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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 5, 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

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TL;DR

The Gardens Between beautifully captures childhood friendship and nostalgia through minimalist storytelling and stunning visuals, resonating emotionally with many players. Critics praise its innovative, dialogue-free narrative but highlight significant shortcomings in plot depth and character development, leaving some feeling the experience lacks substance. While it evokes warmth and sentiment, the game’s abstract approach may not satisfy everyone seeking a compelling story. Overall, it’s a touching journey that dances between poignant memories and narrative simplicity, striking a bittersweet chord with its audience.

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 story of The Gardens Between has been widely praised for its emotional resonance and the way it captures the essence of childhood friendship. Critics like BaziCenter and DarkStation highlight the game's focus on themes of friendship, kindness, and the passage of time, effectively portraying a human and impactful narrative. Many reviewers, including PlayStation LifeStyle and DualShockers, appreciate the game's ability to convey emotions without the use of dialogue, relying instead on environmental storytelling and character interactions. This minimalist approach has been recognized as a strength, with Adventure Gamers noting that the narrative is impactful and universal, resonating strongly with players. The charming visual design and surreal landscapes also contribute to the overall nostalgic atmosphere, making the journey through memories feel both poignant and relatable. However, several critics have pointed out significant shortcomings in the narrative depth and character development. For instance, Push Square and The Digital Fix criticize the lack of substantial plot elements, stating that the story elements are almost non-existent outside of brief cutscenes. Some reviewers, such as Gaming Age and Nintendo Insider, feel that the narrative may come off as overly simplistic or cliché, lacking the emotional payoff that would allow for deeper character investment. Critics like Worth Playing note that while the story serves as a backdrop to the gameplay, it does not provide much in terms of character development or resolution, leaving some players wanting more. Overall, the consensus among critics is that The Gardens Between offers a touching yet abstract exploration of friendship and childhood memories, though it does so at the expense of a more robust narrative structure. While many appreciate the emotional journey and the innovative storytelling methods employed, others feel that the game falls short in delivering a compelling plot or character arcs. The blend of positive and negative feedback suggests that while the game successfully evokes feelings of nostalgia and warmth, it may not resonate with all players due to its minimalist approach to storytelling. Critics like The Sydney Morning Herald and Vooks capture this duality well, noting the game's bittersweet tone and its ability to resonate with emotions, even if some players may find the narrative lacking in depth.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

The Gardens Between impresses with its innovative time manipulation mechanics and engaging puzzles, earning praise for its creative gameplay and stunning environments. Critics celebrate its blend of exploration and problem-solving, though some feel the challenge is lacking, with puzzles occasionally too easy or inconsistent. Despite these critiques, the game is seen as a refreshing experience that effectively combines creativity and enjoyable gameplay, making it a standout in the puzzle genre.

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 gameplay of The Gardens Between has garnered a largely positive reception from critics, who praise its innovative mechanics and engaging puzzle design. Many reviewers, such as Game Revolution and Nintendo Life, highlight the unique time manipulation aspect, which allows players to control the flow of time to solve puzzles and navigate through beautifully crafted environments. Critics like Gamer.no and PlayStation Universe appreciate the game's blend of exploration and puzzle-solving, emphasizing how the puzzles encourage thoughtful observation and creative thinking. The steady difficulty curve noted by Game Revolution and the clever design of puzzles, as mentioned by GameSpot and The Sydney Morning Herald, contribute to an overall enjoyable experience that many found captivating. However, some critics have pointed out shortcomings in the gameplay, particularly regarding its challenge level. BaziCenter and The Digital Fix noted that while the gameplay is creative, it could benefit from increased difficulty, with some puzzles being too easily solved. PlayStation LifeStyle echoed this sentiment, describing the puzzle design as inconsistent and occasionally frustrating. Critics like TheSixthAxis and Adventure Gamers also mentioned that while the puzzles are well-designed, they are not overly challenging, which may detract from the sense of accomplishment for some players. This sentiment reflects a common theme among several reviews that the game may lack the depth and complexity that some puzzle enthusiasts seek. Overall, the consensus among critics is that The Gardens Between offers a refreshing and enjoyable gameplay experience, particularly for those who appreciate innovative mechanics and a leisurely pace. While there are criticisms regarding the challenge level and occasional inconsistencies in puzzle design, the majority of reviewers, including those from GameSpot and Nintendo Insider, agree that the game successfully combines creativity with engaging gameplay. The unique premise of manipulating time to guide characters through puzzles has resonated well with players, making it a standout title in the puzzle genre.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

The Gardens Between dazzles with its stunning visuals and artistic flair, earning rave reviews for its colorful, minimalist design and nostalgic charm. Critics celebrate its enchanting environments and childlike innocence, although a few note character models feel awkward compared to the rich landscapes. Despite minor critiques on perspective, the game’s visual appeal and emotional depth shine through, making it a captivating experience that resonates with players. Overall, a visual triumph!

