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The Gardens Between

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

2018

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

AvailableSep 19, 2018

PlatformPC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

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

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

The Gardens Between is a poetic, visually stunning game that masterfully captures the essence of childhood friendship and nostalgia through abstract, environmental storytelling — but its sparse narrative may leave some players feeling emotionally disconnected or uninvested.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

76%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

21%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The majority of critics praise The Gardens Between for its emotionally resonant and universally relatable narrative, emphasizing its focus on childhood friendship, nostalgia, and the passage of time. Reviewers like BaziCenter and DarkStation highlight the game’s exploration of "childhood memories" and "surreal landscapes," framing it as a heartfelt journey that evokes themes of kindness and connection. Game Revolution and Gamer.no commend its reliance on environmental storytelling and character interactions to convey emotions without text or dialogue, calling it "impactful" and "subtly conveyed." PlayStation LifeStyle and TheXboxHub describe the story as "bittersweet" and "thoughtful," noting how it reflects on the significance of memories and the "poignant coalescence of charming visuals." Adventure Gamers and DualShockers also laud its ability to create a "firm emotional connection" and "emotional and powerful story," with Vooks and Worth Playing emphasizing its "touching" and "lovely" portrayal of friendship, respectively. These perspectives collectively underscore the game’s strength in evoking nostalgia and universal human experiences through its minimalist, visual-driven approach. However, several critics express reservations about the game’s narrative depth, arguing that it lacks substantial plot or character development. The Digital Fix criticizes the "lack of depth in the characters and story," while Push Square notes that "story elements are almost completely non-existent outside of brief cutscenes." Nintendo Insider admits to being "unmoved" by the "bittersweet narrative," and Worth Playing acknowledges that the story "complements the gameplay experience" but offers "not much payoff or character investment." God is a Geek mentions the narrative may feel "too saccharine" for some, and Cubed3 and GameSpot observe that the story is "largely voiceless and textless," which could alienate players seeking traditional storytelling. These critiques suggest that while the game’s emotional tone is appreciated, its abstract and sparse approach to narrative may leave some feeling disconnected or unengaged. Overall, the consensus among critics leans toward appreciating The Gardens Between as a unique, emotionally evocative experience that prioritizes atmosphere and symbolism over explicit storytelling. While there is a divide on whether the narrative is "minimalist" or "lacking," the majority agree that its focus on friendship and memory creates a "universal" and "personal" connection. GamingTrend and Nintenderos note how the game allows players to "fill in the story with their own emotions," which contributes to its charm. However, the criticisms about character depth and plot structure reveal a tension between its artistic ambition and accessibility. Despite these flaws, the game’s ability to "resonate strongly" with players—whether through its "dreamlike" visuals or "nostalgic" tone—solidifies its reputation as a poignant, if unconventional, narrative experience. The mixed reactions reflect its success in evoking emotion, even if it doesn’t satisfy all expectations for traditional storytelling.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

The Gardens Between dazzles with inventive time-bending puzzles and seamless design, praised for creativity and accessibility, though some critics find it too easy, lacking in challenge but offering a relaxing, inventive experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

