Urban Jungle is a simulation game developed by Kylyk Games and published by Assemble Entertainment. It combines relaxing plant decoration with a narrative experience, creating a unique blend of cozy gameplay and storytelling. The goal is to transform small apartments into lush green oases, but what truly sets it apart is the emotional journey of the protagonist — a young woman going through major life changes.
At its core, the game focuses on strategic plant placement to achieve maximum comfort and aesthetics, with puzzle elements that challenge players to find the perfect spot for each plant. Every apartment represents a chapter in the protagonist’s life — from childhood to adulthood — and the option to pet a cat adds an extra touch of charm. After completing levels, players unlock a creative mode that allows free decorating using plants and decor items from previous stages. The main story lasts about three hours, with extra playtime for those who enjoy experimenting with different layouts.
Right from the start, you should lower your expectations for this game. It’s not a detailed cozy simulator or a high-budget title. Most in-game activities will feel repetitive; even though there’s a large variety of plants, the core gameplay loop remains the same. Urban Jungle isn’t meant to demand much of your attention — it’s designed to help you unwind. If you’re not a fan of the cozy genre or don’t usually play such games, you might want to skip this one, as it simply won’t be for everyone.
Each level (or chapter) introduces a new apartment, presented as a compact, isometric space viewed from above. Your task is to fill it with plants from your inventory, which expands as you progress. Every plant has basic requirements, such as needing sunlight near a window or enough space for watering, but the game remains light and relaxing by skipping real-life responsibilities like actual watering or soil types. Instead, it relies on spatial design puzzle elements — where will this fern look best without blocking the cactus?
Plants are dragged and dropped from the menu onto the floor, shelves, or tables, and can be rotated with a click to fit the layout. The game uses a subtle grid system for alignment, but it’s flexible enough to allow slight adjustments, making the space look more natural. Once placed, plants stay where they are unless you choose to rearrange them, and there’s no penalty for endless experimentation — freedom is the key to the experience.
Although Urban Jungle offers plenty of room for creativity, it’s not a sandbox like The Sims. Fixed furniture and a limited number of plant spots per level introduce a gentle structure, guiding you toward a thoughtful experience rather than complete chaos. Some players will appreciate this focus and clarity, while others might wish for more customization options, such as resizing plants or redesigning the entire room.
There is no strict scoring system, but a subtle glow or cheerful sound cue indicates when a plant is happy with its placement. As you progress, the apartments become a bit more complex, from an angular studio with awkward corners to an attic, while the plant inventory expands to include impressive species like the monstera or fiddle-leaf fig. In the later stages of the game, you’re managing dozens of options, trying to balance visual harmony with the needs of the plants.
Apart from the cat, interactivity is minimal but intentional. Furniture cannot be moved (it’s fixed per level), but smaller objects, like books or lamps, can sometimes be shifted to make room for plants. Some levels include “story clues,” such as a postcard on a table or a picture frame, which you can click and zoom in on to uncover details about the fictional tenant.
The controls are simple: point-and-click with the mouse. You can zoom in to get a closer look at your work, and the isometric view allows for 360-degree camera rotation, giving you insight from all angles. However, there are occasional minor issues, such as plants not aligning properly with the placement grid, clumsy controls (where plants can be selected with both left and right clicks), and the unusual camera movement mechanics, where instead of holding and dragging, you must click once and then move.
My biggest issue with the game is the completion aspect. Besides placing plants, there are side tasks that reward you with coins (used to buy rarer plants), but tasks like petting the cat, throwing away empty boxes, or turning on a lamp feel somewhat insignificant. I understand their purpose — they encourage variety in activities — but they lack depth. Placing a book on a shelf doesn’t contribute to the atmosphere or make any meaningful change. Most of the time, I just placed plants on the floor, as it seemed like the most efficient solution, especially since lamps and watering cans can help if placed correctly.
The game’s pace is intentionally slow, almost meditative. There’s no rush, no penalties — just you, the plants, and a peaceful space to fill. The sound of rustling leaves as you place plants, combined with the lo-fi soundtrack, creates a true zen experience. This is a game for unwinding with a cup of tea, while you ponder whether the aloe vera looks better next to the couch or the radiator.
Urban Jungle successfully combines the relaxing act of plant placement with an emotional story, creating a cozy and emotionally engaging experience. While the short duration may be off-putting for some, the creative mode and variety of plants offer additional value and replayability. For those looking for a soothing yet meaningful experience, Urban Jungle is worth exploring, especially at its current price.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Emotional story. | Short in length. |
| Colorful graphics. | Not very detailed. |
| Relaxing game, perfect with a cup of tea. | Technical hiccups. |
| Good replayability. | Not for everyone. |
Review copy provided by the publisher
