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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

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

The Gardens Between receives largely positive reviews for its poignant exploration of childhood memories, friendship, and nostalgia, praised for its unique environmental storytelling. Critics laud its emotional depth, yet some find the narrative lacking in complexity and character development, potentially leaving players craving more substance. While many celebrate its minimalist approach, others argue it sacrifices depth for style. Ultimately, it's a touching experience that may resonate differently depending on player expectations for narrative richness.

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 overall sentiment regarding the story of The Gardens Between is predominantly positive, with many critics praising its exploration of childhood memories and the themes of friendship and nostalgia. Reviewers like BaziCenter and PlayStation LifeStyle highlight the game's focus on the emotional journey of its protagonists, Arina and Frendt, as they navigate a surreal landscape filled with memories. The game's unique storytelling approach, which relies heavily on environmental design and visual cues rather than dialogue, has been commended by critics such as Game Revolution and Adventure Gamers, who note that this minimalist style effectively conveys deep emotional connections and universal themes. The bittersweet tone, described by critics like God is a Geek and We Got This Covered, resonates with players, making the experience feel both relatable and impactful. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the depth and complexity of the narrative. Some reviewers, including Push Square and The Digital Fix, argue that the story lacks substantial plot elements and character development, with the narrative being described as almost non-existent outside of brief cutscenes. Critics like Gaming Age and Nintendo Insider express that while the game evokes feelings of childhood, it may not provide enough payoff or emotional investment, leading to a sense of disappointment for some players. The absence of dialogue and reliance on environmental storytelling, while praised by many, has also been seen as a limitation by those who desire a more fleshed-out narrative experience. The overall consensus among critics is that The Gardens Between offers a touching and evocative exploration of friendship and memories, though opinions vary on its execution. While many appreciate the game's ability to evoke nostalgia and emotional resonance through its unique storytelling methods, some feel that it sacrifices depth and character development in favor of a minimalist approach. Critics like DualShockers and The Sydney Morning Herald encapsulate this sentiment, acknowledging the game's emotional core while also noting its abstract nature may leave some players wanting more. Ultimately, The Gardens Between is seen as a poignant meditation on childhood, though its effectiveness may depend on individual player expectations regarding narrative complexity.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

The Gardens Between impresses with its innovative time manipulation mechanics and intuitive puzzles, earning praise for its engaging gameplay and creative design. Critics highlight its accessibility and thoughtful exploration but note that some puzzles lack challenge, potentially frustrating players seeking more difficulty. Overall, it’s a unique and enjoyable experience that balances creativity and accessibility, making it a standout in the puzzle genre, despite concerns over challenge level.

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 been widely praised across various platforms, with many critics highlighting its innovative mechanics and engaging puzzle design. Reviewers like Game Revolution and Nintendo Life commend the game for its clever use of time manipulation, which serves as the core mechanic for solving puzzles. The puzzles are described as intuitive and well-paced, allowing players to gradually build their understanding of the mechanics. Critics such as Gamer.no and TheSixthAxis appreciate the blend of exploration and puzzle-solving, noting that the game encourages thoughtful observation and creative thinking. The simplicity of the controls, as pointed out by GamingTrend and PlayStation Universe, enhances the experience, making it accessible while still providing depth in gameplay. However, some critics have pointed out that the gameplay can lack challenge at times. For instance, BaziCenter and The Digital Fix mention that while the puzzles are creative, they could benefit from increased difficulty to provide a more satisfying challenge. DarkStation and PlayStation LifeStyle echo this sentiment, suggesting that although the concept of manipulating time is intriguing, some puzzle designs can be inconsistent and occasionally frustrating. This sentiment is further reinforced by Adventure Gamers and Impulsegamer, who note that while the puzzles are cleverly designed, they often do not present a significant challenge, leading to a leisurely experience that may not appeal to players seeking more demanding gameplay. Overall, the consensus among critics is that The Gardens Between offers a unique and enjoyable gameplay experience, characterized by its innovative time manipulation mechanics and engaging puzzles. While there are some concerns regarding the challenge level, the majority of reviewers, including those from GameSpot and Nintendo Insider, agree that the game strikes a good balance between accessibility and creativity. The game's ability to evoke a sense of wonder through its dreamlike settings and thoughtful puzzle design has resonated well with players, making it a noteworthy title in the puzzle genre.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

The Gardens Between dazzles with stunning visuals and vibrant art design, earning rave reviews for its colorful, dreamlike worlds that evoke nostalgia and wonder. Critics praise the clever diorama-like levels and enchanting environments that enhance storytelling. Some minor critiques exist regarding character models and the simplicity of the art style, but the overwhelming consensus is that the game excels in visual appeal, creating a memorable and emotionally engaging experience. Overall, it stands out as a visually stunning title in its genre.