74%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

26%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The majority of critics praised The Gardens Between for its innovative and engaging gameplay, particularly its unique time-manipulation mechanics. Reviewers highlighted the creative puzzle design, which leverages the ability to move time forward and backward to solve challenges in inventive ways. Game Revolution noted the "innovative and intuitive" puzzle mechanics, while Push Square emphasized how puzzles "become more involved as you progress," requiring players to think laterally. TheXboxHub and Nintendo Life both commended the seamless integration of time control into the gameplay, with the latter calling the puzzles "subtly complex" and "perfectly balanced." Many critics, including Adventure Gamers and GameCritics, praised the game’s ability to blend exploration with thoughtful problem-solving, creating a relaxing yet intellectually stimulating experience. The simplicity of controls—often described as "shockingly simple" by GamingTrend—allowed players to focus on the creative aspects of the puzzles, making the gameplay accessible yet rewarding. Despite the widespread praise, some critics noted minor shortcomings, particularly around difficulty and variety. The Digital Fix criticized the game for being "lacking challenge," with many levels easily solved by toggling time forward or backward. BaziCenter echoed this, suggesting the gameplay "could have been more challenging," while Adventure Gamers mentioned that puzzles were "not overly challenging" and the experience felt "leisurely." PlayStation LifeStyle also pointed to "inconsistent puzzle design" that could occasionally frustrate players. Additionally, some reviewers, like TheSixthAxis, noted that the puzzles were "well-designed but not too difficult," which might not satisfy players seeking a greater challenge. While these critiques were not universal, they underscored a perception that the game’s difficulty curve, though steady, leaned more toward accessibility than intensity. Overall, the consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with the gameplay of The Gardens Between being celebrated as a standout feature. The time-manipulation mechanic was consistently highlighted as a fresh and engaging approach to puzzle-solving, with reviewers like Game Revolution, Push Square, and Nintendo Life praising its creativity and seamless execution. While some critics acknowledged the game’s relative simplicity, the majority viewed it as a strength, emphasizing the relaxing, contemplative experience it offered. Even the minor criticisms about difficulty were framed within a broader appreciation for the game’s design and innovation. As TheXboxHub noted, the puzzles were "well-designed and engaging," and GameSpot described them as "modestly challenging and inventive." Ultimately, the gameplay’s unique mechanics and thoughtful execution earned it widespread acclaim, solidifying The Gardens Between as a memorable and inventive puzzle experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Critics hail The Gardens Between as a visual masterpiece, praising its surreal, vibrant, and whimsical art that blends nostalgia, imagination, and emotional storytelling—though a few noted minor hiccups in character design and tone.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

87%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

13%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The majority of critics praised The Gardens Between for its exceptional graphics and visual design, highlighting its surreal, colorful, and imaginative aesthetic. Reviewers consistently emphasized the game’s dreamlike environments, with many noting the "magnificent art design" (BaziCenter) and "surreal, sometimes nonsensical dioramas" (God is a Geek). The game’s vibrant, minimalist islands and "clean, colorful" visuals (Game Revolution) were frequently lauded for evoking a sense of childlike innocence and nostalgia. Platforms like PlayStation LifeStyle and TheXboxHub praised the "diorama-like levels" and "stunning visuals" that create a sense of wonder, while Adventure Gamers and DualShockers highlighted the "hand-painted stages" and "inventive art direction" reminiscent of games like Journey and Monument Valley. The use of exaggerated, oversized objects and "cartoon-style surroundings" (Guardian) further reinforced the game’s whimsical, story-driven atmosphere, with many critics noting how the visuals "effectively convey the story and emotions of the characters" (Adventure Gamers). While the overwhelming consensus was positive, a few critics pointed to minor flaws. Video Chums noted that "character models stand out awkwardly," a critique that stood out as an exception to the general praise. Additionally, The Digital Fix mentioned the "disenfranchised tone" created by the "ghostly soundtrack," which, while not a visual issue, subtly contrasted with the game’s otherwise cheerful aesthetic. These criticisms were rare and did not detract from the broader acclaim, as most reviewers focused on the game’s strengths rather than its isolated shortcomings. The occasional mention of "awkward" character designs or tonal inconsistencies was overshadowed by the universal admiration for the game’s creative environments and attention to detail. Overall, the critics overwhelmingly celebrated The Gardens Between for its visually striking and emotionally resonant design. The game’s "stunning art style" (Nintenderos) and "beautiful aesthetic" (Nintendo Life) were consistently highlighted as defining features, with praise spanning platforms from PS4 to Nintendo Switch. Reviewers like Game Revolution and TheXboxHub emphasized how the "vividly realized visual style" and "detailed island settings" created an immersive, exploratory experience. Even the few minor critiques were overshadowed by the consensus that the game’s visuals "cheer you up" (God is a Geek) and "capture the mundane as fantastical" (Nintendo Life). The combination of surrealism, nostalgia, and meticulous environmental storytelling cemented The Gardens Between as a standout in terms of graphical and artistic achievement, with its visual design serving as both a technical and emotional centerpiece.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

