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Cradle

PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux • 2015

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Quick resume

Cradle is a sci-fi first-person-view quest designed for the player to explore the surrounding world. The story is built around the relations of the protagonist and a mechanical girl who by quirk of fate found themselves amidst the desert.

Global score

71/100

Genres

Adventure, Indie

Pros

  • Unique and immersive sci-fi setting
  • Detailed interactive world and lore
  • Strong narrative and atmosphere
  • Beautiful graphics and soundtrack
  • Engaging exploration and puzzles

Cons

  • Short length and abrupt ending
  • Clunky controls and physics
  • Frustrating and repetitive minigames
  • Poor optimization and technical issues
  • Limited gameplay variety and progression

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    3

    "Players explore a large open world with freedom to investigate and interact with many objects, but story progression requires specific tasks in a set order."

  • Competence
    1

    "Puzzles and minigames provide some challenge but are often considered frustrating or clunky; gameplay is not highly skill-based."

  • Competition
    -5

    "No evidence of competitive elements; focus is on personal exploration and story."

  • Continuation
    1

    "Players are engaged by story and atmosphere but some find minigames tedious; game is short and some lose interest quickly."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Single player experience with no multiplayer or cooperative gameplay."

  • Creativity
    4

    "Highly detailed world with extensive object interaction and lore encourages creative exploration and interpretation."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No social dominance or power dynamics; interactions are narrative-driven and equal."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Strong immersive atmosphere and story provide escape from reality."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of interest in story and exploration, not obligation."

  • Experimenting
    2

    "Players explore and experiment with objects and puzzles, though some gameplay is repetitive."

  • Exploration
    4

    "Large open world with many hidden notes and details encourages discovery."

  • Expression
    2

    "Some customization in assembling android parts and interacting with environment, but limited."

  • Fantasy
    4

    "Futuristic sci-fi setting with transhumanism and post-apocalyptic themes."

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "No social or community features; solo experience."

  • Growth
    3

    "Players learn story details and puzzle solutions; some personal development through exploration."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention and puzzle solving; not a casual or background game."

  • Intimacy
    1

    "Some emotional connection to android character but limited social interaction."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management elements."

  • Progression
    3

    "Progression through collecting parts and unlocking story elements."

  • Relaxation
    3

    "Atmospheric and immersive experience provides relaxation despite some frustrating puzzles."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Visually pleasing environments and music create sensory enjoyment."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social recognition or status systems."

  • Story
    5

    "Strong narrative immersion with complex, ambiguous story and rich lore."

  • Strategy
    1

    "Some puzzle solving and problem solving, but gameplay is mostly straightforward."

  • Thrill
    -2

    "Low risk and suspense; some tension in puzzles but overall calm experience."

  • Value
    3

    "Generally considered good value for price given story and atmosphere despite some flaws."

  • Violence
    -5

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

  • Survival
    -5

    "No survival or threat avoidance mechanics."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026