REVIEW | Urban Jungle

Urban Jungle is a relaxing simulation game that turns interior design into a mindful puzzle. Developed by the three person team at Kylyk Games and published by Assemble Entertainment, it invites players to transform a range of living spaces into lush green havens by placing plants in just the right spots to help them thrive. You play as Ayta, and there’s no pressure, no timers, no watering schedules, just the quiet satisfaction of creating a cozy living space. Subtle environmental storytelling reveals moments from Ayta’s life, adding warmth and personality to every room.

With that planted, let’s get into the review. 

Things I liked!

• Gameplay | Urban Jungle keeps things simple in the best way. Each chapter gives you a new space to decorate, often spread across two floors with a few rooms to explore. Plants need light, humidity, or both, and you earn points by meeting those needs and placing species near others they like while avoiding those they dislike. Hitting the target score unlocks the next chapter, creating a gentle sense of progression that feels rewarding without ever rushing you.
  
  Objectives help break up the planting flow, from unpacking boxes and finding hidden items to placing them correctly or even stroking your pet cat or dog if you can find them. Completing these tasks earns coins to spend on rarer or more uncommon plants, while most standard ones are free to use. It’s a nice touch that adds variety and discovery without feeling restrictive.
  
  You can also open your diary to view every plant type and track which ones you’ve collected. It’s a pleasant bonus for completionists, with an achievement for collecting them all, though progress isn’t tied to it. When you finish a chapter, you unlock Creative Mode for that space, where there are no objectives or score requirements, just the freedom to design rooms to your heart’s content. It’s a relaxing reward that perfectly captures the spirit of the game.

• Visuals | Urban Jungle is genuinely lovely to look at. Each chapter opens with a short, gentle intro before you start decorating, and the soft, stylised art immediately sets a calm tone. The pastel colours and warm lighting make every space feel inviting, while the detailed plant models and subtle animations, like leaves swaying or sunlight shifting through windows, bring each room to life.
  
  Every environment feels distinct, from compact flats to larger two‑floor homes, and the contrast between concrete interiors and greenery gives each space its own character. The visuals stay consistent throughout, with smooth performance and clear textures that make it easy to appreciate the details. It’s a relaxing, polished presentation that perfectly complements the game’s slow, thoughtful pace.
  
  
• Sound | Urban Jungle’s audio design really helps build its cozy atmosphere as you play. The soundtrack is gentle and unobtrusive, filled with soft piano notes and ambient tones that make decorating feel calm and focused. Each sound effect fits perfectly, from the quiet rustle of leaves to the subtle click when placing an object, adding just enough feedback without breaking the mood.
  
  While there’s no voice acting when you interact with the few other characters, I actually think that works in the game’s favour. The silence keeps the focus on the soothing music and ambient sounds, helping maintain the relaxing vibe that defines the whole experience.
  
  The ambient background sounds change depending on the setting, with faint city noise or birdsong that make each space feel alive. Together, the music and effects create a peaceful rhythm that complements the visuals beautifully. It’s the kind of soundscape that quietly settles you into the game’s relaxing pace and makes every moment feel warm and inviting.
  
  
• Story | Urban Jungle tells Ayta’s story in a simple but heartfelt way. Each chapter represents a new stage in her life, showing her growth from a young girl into an adult. The narrative unfolds through short conversations with her family and best friend, presented in storyboard‑style art rather than full cutscenes.
  
  It’s a quiet, reflective approach that fits the game perfectly. As Ayta’s spaces change and mature with her, players will likely see parts of their own lives in her story, whether it’s the comfort of familiar rooms or the small details that mark different stages of growing up. That sense of recognition makes her journey feel personal and helps the story connect beyond its gentle pace.

Mixed & disliked!

• Controls and Accessibility | Urban Jungle’s controls are simple and easy to get used to, which suits its calm, creative pace. Moving around each space feels smooth, and placing plants or objects is straightforward. At first, I found myself arranging items neatly on shelves or out of the way, but as I progressed and the number of plants grew, I realised it was often easier to place things anywhere, even on the floor. It looked messy, but it helped me complete chapters more easily.
  
  When areas start to fill up, things can quickly become cluttered, and precise placement becomes important. Occasionally, moving an object that’s close to others can be a little fiddly, especially when trying to select the right one.
  
  The settings menu is minimal, offering only volume and language options. There aren’t any dedicated accessibility features, which might limit flexibility for some players, but the simplicity of the controls still fits the game’s relaxed style.

How long did I play the review before publishing? 6 Hours
How long to beat the story? 4-5 Hours
How many Achievements did I earn before publishing? 21/23 OR 810/1000G
How long to achieve 1000G | 7 Hours +
You’ll love this game if you like these | Unpacking and A Little to the Left.

CONCLUSION

Score: 80/100

A relaxing little journey that feels warm, thoughtful and quietly satisfying.  

Urban Jungle is a genuinely cozy experience that I enjoyed spending time with. The gentle decorating gameplay, soft visuals, and small heartfelt moments from Ayta’s life create a calm and comforting atmosphere from start to finish. A few minor frustrations with precision placement and the limited settings do show through, but they never overshadow the relaxing feel of the game. It’s a peaceful way to unwind and get creative for a few hours.