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The Gardens Between

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of The Gardens Between
Item: The Gardens Between
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2018

GenresAdventure, Indie, Third Person Perspective, Side View Perspective, Puzzle and Logic, Casual, Single Player

AvailableSep 19, 2018

PlatformPlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch

DeveloperThe Voxel Agents

Overview

The Gardens Between is a surreal puzzle adventure through memory, moments and time that follows best friends, Arina and Frendt, as they fall into a mysterious world of beautiful garden islands. The player can traverse back and forwards in time to discover each garden's secrets and, along the way, reveal a story about friendship, childhood and growing up.

Elsewhere

6.8

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

76%

Mixed (50-79)

21%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The critics' opinions on the story of The Gardens Between are largely positive, with many highlighting the emotional depth and impact of the narrative. Critics like DarkStation, Game Revolution, and PlayStation LifeStyle commend the game for its exploration of friendship, memories, and the passage of time. DarkStation specifically mentions the game's human and impactful story of two friends, while PlayStation LifeStyle describes the story as bittersweet and thought-provoking, driven by a significant event in the characters' lives. Additionally, Adventure Gamers and Impulsegamer appreciate the touching and minimalist approach to storytelling, focusing on the universal theme of friendship without the need for dialogue. On the other hand, some critics express concerns about the lack of depth or character development in the story. The Digital Fix criticizes the game for its shallow characters and lack of meaningful communication, while Push Square mentions the almost non-existent story elements outside of brief cutscenes. Nintendo Insider and Nintendo Life also note a lack of emotional impact in the narrative, with Nintendo Insider specifically mentioning being unmoved by the bittersweet storytelling attempts in the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that The Gardens Between successfully delivers a poignant and emotional narrative centered around friendship and childhood memories. Critics like God is a Geek and GamingTrend praise the game for its feel-good and moving storytelling, even if it may come across as saccharine to some. While there are criticisms regarding the depth of the story and character development from critics like The Digital Fix and Push Square, the majority of reviewers appreciate the game's ability to evoke emotions and resonate with players on a personal level. The game's unique approach to storytelling through environmental design and character interactions seems to have struck a chord with many critics, making The Gardens Between a memorable and emotionally impactful experience for those who appreciate its thematic focus on friendship and time.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics rave about The Gardens Between for its emotional and impactful narrative exploring friendship, memories, and time. Praise for its touching and minimalist storytelling style is widespread among reviewers like DarkStation and PlayStation LifeStyle. However, some critics, like The Digital Fix and Push Square, criticize the lack of depth and character development. Despite mixed opinions, the majority agree that the game delivers a poignant and moving experience that resonates with players on a personal level.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

74%

Mixed (50-79)

26%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of critics praised the gameplay of The Gardens Between, highlighting its innovative time manipulation mechanics and engaging puzzle-solving elements. Critics like Game Revolution and PlayStation Universe commended the game for its innovative and intuitive puzzle mechanics, with a steady difficulty curve that keeps players engaged. The unique premise of controlling time to guide characters through puzzles was well-received by reviewers such as God is a Geek and DualShockers, who appreciated the creative solutions and relaxing experience the gameplay offered. The simplicity of the controls, as noted by GamingTrend and Nintendo Insider, allowed players to focus on the cleverly designed puzzles and enjoy the overall experience. While the gameplay of The Gardens Between received high praise from the majority of critics, there were some who felt that it could have been more challenging. BaziCenter mentioned that the gameplay, while creative and engaging, lacked sufficient challenge. The Digital Fix also noted that the levels were easily solved by moving time forward or backward, with few truly challenging puzzles presented throughout the game. This sentiment was echoed by Adventure Gamers, who found the puzzles cleverly designed but not overly challenging, leading to a leisurely experience that may not satisfy players seeking more difficulty. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the gameplay of The Gardens Between. The game's unique time manipulation mechanics, combined with well-designed puzzles and a relaxing pace, resonated with reviewers across different platforms. Critics appreciated the game's ability to offer a mix of challenging and engaging mechanics, as highlighted by Vooks and Worth Playing. While some critics mentioned the lack of significant challenge in certain puzzles, the overall sentiment is that The Gardens Between succeeds in delivering a captivating and innovative gameplay experience that sets it apart in the puzzle genre.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics raved about The Gardens Between for its innovative time manipulation gameplay and engaging puzzles. While some found it lacking in challenge, overall, reviewers praised its creative solutions and relaxing experience. The game's unique premise and intuitive controls allow players to focus on cleverly designed puzzles, making it a standout in the genre.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

87%

Mixed (50-79)

