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CALENDULA

PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac • 2016

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Quick resume

How to play a game that doesn't want to be played? Calendula is an experimental meta game about trying to play a game. Use your logic to thrive against conventions and get surrounded by a dark atmosphere.

Global score

76/100

Genres

Indie, Puzzle

Pros

  • Unique and creative meta-game design
  • Engaging and thought-provoking puzzles
  • Strong atmospheric and audio-visual presentation
  • Compelling abstract narrative
  • Mind-bending and immersive experience

Cons

  • Very short playtime
  • Some bugs affecting progression
  • Limited replayability
  • Story can be confusing or unclear
  • Price considered high for length by some players

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players must experiment and manipulate the game menus and settings themselves to progress, indicating high personal control and freedom in solving puzzles."

  • Competence
    3

    "The game challenges players with creative puzzles that require thinking outside the box, providing a sense of skillful problem solving."

  • Competition
    -5

    "No evidence of competitive elements; the game is a solitary puzzle experience focused on personal discovery."

  • Continuation
    -3

    "Short playtime (~30-90 minutes) and limited replayability suggest low habitual or long session play."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "The experience is single-player and independent, with no cooperative gameplay or social collaboration."

  • Creativity
    4

    "Highly creative meta-game design involving breaking the fourth wall and unusual puzzle mechanics."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No elements of exerting control or superiority over others; the game is a personal experience."

  • Escapism
    3

    "The surreal, unsettling atmosphere and meta-narrative provide a form of psychological escape and immersion."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of curiosity and interest in unique experiences, not out of obligation."

  • Experimenting
    5

    "Core gameplay revolves around experimenting with menus and settings to unlock progress, encouraging exploration of game mechanics."

  • Exploration
    2

    "Players explore surreal environments and narrative vignettes, though the game is short and linear."

  • Expression
    -5

    "No customization or self-expression elements; presentation is fixed and standardized."

  • Fantasy
    3

    "The game uses surreal and symbolic imagery to convey a metaphorical story, blending reality with imaginative fiction."

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "No community or social features; the experience is solitary."

  • Growth
    3

    "Players learn new puzzle-solving approaches and interpret abstract narrative elements, fostering cognitive growth."

  • Health
    -5

    "No physical activity involved; sedentary gameplay."

  • Idle
    -4

    "Requires focused attention to solve puzzles and progress; not suitable for casual or background play."

  • Intimacy
    -5

    "No social or emotional relationship building; purely individual experience."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management roles; single-player focused."

  • Progression
    3

    "Progression through solving puzzles and unlocking new parts of the meta-game, though no item collection or upgrades."

  • Relaxation
    -2

    "The game creates tension and unease rather than relaxation, with an unsettling atmosphere."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Strong sensory stimulation through eerie visuals, sound design, and atmosphere."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social recognition or status systems present."

  • Story
    4

    "Narrative is abstract and symbolic but central to the experience, delivered through surreal cutscenes and meta elements."

  • Strategy
    3

    "Puzzles require logical thinking and problem solving beyond straightforward processes."

  • Thrill
    3

    "Creates suspense and psychological tension through atmosphere and meta-game challenges."

  • Value
    -2

    "Some players feel the short length reduces value for money, though others appreciate the unique experience."

  • Violence
    -5

    "No combat or destructive gameplay; focus is on puzzle solving and narrative."

  • Survival
    -5

    "No survival mechanics or threat avoidance; stable conditions throughout."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026