Saving a Star: Growbot Launches on iOS to Critical Acclaim

The highly-anticipated point-and-click adventure, Growbot, is officially out now on iOS. This charming and visually stunning game, developed by Wabisabi Play and published by Application Systems Heidelberg, has made its way to mobile platforms, bringing its unique biopunk world and heartwarming story to a new audience. The game, which has already received positive reviews on PC, is a delightful blend of whimsical art, thoughtful puzzles, and a touching narrative about a little robot’s journey to save her home from a mysterious, dark crystalline force.

A Journey into a Living Space Station

In Growbot, players take on the role of Nara, a trainee “growbot” on her first day as captain. The space station she calls home, a giant, living botanical marvel, is suddenly attacked, and it’s up to Nara to save it. The game’s world is a visual feast, with hand-drawn art from children’s book illustrator Lisa Evans that makes every scene feel like a page out of a magical storybook. The core of the gameplay involves classic point-and-click mechanics, but with a unique twist:

• Flower-Based Puzzles: One of the game’s most inventive mechanics is the “flower arranger.” Players must collect musical notes from different flowers and arrange them into melodies to solve puzzles, create powerful shields, and progress through the game.
• Charming Characters: The space station is populated by a variety of whimsical creatures and robots, including the lovable Starbelly, a fluffy power source with a galaxy inside. Interacting with these characters is a key part of the game’s charm and helps unravel the mystery of the attack.
• A World of Wonder: From navigating a maze to free water dragons to operating strange, biopunk machinery, the game’s puzzles are designed to feel like a natural part of its imaginative world.

A Premium Experience on Mobile

Unlike many free-to-play mobile games, Growbot is a premium title. It offers a complete, ad-free experience with no in-app purchases, ensuring that the focus remains on the immersive story and puzzles. The game is available for a one-time purchase and has been optimized for the mobile experience with intuitive touch controls. The game’s relatively short playtime (around 3-4 hours) is perfect for a mobile platform and is filled with enough heart and wonder to make every moment count. While some critics on other platforms have noted the story’s straightforward nature and an occasional lack of depth, the game’s stunning art and cozy atmosphere have been universally praised, making it a “must-play” for fans of similar titles like Machinarium and Botanicula.

The iOS launch of Growbot is a significant moment for the point-and-click genre on mobile, proving that a premium, artistically-driven experience can thrive on the platform. With its unique puzzles and beautiful world, it offers a refreshing escape from the usual mobile fare. The game is also available on Android, ensuring that a wide range of players can embark on this charming and important mission to save the space station.