, making it ideal for unwinding.
- ✅ 💜 The full game builds on everything I enjoyed about the demo and left me wanting to keep playing, even after two hours.
What I Didn't Like In This Game
- ❌ 🔍 Finding the final tiny piece of rubbish can become unnecessarily frustrating, especially when it prevents you from completing a garden.
- ❌ 🗑️ Some rubbish can be surprisingly difficult to spot amongst the scenery, turning an otherwise peaceful experience into a prolonged hunt.
