The Gardens Between

Not really a game. Not really a puzzle. Bland storytelling. Bad puzzle design (left, right and interact are the only options available, easy to bruteforce). The worst part is that there's no button to go faster and the game is built around going back and forth multiple times.

cool concept; boring gameplay.

A short game (between one and two hours) with a story we all know: Friends who have lived next door to each other saying goodbye as one moves away. A story about the past, the present, and the future, and how reluctant we can be to let go of something that was joyful. But just because a story has been done doesn't mean it doesn't have value in each telling. We're taken through the story of Arina and Frendt's friendship through surreal but whimsical settings that hold fragments of their memories, without a single word spoken, and we learn why it is so sad to see them parted. At the same time, we see the value in what they shared - simple, everyday adventures that children have made into larger than life recollections. Add in a deceptively simple set of mechanics based on time and some puzzles that grow tricky but still achievable, and you have a game that's worth your time. P.S. The lantern-holders are my favorites. Especially the ones with headphones.

Such an amazing cute game. Really reminds me of my childhood. Time before interent existed and how friend would be made. It such a good story of childhood, nextdoor neighbour, friends. The story is definitely told through the background and atmosphere. Initially I was a bit confused but as I played the story just unfolded better and better. The ending really tied it all together. Puzzling is great, only got stuck in a few areas but I managed to figure it out. It wasn't so easy that I was bored but not so hard that I hated the mechanics. Speaking of mechanics, omg does this game do an amazing job with it. Such creativity. I loved every part, I literally could not put the game down. Its that perfect length where you feel statisfied but its not over done. Finished the full game in just over 2 hours. Now I could listen to this soundtrack for ages. I am actually adding it to my spotify. For a game that was made with an indie company in 2018 it really holds up. Nothing is jankly or poorly made. I was honeslty shocked to find out it was from 2018. 10/10 would recommend if you love cozy games. Bonus: they make the end credits skipable but are so nice I didn't feel the need too. Thi…

What a fun/unique ride! Went into this one pretty blind so I didn't know what to expect and boy was I pleasantly surprised! The gameplay was one-of-a-kind and charming and pretty mindbending sometimes! Having to think around the 3 dimensional space and time could so easily be overwhelming and too difficult to be enjoyable but it managed to stay intuitive the whole way through. Even when I did struggle with a puzzle it never felt impossible, it just meant I had to think a bit more unconventionally! The characters and animations were all great but the real star of the game was the level design! I could tell there was a lot of passion put into bringing each area to life, a hodgepodge of items important to the two friends, intentionally placed to make it seem cluttered and disorganized much like the mindset of our two main characters! Everything is top notch in this one. Great game!!

A cute, pleasant, and short puzzle game with unique mechanics. An excellent mini-game.