The world’s ended, but doesn’t it look pretty? That seems to be the central premise of Verdant, a game in which a young bloke dirt bikes around the plant-filled remains of post-apocalyptic 1980s Germany, figuring out the conundrums all young dirt bikers face.
As someone who loves a good game about lone youngsters with big backpacks venturing into the unknown, the blend of soothing, flowery nature and darker undertones – as skeletons sit in abandoned cars – that Verdant offers really intrigues me. It seems there’ll be as much chill camping amid runs as there is poking the barrel of your gun into hidden nooks, trying to work out what the heck turned the place into one big garden centre. The soundtrack’s a charming blend of tinkly piano interspersed with bursts of synth, a contrast I also dig.
German devs Tiny Roar also emphasise, in their synopsis, that Verdant is as much about its dirt biker finding where they fit in the world’s future as it is about dredging through the past. And touching deer, so they get even more plant-encusted. Hopefully there’ll be plenty of depth to all these elements, rather than just surface-level emoting.
The biggest question I’m left with, following the reveal during today’s Wholesome Snack showcase, is just how big Verdant’s environment will feel as you’re roaming around it. While actually having massive scale isn’t necessary, maintaining the illusion that you’re just a small speck amid a giant ocean of unknown possibility or threat is what makes the likes of similar backpackish youngster adventure Keep Driving tick.
You’re just a little dude, sitting in a car or at a campsite, surrounded by the whole. It’s your puzzle, or your cage, or your playhouse. Usually all three at various times.
As of right now, Verdant is without a release date, but you can wishlist it on Steam if you’re so inclined.