Bunhouse is a relaxing bunny-filled experience that is casual, enjoyable, and adorably cute. However, there is a serious lack of depth or direction for all its heart-warming action. Accordingly, it can be a tough game to swallow, especially if you like someone to hold your hand. Yet, if you prefer to be left to your own devices, this plant-filled cosy title will be right up your street.
This garden simulation game was developed by Reky Studios and published by Digerati. Its wholesome action can be enjoyed alone, or you can get friends around and play it as a couch co-op experience. Either way, the core gameplay loop does not change. This straightforward approach will not impress adrenaline junkies or quest seekers. However, if you want something to unwind and relax to, then this may tick those boxes.
Bunhouse tells no interesting rabbit tales.
Bunhouse is seriously lacking in many departments. However, it makes up for many of these shortcomings when it excels. One element that frustrated me was the lack of a backstory. For reasons unknown, the rabbit hero has a greenhouse and he/she/they must grow an unlimited number of crops to sell to the community. The story is as deep as a puddle and that was annoying. I’d have loved a sense of romance or drama to set the scene. However, this never happened and that left me wanting.
The gameplay loop is decidedly basic. You and your friends control a group of gardening-loving bunnies. This team of long-eared farmers must work together to grow any seeds they plant. What’s more, they must organise their greenhouse, complete seasonal events, and customise themselves and their environment to their liking. As time passes, you can entertain yourselves with minor games and some fun but simple hopping. This is Bunhouse in a nutshell! It aims to deliver super relaxing gameplay with no quests, no drama, and no pressure.
Become a super gardener.
Becoming an expert in your field is no easy task. Yet, Bunhouse does a great job with its balanced learning curve and easy-to-understand mechanics. Effectively, you start with basic tools and a list of simple plants to nurture. As you grow and sell your produce, you earn carrots that can be invested in new equipment, rarer plants, and impressive tools. Additionally, you may expand your greenhouse, customise your team, and purchase new furniture and features.
As your growing area evolves, you are free to decide what you wish to plant and how you want to look after every element. Luckily, a handy guide can be accessed to understand the correct levels of sunlight and water that are required to complete each task. Furthermore, seasonal events add a fun twist to the regular action. If this wasn’t enough excitement, you can grab a fishing rod and relax. The fishing mini-game wasn’t the most testing experience, but I enjoyed the break away from the greenhouse and the opportunity to try something new.
Where this excels is when you play with friends. With many tasks going at once and plenty of plants to water, it was easier to share the load. If you are a lone wolf, you needn’t worry. You will have a relaxing time tending to your plants as there is limited pressure and a large margin for error.
Bunhouse looks rough around the edges.
Though I liked the pastel colours and the varied character models, Bunhouse was rough to look at. Sadly, the textures aren’t perfect, and the limited gaming area should have been more interesting. Thankfully, things spring to life as you plant trees and improve your environment. The overall presentation didn’t impress me, but I liked the simple-to-follow UI and the pleasant 3D world. Accordingly, if you aren’t too bothered by a lack of polish, you’ll enjoy this calm and safe gaming world.
The audio is adorable. I loved the calm music and the gentle soundtrack. With plenty of time on your hands, it was nice to have a low-key and non-offensive soundtrack. Consider a hotel lobby or an up-market lift and you get the idea. This soundtrack is complemented by the realistic sound effects. The noise of your watering can and the gentle thud of each rabbit’s foot was great to listen to.
Straightforward controls.
Unsurprisingly, Bunhouse is extremely easy to play. The straightforward control layout is easy to master. Moreover, the UI ensures that you can access tools, plants, and other essential items. Accordingly, even though it can get messy with 4 bunnies hopping around, the action was never complex.
Replay value and longevity are limited. Unless you love gardening or rabbits, you will soon tire of what you see. Yes, there are seasonal events and some special plants to enjoy, but this doesn’t add enough variety to pique your interest. Consequently, this will attract an extremely niche audience.
Bunhouse has a limited appeal.
I enjoyed the basic mechanics and the simple gameplay. However, Bunhouse has a limited appeal. Disappointingly, there wasn’t enough depth to keep me going for longer. Additionally, the lack of guidance or quests ensured that my interest waned long before it should. However, I appreciate that I’m not its key demographic. Subsequently, I know that this will appeal to a host of sim-loving gamers. As such, though it wasn’t for me, I still recommend buying it here! Hop around, plant some seeds, and grow as many plants as you wish.
