CALENDULA similar games & best alternatives
CALENDULA
2016
Related articles
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
-
Autonomy4
"Players must experiment and manipulate the game menus and settings themselves to progress, indicating high personal control and freedom in solving puzzles."
-
Competence3
"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."
-
Creativity4
"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."
-
Escapism3
"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."
-
Experimenting5
"Core gameplay revolves around experimenting with menus and settings to unlock progress, encouraging exploration of game mechanics."
-
Exploration2
"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."
-
Fantasy3
"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."
-
Growth3
"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."
-
Progression3
"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."
-
Sensation3
"Strong sensory stimulation through eerie visuals, sound design, and atmosphere."
-
Status-5
"No social recognition or status systems present."
-
Story4
"Narrative is abstract and symbolic but central to the experience, delivered through surreal cutscenes and meta elements."
-
Strategy3
"Puzzles require logical thinking and problem solving beyond straightforward processes."
-
Thrill3
"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."
Similar games
Last update: 06/03/2026