This is a flexible game that gently encourages real life activities of your choice. I have been using index cards, with the Mandrake drawing on the blank side, and info about the species and soil on the lined side.
The whole book has a kind tone, and emphasizes the individual person tuning it to what they enjoy. I am enjoying using this to reward myself for small good habits (like getting through a work day, or stretching) and I keep a Mandrake in Retort's soil so there's always at least one that gets to grow. I like that there is no cost to failure, someone else can always care for your mandrakes, and they can just grow slowly if needed. It's a nice excuse to doodle a leaf in the morning and reflect on things I did.
I could see this being fun to do with children, perhaps using a large piece of paper and crayons if they are younger, or using stickers or a coloring page to gradually fill in. If you want something that pushes you to reach for loftier goals, but doesn't punish you for missing a day, this may work for you! If you feel like the many habit-forming phone apps are too pushy with their notifications, or you feel bad seeing a tracker skip a day, or you just like the excuse to use a pen and paper, then I would recommend giving it a try.
This review earned me +15 Archivist Points for Heroic Archivist. :)
GOT A COMMUNITY COPY, TY SO MUCH FOR MAKING THEM AVAILABLE (gosh there are so many) I loved the concept, n if I dig the game enough you might get some fugly fanart n maybe a Spanish translation (you don't have a say on the first one, it **will** happen)! It should pair well with the upcoming one, amirite? #latinlanguagegang ^^
I’m enjoying the game and have been thinking about the mechanics for a butterfly sanctuary hack based on it. When I finish writing the hack, do you mind if I post it to Itch?
My garden has started! This is adorable. And already helpful. I didn't have space for a paper garden lot or spare cards, so I made cards from cardstock and put them in a self made envelope. Will report back in some weeks!
This is a lovely game that, for me, gets me to do some things every day more reliably without being micromanaging nor unforgiving of my high flare-up days.
I don't have room to lay out a plot of mandrakes nor playing cards to spare, so I cut up cards and made an envelope for them, and that works for me. You can also do a pure journaling version if drawing isn't your thing.
I am just growing some flowers from Việt Nam in my sanctuary. You can be very flexible with the theme.
I always have one plant growing in Retort's soil mixture (activates if you survive the day), and that is enough to keep me going even if I wasn't able to activate any of the other mixtures that day.
Still at it most every day. This has helped me a lot in staying on target with developing good habits and even decreasing bad ones, with a margin of forgiveness that doesn't trigger my anxiety. Especially when my CPTSD flares up. Love it. Still working on my original six plants gradually.
I love this game! The idea is very cute, and the art is beautiful. I just read the manual, and I'm starting to make the garden. I can't wait to start raising mandrakes! Thanks for the game! ^^
← Return to game
Comments
Log in with itch.io to leave a comment.
This is a flexible game that gently encourages real life activities of your choice. I have been using index cards, with the Mandrake drawing on the blank side, and info about the species and soil on the lined side.
The whole book has a kind tone, and emphasizes the individual person tuning it to what they enjoy. I am enjoying using this to reward myself for small good habits (like getting through a work day, or stretching) and I keep a Mandrake in Retort's soil so there's always at least one that gets to grow. I like that there is no cost to failure, someone else can always care for your mandrakes, and they can just grow slowly if needed. It's a nice excuse to doodle a leaf in the morning and reflect on things I did.
I could see this being fun to do with children, perhaps using a large piece of paper and crayons if they are younger, or using stickers or a coloring page to gradually fill in. If you want something that pushes you to reach for loftier goals, but doesn't punish you for missing a day, this may work for you! If you feel like the many habit-forming phone apps are too pushy with their notifications, or you feel bad seeing a tracker skip a day, or you just like the excuse to use a pen and paper, then I would recommend giving it a try.
This review earned me +15 Archivist Points for Heroic Archivist. :)
Thank you for the wonderful review! And congratulations on the Archivist Points!
FYI: I'm highlighting the Solo and Alone 3 bundle entries in my Twitter feed. https://twitter.com/RabbitMatchGame/status/1618830033145171969 (Extra delight Francita Soto's work in something not as grim as my own entry.)
Thanks for the spotlight!
And I'm super happy to have been able to include Francita's graphic design, Jonas' graphic design, and Hector's art!
GOT A COMMUNITY COPY, TY SO MUCH FOR MAKING THEM AVAILABLE (gosh there are so many)
I loved the concept, n if I dig the game enough you might get some fugly fanart n maybe a Spanish translation (you don't have a say on the first one, it **will** happen)! It should pair well with the upcoming one, amirite? #latinlanguagegang ^^
I'd love to see fanart and a Spanish translation! And I'm glad you dig the concept!
I’m enjoying the game and have been thinking about the mechanics for a butterfly sanctuary hack based on it. When I finish writing the hack, do you mind if I post it to Itch?
Please do! I'd be thrilled to see more stuff based on this engine!
My garden has started! This is adorable. And already helpful. I didn't have space for a paper garden lot or spare cards, so I made cards from cardstock and put them in a self made envelope. Will report back in some weeks!
This is a lovely game that, for me, gets me to do some things every day more reliably without being micromanaging nor unforgiving of my high flare-up days.
I don't have room to lay out a plot of mandrakes nor playing cards to spare, so I cut up cards and made an envelope for them, and that works for me. You can also do a pure journaling version if drawing isn't your thing.
I am just growing some flowers from Việt Nam in my sanctuary. You can be very flexible with the theme.
I always have one plant growing in Retort's soil mixture (activates if you survive the day), and that is enough to keep me going even if I wasn't able to activate any of the other mixtures that day.
Thank you so much for the game!
That's wonderful!
I love the envelope idea, and growing local flowers.
And I'm glad the retort's mixture has been helpful.
I'm glad your garden's growing well!
Still at it most every day. This has helped me a lot in staying on target with developing good habits and even decreasing bad ones, with a margin of forgiveness that doesn't trigger my anxiety. Especially when my CPTSD flares up. Love it. Still working on my original six plants gradually.
This is the highest praise I could have hoped for. Thank you!
I love this game! The idea is very cute, and the art is beautiful. I just read the manual, and I'm starting to make the garden. I can't wait to start raising mandrakes!
Thanks for the game! ^^
Thanks! I'm glad you liked it!