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 among critics. Many reviewers, such as BaziCenter and DarkStation, highlight the game's magnificent art design and striking visual aesthetics. Critics frequently describe the visuals as colorful, clean, and vibrant, with Game Revolution noting how the environmental design complements the narrative. The game’s surreal and dreamlike worlds, as emphasized by PlayStation LifeStyle and God is a Geek, create a whimsical atmosphere that resonates with players, evoking feelings of nostalgia and childlike wonder. The diorama-like levels, as mentioned by PlayStation Universe and The Digital Fix, are praised for their clever integration of oversized objects and vibrant colors, which enhance the overall experience and storytelling. However, some critics do point out minor drawbacks in the game's visual presentation. Video Chums, for instance, notes that while the environments are colorful and engaging, the character models stand out awkwardly, suggesting a disconnect between the beautifully designed backgrounds and the characters themselves. Additionally, while the art style is celebrated for its simplicity and charm, some reviewers like COGconnected mention that the simpler art style may not appeal to everyone, indicating that it could be perceived as lacking depth compared to more detailed graphics found in other titles. Despite these minor critiques, the overall consensus is that The Gardens Between excels in its graphics and visual design, with the majority of critics expressing admiration for its artistic direction. Reviewers across platforms, from Gamer.no to Nintendo Life, consistently highlight the game's ability to create enchanting, surreal environments that effectively convey emotion and narrative. The combination of bright colors, imaginative designs, and nostalgic elements culminates in a visually stunning experience that resonates well with players, making it a standout title in its genre.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

The Gardens Between receives praise for its soothing sound design and music, enhancing gameplay and emotional moments with Tim Shiel’s ambient soundtrack. Critics commend its cohesive audiovisual experience and ethereal qualities, though some note the melodies can feel repetitive and lack lasting impact. Overall, the music significantly enriches the game’s immersive atmosphere, despite minor critiques on memorability.

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 garnered a largely positive reception from critics across various platforms. Reviewers such as BaziCenter and PlayStation LifeStyle praised the soothing and relaxing nature of the music, which enhances the overall gameplay experience. DarkStation highlighted the ambient soundtrack by Tim Shiel, emphasizing how it enriches the emotional moments within the game. Critics like Game Revolution and The Digital Fix noted that the soundtrack creates a cohesive audiovisual experience, with Game Revolution specifically mentioning the laidback tunes that complement the gameplay. Additionally, many reviewers, including God is a Geek and TheSixthAxis, appreciated the delicate and ethereal qualities of the score, which contribute to the game's colorful aesthetic and abstract themes. However, some critics pointed out certain limitations regarding the soundtrack. Nintenderos mentioned that while the melodies are relaxing, they can become redundant during extended play sessions, suggesting a lack of versatility. Similarly, We Got This Covered felt that the synth-heavy soundtrack, while adequate, did not leave a lasting impression. XBLA Fans noted that although the sound design was impressive, there was a lack of detail regarding the music, indicating that some aspects may not have been fully explored. This sentiment of the music being pleasant yet not particularly memorable was echoed by Worth Playing, who remarked that while the soundtrack enhances the atmosphere, it does not stand out as much as the visuals. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the sound design and music of The Gardens Between significantly contribute to its immersive and emotional atmosphere. The majority of reviewers, including Adventure Gamers and DualShockers, agree that the music complements the visuals and narrative, creating a unique experience that resonates with players. Despite some criticisms regarding the soundtrack's repetitiveness and lack of memorability, the overwhelming sentiment is that the game's audio elements, particularly the ambient compositions, enhance the overall gameplay and emotional depth, making it a noteworthy aspect of the game.

