The Gardens Between 4+

The gardens between is a gorgeous and inventive puzzle game with clever time bending mechanics. Only ten or so levels in and even though it hasn’t become very difficult yet every time a puzzle comes together I get the biggest smile and find myself repeating each time “okay this game is really cool.” Just realizing the solution then watching the pieces fall into place is so satisfying and that satisfaction is only bolstered by the lovely animations and an incredibly strong art direction (seriously in love with this art style!) Very thoughtful level design; beautiful, winding mountains covered with household objects that tower over you as you ascend the summit, manipulating time to position falling objects or jumping boxes, orchestrating a “right place right time” flow of events. All of it services a very satisfying gameplay loop and a clear sense of place; stooped in nostalgia and our relationships with the passage of time. Besides some minor hitching on level start-up and that it makes my iPad (6th gen) really hot pretty quickly, the game runs well and the touch controls are good and simple; not a bunch of different inputs and not finicky in any way. I could go on about how great the sound design and music are (which they really really are superb) and how much I like the subtle, wordless storytelling/atmosphere building, but I’ll stop here and heavily implore you buy this game and experience it for yourself.

I don’t download games a lot and when I do they are puzzle games like Room, House of DaVinci, Machinarium, Botanicula, Samarost. Many years ago I played Myst series and even very old school: The Manhole. I love those games and play them over again because there are just a few well-made puzzle games. Others are disappointing.

The Gardens in Between is absolutely unique and possibly the most creative puzzle game I’ve played in my 57 years. Gameplay involves what I considered memory islands and involve gathering light into a lantern, time shifting, jumping boxes, fog bridges, and using electricity and old technology (like printing) in creative ways. There is a wholesome bond between two friends that you see in memories. I had a tear or two at the end.

One thing about gameplay that I found was that I didn’t get immersed for hours when playing. I would complete an island and then I’d typically stop and play another day. I think this was because the goal each time was sort of similar (get a lighted lantern to the top). But it was quite an interesting diversion and that is basically the biggest thing you want from a game app. Well done! I look forward to what you create later on.