The Guardian of Nature

The Guardian of Nature is a third-person point & click game. It was developed and published by Inlusio Interactive, also known for Peace Untold, a VR movie about a woman experiencing an uneasy post-WWII time of peace. Their newest game, though, is more magical and kids-friendly. The game received several awards during the Wholesome Direct (2023) and Game Connection America (also 2023).

Plot

The Guardian of Nature is set on a remote island in the middle of the ocean, shrouded in thick fog. Its fauna and flora co-exist in harmony, watched over by the elderly Mother Tree. Its roots reach the greatest depths of the Earth, the mycelium network surrounding them connecting all vegetation of the island. For years it's been watched over by the Botanists - guardians of nature, learning how to harness the energy produced by the fungus.

Though the Mother Tree had remained untouched for millennia, the mycelium suddenly becomes threatened. The last Botanist - Henry - must set out on a journey to protect the Mother Tree.

Mechanics

The player must identify the threat endangering the Mother Tree and restore natural harmony on the island. Henry is a size-shifter, able to search both spacious rooms and tiny tunnels dug out by forest critters. He can not only search for secrets underground, but also mount birds and fly on them to gain a higher perspective.

The gameplay is made more diverse through various puzzles. They often revolve around solarpunk devices encountered while travelling along the mycelium network. The mechanisms let us use natural energy and talk to animals.

Technical aspects

The game is a side-scroller, featuring 2D stylized visuals and an atmospheric soundtrack.