# Hardcore Gardening Games 'Dark Soil' Forces Players to Plant and Fight Leafy Monsters By Justin Lam | Published 2018-05-14 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dark-soil References: [indiegames](http://indiegames.com/2018/05/actiongardening_dark_soil_has_.html) & [pietro-ferrantelli.itch.io](https://pietro-ferrantelli.itch.io/dark-soil) Dark Souls has perhaps impacted the AAA gaming market more than any other game in the past decade, but of all the games that utilize aspects of Dark Souls, none are as quirky as 'Dark Soil.' Developed as part of the Ludum Dare game jam, this title finds a unique way to blend gardening elements with the [brutal and difficult combat](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/humbling-soulslikes) of the Souls games. This combination may seem incredibly strange but Dark Soil manages to blend both elements together with [quirky art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/raiders-of-blackveil) that seems to almost acknowledge the absurd combination of gameplay styles. The game lacks any sort of pervasive story and players will simply need to plant seeds and fight the growing monstrosities. For every vanquished piece of vegetation, the player will be rewarded with souls that inhibit the growth of plants. This cycle forces the player to continue planting and fighting with the game becoming more challenging as the screen fills with an endless horde of plants. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.7/10 - Popularity: 71% | Activity: 32% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/games) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Gardening Gaming:** The combination of unexpected elements, such as gardening and gaming, creates unique and engaging gameplay experiences. - **Combat-based Gameplay:** Integrating combat elements into unexpected game genres can increase player engagement and attract new audiences. - **Quirky Art:** Using unusual or unconventional art styles can help a game stand out in a crowded market and create a memorable experience. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Gaming:** Developers can find new audiences and create innovative gameplay experiences by blending unexpected game genres and elements. - **Gardening:** Creating interactive and engaging digital tools and apps for gardening enthusiasts can increase interest and knowledge in the hobby. - **Art and Design:** Exploring unconventional art styles and game design can lead to unique and memorable gaming experiences that stand out in the market. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Independent Multi-Gameplay Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gardens-studio.md) - [Casual Nature-Inspired Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/garden-of-the-sea.md) - [Game-Integrated Robotic Lawn Mowers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/automower-nera.md) - [Dark Meditative Digital Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crow-country-game.md) - [Creature-Collecting Action Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/farmagia.md) - [Unconventional Gardening Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/freaky-veg-kit.md) - [Monstrous Horror Video Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/horror-video-games.md) - [Cataclysmic Roguelite Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wartorn.md) - [Intricately Designed Lush Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kunitsugami-path-of-the-goddess-1.md)