Orchard does have a certain Zen-like appeal, but as far as providing challenges and rewards that keep gamers coming back, it's really lacking. The design puts only the most minor obstacles in the way of the player's success, so solving each level is more a matter of just going through the motions until you sell the right number of items to meet the level goals. The game isn't worth the twenty dollar asking price but you can sign up at iWin for a free hour-long demo if you like.
Presentation - 4.0
Graphics - 5.5
Sound - 6.5
Gameplay - 3.0
Lasting Appeal - 2.0
Overall -
Electric Playground:
"I don't know if it's my recent overdose on caffeine and Left 4 Dead or what, but I found myself enjoying Orchard quite a bit. It's about as mellow a game play experience you can have without slipping into a coma. Yeah, keep that in mind: this is a slow-paced game, maybe too slow for some--you can spend an awfully long time try to build up enough money and lumber to build your cannery. However, Orchard is reasonable deep as both a task-management game and a business sim and comes wrapped in some pleasing visuals. If you're an adrenaline junkie, forget it. If you like to sit down and slowly but surely build towards your goal, this is more your pace."
Real-time strategy games are all the rage lately. The same goes for agricultural simulations. Put the two together, and you often get promising results… see Youda Farmer, Farm Mania, Alice Greenfingers 2, and so on. Unfortunately for latest genre outing Orchard – which is equal parts time management title, tactical challenge and business sim – though, unless you've got hours to burn, the only harvest you'll reap here is in frustration and boredom.
Put on your green thumb as Majesco Entertainment Company (NASDAQ: COOL), an innovative provider of video games for the mass market, today announced Orchard, the company's first foray into the casual online gaming market. Developed by BoomZap Entertainment, this engaging simulation tasks players with managing all aspects of a growing orchard and roadside farm stand business.
"Targeted at casual gaming fans, Orchard integrates business and resource management with addictive simulation play that PC gamers will find both challenging and entertaining," said Gui Karyo, Executive Vice President of Operations for Majesco.