13%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of the critics unanimously praised the Graphics and Visual Design of The Gardens Between, highlighting various positive aspects of the game's aesthetics. Critics like BaziCenter, DarkStation, and Game Revolution appreciated the magnificent art design, beautiful and striking visual design, and clean, colorful visuals that captured the childlike innocence of the game, respectively. The surreal and dreamlike world created by the vibrant colors, detailed island settings, and diorama-like levels were commended by reviewers such as Gamer.no, God is a Geek, and PlayStation Universe. The retro touch, clever design of the environments, and stunning art direction were also noted by Push Square and TheXboxHub, adding to the overall positive sentiment towards the game's visuals. While the overwhelming sentiment towards the graphics and visual design of The Gardens Between was positive, a few critics did mention some minor drawbacks or areas for improvement. Video Chums pointed out that the character models stood out awkwardly amidst the colorful and endearing environments. Additionally, The Digital Fix highlighted a disenfranchised tone created by the zoomed-out perspective and ghostly soundtrack, which may not resonate with all players. These criticisms, however, were relatively minor compared to the overall praise for the game's aesthetics. In conclusion, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding The Gardens Between's Graphics and Visual Design. The game was lauded for its stunning visuals, inventive art direction, and the way it effectively conveyed emotions and storytelling through its visuals. Critics like Adventure Gamers, DualShockers, and Nintendo Life appreciated the beautiful and endearing visual experience the game provided, with its hand-painted stages, magical visuals, and charming aesthetic. The unique and surreal dreamscapes, the nostalgic and colorful environments, and the attention to detail in puzzle design were all highlighted as major strengths of the game. Overall, the Graphics and Visual Design of The Gardens Between were widely praised for their creativity, beauty, and ability to enhance the overall gameplay experience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics unanimously praised The Gardens Between for its stunning graphics and visual design, with accolades for its beautiful art, captivating aesthetics, and childlike innocence captured in vibrant colors and detailed island settings. While some noted minor drawbacks like awkward character models and a disenfranchised tone, the overall sentiment remains highly positive. The game's visuals were commended for their inventiveness, emotional storytelling, and charming aesthetic, making it a standout in the gaming world.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

69%

Mixed (50-79)

31%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The Sound Design and Music of The Gardens Between have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics. Many reviewers praised the soothing and atmospheric music that enhances the overall experience of the game. Critics like DarkStation and Game Revolution highlighted the ambient soundtrack by Tim Shiel, which adds to the emotional moments and complements the gameplay, creating a cohesive audiovisual experience. The music was described as ethereal, dreamlike, and mellow by various critics such as Push Square, Adventure Gamers, and Hooked Gamers, with elements like rolling piano pieces, haunting compositions, and light percussion contributing to the immersive atmosphere of the game. The sound design was also lauded for its well-done implementation, with PlayStation LifeStyle mentioning that it contributes significantly to the overall atmosphere. While the majority of critics had positive opinions about the Sound Design and Music of The Gardens Between, there were a few who expressed some negative aspects. Nintenderos mentioned that the music, while subtle and relaxing, lacked versatility and could become redundant during prolonged play sessions. We Got This Covered felt that the synth-heavy soundtrack, while fine, didn't leave a lasting impression. XBLA Fans, while praising the impressive sound design, noted that their review lacked much detail about the music itself. These criticisms suggest that while the music and sound design are generally well-received, there may be room for improvement in terms of variety and lasting impact. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Sound Design and Music of The Gardens Between. The majority of reviewers appreciated the soothing, atmospheric, and immersive qualities of the music, with many highlighting how it enhances the emotional moments and overall experience of the game. The soundtrack by Tim Shiel was particularly praised for its ability to complement the visuals and gameplay, creating a cohesive and memorable audiovisual journey. Critics like Guardian and DualShockers emphasized how the music tailored to each theme and the surreal compositions enhanced the dreamlike and childlike atmosphere of the game. Despite some minor criticisms regarding versatility and lasting impact, the overall sentiment is that the Sound Design and Music of The Gardens Between play a crucial role in creating a captivating and immersive gaming experience.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics overwhelmingly love the Sound Design and Music of The Gardens Between, praising its soothing and atmospheric qualities. The ambient soundtrack by Tim Shiel is highlighted for enhancing emotional moments and gameplay, creating a cohesive audiovisual experience. While some critics mentioned concerns about music versatility and lasting impact, overall consensus is highly positive, with the majority appreciating how the music elevates the game's experience.

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

Analysis Unavailable

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TL;DR

technical performance

Description unavailable

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

81%

Negative (0-49)