The Gardens Between’s sound design and music are overwhelmingly praised for their ethereal, laidback score that masterfully amplifies the game’s dreamlike, emotional atmosphere. Critics like Game Revolution and TheXboxHub call it a seamless, immersive companion to its surreal visuals and narrative. While a few note its repetitive, unmemorable tones, the consensus is that the audio is well-crafted, essential, and perfectly attuned to the game’s nostalgic, childlike charm.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

69%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

31%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment among critics regarding the sound design and music of The Gardens Between is overwhelmingly positive, with many praising its ability to enhance the game's atmosphere and emotional depth. Reviewers such as BaziCenter, DarkStation, and Game Revolution highlight the soothing and ambient nature of the soundtrack, noting that it contributes significantly to the game's immersive and relaxing experience. Tim Shiel's score is frequently described as "laidback," "ethereal," and "tinged with longing," with TheXboxHub and DualShockers emphasizing how the music complements the visuals and narrative, creating a surreal and childlike environment. The Sydney Morning Herald and Vooks also commend the music for its calming and peaceful qualities, reinforcing the idea that the soundtrack plays a vital role in shaping the game's emotional tone. The Digital Fix and TheSixthAxis specifically note that the music reflects the game's abstract and nostalgic themes, further supporting the notion that the audio elements are well-crafted and integral to the experience. However, a few critics point out some limitations in the music and sound design. Nintenderos mentions that the melody is subtle and relaxing but can become redundant over time, suggesting a lack of versatility. We Got This Covered notes that while the synth-heavy soundtrack is fine, it doesn't leave a lasting impression, and Worth Playing acknowledges that the music, though effective, is not as memorable as the visuals. These critiques indicate that while the soundtrack is praised for its atmosphere, some reviewers feel it may not offer the same level of complexity or variety as other games in the genre. Despite these minor concerns, the consensus remains that the music and sound design are well-executed and serve the game's core themes effectively. In conclusion, the majority of critics agree that the sound design and music of The Gardens Between are a strong and cohesive part of the game, enhancing its dreamlike and emotional qualities. While a few reviewers find the soundtrack somewhat repetitive or unmemorable, the overall reception is highly favorable, with many emphasizing its role in creating a serene, immersive, and atmospheric experience. The consistent praise from outlets like Game Revolution, TheXboxHub, and Nintendo Life underscores the importance of the audio elements in reinforcing the game's unique charm and narrative depth. The music, while not always groundbreaking, is widely regarded as a fitting and essential component of the game's design, contributing to its overall appeal.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

technical performance

Description unavailable

Replay Value

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

The Gardens Between is a beautifully crafted, emotionally resonant puzzle game with a short but impactful run, praised for its creative mechanics and heartfelt story. However, its lack of replayability, minimal post-game content, and linear structure make it a one-time experience—worthwhile for its art and narrative, but not for long-term play.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

81%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

15%

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

The Gardens Between receives praise for its emotional depth and inventive puzzle design, which many critics argue provide a compelling reason to experience it at least once. Reviewers like Gamer.no and TheXboxHub highlight that despite its brevity, the game maintains a fresh and engaging experience through its creative mechanics and heartfelt narrative. Adventure Gamers notes that achievements encourage playful experimentation, while Push Square and The Sydney Morning Herald suggest that replaying allows for a deeper appreciation of the story and its themes. The game’s intimate portrayal of friendship and its visually striking, meditative atmosphere are frequently cited as strengths, with PlayStation Universe emphasizing that its "deeply touching narrative and inventive puzzles" make it worthwhile for a single playthrough. These elements create a memorable first experience, even if the game’s length is modest. However, the consensus on replay value is largely negative, with multiple critics pointing to its short duration and lack of incentives for repeated play. DarkStation and God is a Geek explicitly state the game is "not very replayable," while Gamers’ Temple and Cubed3 criticize its linear structure and minimal secrets or collectibles. Video Chums and COGconnected note that the absence of additional modes or varied puzzle solutions diminishes its longevity, and New Game Network and Worth Playing describe it as a "letdown" due to its lack of content and difficulty. Even GamingTrend and NintendoWorldReport acknowledge that the game’s brevity—often cited as two to four hours—limits its replayability, with Nintenderos lamenting its "untapped potential." These critiques suggest that the game’s design prioritizes quality over quantity, leaving little to revisit after the initial run. Overall, the critical reception leans toward a balanced but cautious assessment of replay value. While some reviewers, such as TheXboxHub and Adventure Gamers, acknowledge that the game’s narrative and puzzles might entice a second playthrough for certain players, the majority view its short length and lack of post-game content as significant drawbacks. GameCritics and Impulsegamer emphasize that there’s little incentive to replay unless chasing achievements, and Worth Playing and New Game Network frame the brevity as a letdown. Yet, the game’s unique storytelling and artful design continue to resonate, with PlayStation Universe and The Sydney Morning Herald suggesting that its emotional impact ensures it lingers in players’ memories. The overall sentiment reflects a trade-off between a concise, impactful experience and limited opportunities for repeated engagement, leaving replay value as a secondary concern to its artistic and narrative merits.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