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 overall sentiment regarding the graphics and visual design of The Gardens Between is overwhelmingly positive, with a significant majority of critics praising its artistic direction and visual appeal. Reviewers such as BaziCenter and DarkStation highlight the game's "magnificent art design" and "striking visual design," respectively, emphasizing its colorful and minimalist islands. Many critics, including Game Revolution and Gamer.no, appreciate how the visuals capture a childlike innocence, with vibrant colors and textures that enhance the gaming experience. The surreal diorama-like environments, noted by PlayStation LifeStyle and Push Square, create a sense of wonder, while the integration of oversized objects and nostalgic elements resonates with players, as mentioned by God is a Geek and Adventure Gamers. Despite the overwhelmingly positive reception, a few critics have pointed out some minor drawbacks. Video Chums noted that while the game is colorful and engaging, the character models appear somewhat awkward in comparison to the beautifully designed environments. Additionally, while the simplicity of the art style is often praised, some critics, like The Digital Fix, mentioned that the zoomed-out perspective could create a disenfranchised tone, which may not resonate with all players. However, these criticisms are relatively infrequent and do not detract significantly from the overall impression of the game's visual design. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is that The Gardens Between excels in its graphics and visual design, creating a captivating and emotionally resonant experience. The game’s ability to evoke nostalgia and convey storytelling through its artistic choices is widely acknowledged, with many reviewers, including TheXboxHub and GamingTrend, emphasizing the stunning and colorful aesthetic that enhances the gameplay. While there are minor critiques regarding character models and perspective, they are overshadowed by the game's overall charm and ingenuity, making it a visually stunning title that resonates well with its audience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics rave about the soothing sound design and music in The Gardens Between, praising Tim Shiel's ambient soundtrack for enhancing emotional moments and creating a relaxing, immersive experience. While some note a lack of versatility and memorability in the music over long sessions, the overall consensus is that the soundtrack beautifully complements the game's visuals and narrative, making it a standout feature in its audiovisual storytelling.

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 sound design and music of The Gardens Between have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from critics across various platforms. Reviewers such as BaziCenter and PlayStation LifeStyle highlight the soothing and relaxing nature of the music, which enhances the overall experience of the game. DarkStation praises Tim Shiel's ambient soundtrack for its ability to elevate the emotional moments, while Game Revolution emphasizes the laidback tunes that create a cohesive audiovisual experience. Critics like God is a Geek and The Digital Fix commend the music for its ability to complement the game's colorful aesthetics and emotional depth. The ethereal quality of the score, noted by Push Square and VideoGamer, adds to the dreamlike atmosphere, making the sound design a standout feature that immerses players in the game’s world. Despite the numerous praises, some critics have pointed out certain shortcomings in the soundtrack. For instance, Nintenderos mentions a lack of versatility in the music, suggesting that it can become redundant during prolonged play sessions. Similarly, while We Got This Covered acknowledges the synth-heavy soundtrack, they argue that it fails to leave a lasting impression. This sentiment is echoed by Worth Playing, who notes that while the soundtrack complements the gameplay, it does not stand out as memorable compared to the visuals. These critiques indicate that while the music is generally well-received, it may not be as dynamic or engaging over extended periods of gameplay. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the sound design and music of The Gardens Between significantly enhance the gaming experience, creating a relaxing and immersive atmosphere. The majority of reviewers, including DualShockers and Adventure Gamers, emphasize the soundtrack's ability to complement the visuals and narrative, contributing to the game's emotional resonance. While there are some concerns regarding the repetitiveness and memorability of the music, the overarching sentiment is one of appreciation for the calming and atmospheric qualities that Tim Shiel's compositions bring to the game. This combination of soothing melodies and effective sound design solidifies The Gardens Between as a noteworthy experience in the realm of audiovisual storytelling.