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 emotional storytelling and engaging puzzles, but critics largely agree it suffers from limited replay value due to its short length (2-4 hours) and linear gameplay. While it provides a memorable one-time experience, the lack of extra content or modes leaves many players wanting more, resulting in a predominantly negative outlook on its replayability.

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 overall sentiment regarding the replay value of The Gardens Between reveals a mixed but predominantly negative outlook among critics. Some reviewers, such as Gamer.no and TheXboxHub, highlight that despite the game’s brevity, it manages to deliver a captivating experience that can leave players emotionally attached to its narrative and puzzles. The emotional depth and the intimate storytelling are praised by several critics, including PlayStation Universe and GameSpot, who note that the warm feelings generated during gameplay can linger long after the experience is over. Additionally, Adventure Gamers mentions that while the game has limited replay value, the achievements can encourage playful experimentation, suggesting that some players may find value in revisiting the game for a different experience. Conversely, many critics express concerns about the game's lack of replayability, primarily due to its short length and linear nature. DarkStation, God is a Geek, and Video Chums all emphasize that the game is not very replayable, with gameplay durations often cited as being around two to four hours. Critics like COGconnected and Impulsegamer point out that the linear puzzle-solving mechanics contribute to this lack of replay value, as there are no additional modes or significant incentives to play through the game again. The sentiment is echoed by Gamers' Temple and New Game Network, both of which note that once completed, there is little reason to revisit the game. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while The Gardens Between offers a touching and memorable experience, its limited content and short runtime significantly hinder its replay value. Many reviewers, such as Push Square and Worth Playing, agree that the game can be polished off quickly, often leaving players craving more content. The combination of a captivating narrative and enjoyable puzzles does create a compelling one-time experience, but the absence of additional challenges or content leads to a general agreement that the game lacks the replayability that many players might desire.

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 concept, beautiful visuals, and engaging puzzles. Reviewers like DarkStation and PlayStation Universe highlight the game’s combination of simplicity with emotional depth, calling it one of the best puzzle games of the year. BaziCenter and Game Revolution echo this sentiment, noting that the game offers a valuable and rewarding experience despite its brevity. Critics such as TheSixthAxis and Adventure Gamers commend its charming atmosphere and minimalist storytelling, emphasizing the emotional resonance of the gameplay and the nostalgic themes it explores. Many reviews also appreciate the game’s ability to convey a thoughtful narrative through its visual design, making it an appealing choice for those who appreciate leisurely adventures. However, there are notable criticisms that detract from the game’s overall reception. Several reviewers, including Push Square and The Digital Fix, point out the game's lack of content and narrative depth, suggesting that while the experience is enjoyable, it feels somewhat incomplete. The game’s short length is a recurring theme in many critiques, with Gaming Age and We Got This Covered mentioning that it may leave players wanting more. Additionally, some critics like Video Chums and Nintenderos express concerns about the slow pacing and limited replay value, which could hinder its appeal to a broader audience. This sentiment is echoed by critics who feel that the puzzles, while clever, sometimes lack significance in relation to the overarching narrative. Overall, the consensus among critics is that The Gardens Between is a beautifully crafted puzzle game that successfully delivers a unique and heartfelt experience, despite its shortcomings in length and depth. Many reviewers, including God is a Geek and GamingTrend, recommend it for fans of the genre, emphasizing its charm and emotional storytelling. While some critics like The Sydney Morning Herald and Nintendo Insider feel it could have reached greater heights, the game is still regarded as a memorable journey that resonates with players, particularly those who appreciate its artistic style and nostalgic themes. The general recommendation is that it is worth experiencing, especially for those who enjoy thoughtful and visually appealing games.

TL;DR

The Gardens Between is praised for its unique concept, stunning visuals, and emotional puzzles, making it one of the year's standout puzzle games. Critics celebrate its charm and minimalist storytelling, but many note its short length and lack of narrative depth, leaving players wanting more. Despite some concerns about pacing and replay value, it's highly recommended for fans of aesthetically driven, heartfelt experiences. Overall, a memorable journey worth playing, especially for those who appreciate artistic games.

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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