68%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

31%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The Gardens Between receives widespread acclaim for its unique and visually striking design, with critics highlighting its creative gameplay mechanics and emotional storytelling. BaziCenter praises it as a "short but valuable and unique experience," while DarkStation calls it "one of the best puzzle games released this year," emphasizing its blend of simplicity, lateral thinking, and "endearing visual package." Game Revolution and Gamer.no both commend its "charming" and "nostalgic appeal," with the latter noting its "clever mechanics" and "engaging puzzles." The game’s minimalist narrative, which conveys themes of friendship and memory through its visuals, is lauded by The Digital Fix as "evocative atmosphere and art design," and by DualShockers as "wholly unique and emotionally impactful." Critics like PlayStation LifeStyle and Nintendo Life highlight its "beautiful visuals" and "unusual puzzlers," while Adventure Gamers and Impulsegamer describe it as a "peaceful and wondrous" journey that "successfully explores themes of childhood and memories." TheXboxHub and Cubed3 also celebrate its "stunning visuals" and "brilliance of the medium," framing it as a standout title for puzzle enthusiasts. Despite its strengths, several reviewers point to the game’s brevity and structural limitations as significant drawbacks. Push Square criticizes its "lack of content" as a "letdown," while The Digital Fix and VideoGamer note its "lack of narrative and meaningfulness" and "lack of personal connection." Video Chums and We Got This Covered highlight issues with "slow-moving characters" and "lack of replay value," respectively, while Nintenderos and Nintendo Insider argue it "falls short in terms of length" and "never fully reaches its potential." GameSpot and The Sydney Morning Herald mention that the puzzles, though inventive, feel "unimportant in the grand scheme of the narrative," and Worth Playing critiques the "underdeveloped story" and "short runtime" as shortcomings. Additionally, some reviewers, like Nintendo Enthusiast and GamingTrend, acknowledge its charm but suggest it could have deeper mechanics or a more substantial experience. These critiques collectively underscore a sense that the game’s charm is occasionally undermined by its limited scope and pacing issues. Overall, the consensus among critics is that The Gardens Between is a highly praised, niche puzzle game that excels in atmosphere, creativity, and emotional resonance, despite its flaws. While it is often described as "short but sweet" (GameSpot) and "a must-have title for puzzle fans" (GamingTrend), its ability to deliver a "gratifying experience" (Worth Playing) and "heartwarming journey" (GameSpot) outweighs its limitations for many. TheXboxHub and Nintendo WorldReport recommend it as a "must-buy" and "smartly designed puzzler," respectively, while The Sydney Morning Herald and Vooks acknowledge its "pleasant experience" despite minor issues. However, the game’s polarizing reception stems from its minimalist approach—some find it "relaxing and charming" (God is a Geek), while others feel it lacks depth or narrative weight. Ultimately, the reviews reflect a strong appreciation for its artistic vision and gameplay innovation, with most agreeing it’s a worthwhile, if brief, experience for fans of indie puzzle games and those seeking a reflective, nostalgic adventure.

TL;DR

The Gardens Between is a stunning, emotionally resonant indie puzzle game praised for its artful visuals, clever mechanics, and nostalgic storytelling—yet criticized for its short length, minimalism, and underdeveloped narrative, leaving some fans wanting more depth despite its charm.

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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