One thing I’ve discovered over my time with the Switch, and a wide variety of indie games, is that just because something is intended to be enjoyed casually doesn’t mean it can’t have some depth to it. I suppose reflecting on mobile games you can appreciate that there are some that you’ll pick up and then quickly put down after a few sessions, but there are others that will continue to pull you in, and the same can be true with casual games on the Switch. 

The problem for me as a reviewer though is that there are just some games that are very simple across the board. In design, in execution, and in play… and that makes finding something to say, not even necessarily good or bad, a challenge. The original Plantera was just that sort of game, essentially playing like a garden-building clicker, with you planting crops, cultivating and protecting them, collecting money, buying new crops, and then continuing until you got bored.

I suppose it’s then little surprise that Golden Acorn does next to nothing differently, applying the same simple formula, and generally getting the same results all around. Sure, you could choose to passively build new things and then leave the game to play itself, with your few helpers picking crops and making some money. You could also choose to ignore some periodic loss of product to invading birds, bunnies, and other critters, playing more as a voyeur than active participant.That said, you could also choose to obsessively move around, thwarting all threats and trying to maximize every second, being very active and leaving your helpers in the dust. Either way though, or opting for a strategy down the middle, there’s no pressure to do anything but what you choose, but there’s also a scant incentive to invest your time or effort since all it does is help you gain new things to grow or help more quickly. I suppose if that sounds relaxing or interesting, have at it, but it’s hard not to feel indifferent to it very quickly.