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

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TL;DR

The Gardens Between impresses with its engaging puzzles and emotional storytelling, leaving a lasting impact on players, but its short runtime (2-4 hours) and linear gameplay severely limit replay value. Critics appreciate the emotional depth and potential for achievement-driven exploration, yet many agree that once completed, there’s little incentive to return. Overall, it's a beautifully crafted experience that feels more like a one-time journey than a game worth revisiting.

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 opinions regarding the replay value of The Gardens Between reveal a few positive aspects that critics appreciate. Many reviewers, such as Gamer.no and TheXboxHub, highlight the game’s engaging puzzles and deeply touching narrative, which can leave a lasting impression on players even after the initial playthrough. The emotional connection fostered by the story is noted by GameSpot, which emphasizes the relatable memories and bonds formed between characters, suggesting that while the game may be short, its emotional depth can encourage players to revisit it for a richer experience. Additionally, Adventure Gamers points out that achievements can motivate some players to experiment with the gameplay, adding a layer of replayability for those seeking to explore every facet of the game. However, a significant number of critics express concerns about the game's overall replay value. DarkStation and God is a Geek both mention the game's brevity, with playtimes averaging between two to four hours, leading to a consensus that the game lacks substantial content for multiple playthroughs. Critics like Video Chums and COGconnected emphasize that the linear nature of the puzzle-solving and the absence of additional modes or challenges upon completion diminish any incentive to replay the game. The sentiment is echoed by Gamers' Temple and Impulsegamer, who both state that once the game is completed, there is little reason to return, unless players are pursuing achievements. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a recognition of The Gardens Between as a beautifully crafted yet short experience that may not offer significant replay value. While some reviewers, such as The Sydney Morning Herald, suggest that a second playthrough could enhance appreciation for the narrative, the overwhelming sentiment is that the game’s limited content and linearity hinder its replayability. Critics like Push Square and We Got This Covered encapsulate this sentiment by noting that while the game is enjoyable and emotionally resonant, its short length and lack of challenge ultimately leave players craving more, making it a one-time experience for most.

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 overall sentiment regarding The Gardens Between is predominantly positive, with many critics praising its unique approach to puzzle gameplay and its artistic presentation. Reviewers like BaziCenter and DarkStation highlight the game's charm, noting its "valuable and unique experience" and "endearing visual package." Critics such as Game Revolution and PlayStation Universe commend the game for its emotional depth, clever puzzles, and the way it explores themes of friendship and nostalgia. The game is frequently described as a "short but sweet" experience, with many reviewers appreciating its ability to evoke feelings and memories through minimalist storytelling, as noted by DualShockers and Adventure Gamers. The visuals are a standout feature, consistently recognized for their beauty and creativity, which enhances the overall experience. However, several critiques center around the game's brevity and perceived lack of content. While many acknowledge that the game values quality over quantity, some, like Push Square and We Got This Covered, express disappointment in its short runtime and limited replay value. The Digital Fix points out a lack of narrative depth, suggesting that while the atmosphere is evocative, the story may not resonate with all players. Additionally, some critics, such as Video Chums and Nintenderos, mention that the puzzles, while engaging, can feel simplistic and may not offer the challenge that some players seek. This sentiment is echoed by a few others who feel that the game could have explored its mechanics and themes more deeply. Despite the mixed feedback regarding its length and depth, the overall consensus among critics is that The Gardens Between is a worthwhile experience for fans of the puzzle genre. Most reviewers recommend the game for its unique gameplay and emotional resonance, with many stating it is a must-play for those who appreciate artistic indie titles. Critics like GamingTrend and Nintendo Life highlight its niche appeal and originality, suggesting that it offers something distinct within the gaming landscape. Ultimately, while the game may not cater to every player's preferences, it leaves a lasting impression on those who embrace its charm and simplicity, making it a notable title in 2023's gaming lineup.

TL;DR

The Gardens Between has garnered a largely positive response, celebrated for its innovative puzzle gameplay, artistic visuals, and emotional depth. Critics praise its charming presentation and minimalist storytelling that evokes nostalgia. However, some lament its short length, limited replayability, and lack of narrative depth, suggesting a missed opportunity for deeper exploration. Despite these critiques, it’s recommended for puzzle enthusiasts and fans of artistic indie games, marking it as a memorable title in 2023’s gaming scene.

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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