15%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The Gardens Between has received mixed opinions from critics regarding its replay value. Some reviewers, such as Gamer.no and NintendoWorldReport, appreciated the fresh and engaging experience the game offers despite its short length. The puzzles and overall experience were highlighted as positives that could potentially draw players back for a revisit. Additionally, GamingTrend found the challenging and rewarding puzzles to be worth replaying, indicating that the gameplay itself could be a driving factor for some players to return to the game. On the other hand, several critics, including God is a Geek and COGconnected, criticized The Gardens Between for its lack of replay value. The short length, linear nature, and absence of additional modes were cited as reasons why players may not feel inclined to replay the game. DarkStation and Video Chums also echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the limited content and minimal incentives for multiple playthroughs. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards The Gardens Between being a short but memorable experience that may not offer substantial replay value for all players. While the game's touching narrative, inventive puzzles, and captivating art style were praised by some, its brevity and lack of additional content were seen as drawbacks by others. Critics like PlayStation Universe and GameSpot noted that despite its shortcomings in replayability, the game's emotional impact and unique gameplay elements could still make it worth experiencing at least once. Ultimately, the varying opinions suggest that the decision to replay The Gardens Between may depend on individual preferences for puzzle-solving and narrative-driven games.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics are split on The Gardens Between's replay value. Some praise its engaging puzzles and experience, suggesting a revisit is worth it. Others criticize its short length and lack of additional content as reasons to skip a replay. While the game's emotional narrative and unique gameplay elements shine, its limited replayability may not appeal to all players.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

68%

Mixed (50-79)

31%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The Gardens Between has garnered significant praise from critics for its unique and charming qualities. Critics like DarkStation and PlayStation Universe commend the game for its standout visuals, engaging puzzles, and emotionally resonant narrative. The game's simplicity and nostalgic appeal are highlighted positively by Gamer.no and Adventure Gamers, emphasizing the creative gameplay and peaceful atmosphere that appeal to a wide range of players. The game's ability to evoke a sense of wonder and imagination, as noted by New Game Network and Impulsegamer, further adds to its appeal, making it a memorable and visually striking experience. On the downside, some critics point out limitations in The Gardens Between that may impact the overall experience for certain players. Video Chums and The Digital Fix mention issues with character movement and lack of replay value, which could potentially hinder long-term engagement with the game. Additionally, GameSpot highlights that while the puzzles are inventive and the story heartfelt, they may not feel integral to the overall narrative, potentially diminishing the impact of the gameplay experience. These criticisms suggest that while the game excels in certain areas, there are aspects that may leave some players wanting more depth or longevity. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding The Gardens Between. Critics like TheSixthAxis and GameCritics praise the game for its charm, emotional storytelling, and well-crafted puzzles, giving it high scores and recommending it as a must-play title. While some critics acknowledge the game's shortcomings in terms of length and replay value, the majority appreciate its unique concept, beautiful visuals, and touching narrative. The Gardens Between is widely regarded as a delightful and engaging experience that offers a refreshing take on puzzle games, appealing to those seeking a peaceful and thought-provoking journey through its evocative world.

TL;DR

The Gardens Between: A visually stunning and emotionally resonant puzzle game that captivates critics with its charm and creativity. While some mention limitations like movement issues and lack of replay value, the majority praise its unique concept, beautiful visuals, and touching narrative, making it a must-play title for those seeking a peaceful and thought-provoking gaming experience.

MONSTER

Reviews

105 reviews found

100

XBLA Fans

Xbox One

Dec 18, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review concludes that The Gardens Between is a well-produced and polished game that is relaxing and welcoming, and recommends it as a must-buy.

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GamingTrend

Nintendo Switch

Sep 19, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Gardens Between is a masterpiece of minimalist storytelling and a must-have title for anyone who enjoys puzzle games.

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Nintendo Enthusiast

Nintendo Switch

Oct 1, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Gardens Between is a delightful and touching game with consistently great level design, offering a relaxing and enjoyable experience.

TheSixthAxis

PlayStation 4

Sep 19, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Gardens Between is a short and simple adventure that holds a lot of charm. It plays upon nostalgia and deals with the nature of change within relationships. The game is perfectly put together and the puzzles should be praised. Score: 9/10

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TheXboxHub

Xbox One

Dec 7, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Gardens Between is described as a fantastic game that excels in visuals, gameplay, and soundtrack. Despite some minor issues with puzzle simplicity and length, the overall experience is highly recommended for players looking for a lovely and engaging concept.

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NintendoWorldReport

Nintendo Switch

Sep 19, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Gardens Between is a smartly designed puzzler with a strong story and stunning visuals. The only minor complaint is the abrupt conclusion.

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DualShockers

Sep 19, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Gardens Between is a wholly unique and emotionally impactful experience that stands out among indie games, offering a beautiful journey that shouldn't be forgotten.

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GameCritics

Oct 15, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Gardens Between is praised for its emotional storytelling, clever puzzles, and beautiful visuals. It serves as a gentle reminder of the importance of moving forward while cherishing memories.

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Hooked Gamers

Oct 1, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Gardens Between is a beautiful game with wonderful settings, puzzles, and a relaxing atmosphere. It is a game for all ages, but especially nostalgic for those who grew up in the 80s.

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Worth Playing

Nintendo Switch

Oct 26, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Gardens Between offers a gratifying experience with clever puzzles, gorgeous visuals, and a compelling gameplay loop. While the story is underdeveloped and the game is short for its price, it still provides a journey worth embarking on for fans of the genre.

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