Widely regarded as perhaps the best downloadable game series around, Pixeljunk makes a triumphant return with their latest installment, Eden. The game allows you to explore your own personal garden that is created only by your own constitution. If you are looking for a different kind of game and an artistic masterpiece, you should walk into Eden as soon as you can.

The premise of the game is simple. You are a grimp( grip + jump) and you have to collect Spectra, which are these flashing S looking symbols that populate a certain garden. You can only jump, grip, or swing your way around and you advance by collecting pollen that is absorbed by other plants. Once these plants get their full, they sprout, and allow you to climb higher and further. The game is timed and you must also collect crystals to add to your meter. The game sounds lame and all types of nancy, but trust me, its fun as hell.

The game does have some issues. There are 10 gardens and 5 spectra in each garden. Once you collect the first, you are transported back to your home garden. You have to go back and collect all 5, but once you collect a spectra for the first time, you get bounced out.  More clearly, you will have to make 5 trips in, collecting each one over again, until you are on the 5th and final item. Seems like they want you to keep playing as opposed to collecting all 5 in one shot.

Up to three people can play co-op which is awesome. The game does offer remote play via your PSP and allows for video recording in-game. Eden also has trophy support. Not many PSN games come along that are as good as this. There is a steep learning curve at first but once you get hooked, you’re addicted. Not every game has to be a shooter, slasher, sports title, etc. Some games are there to calm you, much like flOw did for a lot of people. At least download the demo, but I have a feeling that many of you will want the full version so you can explore the vastness Eden offers. You won’t get a better value for your money on PSN this year.

Overall: 8.5 of 10