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The Gardens Between

PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2018

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Quick resume

The Gardens Between is a surreal puzzle adventure that follows best friends, Arina and Frendt, as they fall into a mysterious world of beautiful garden islands. Manipulate time to solve puzzles and discover the secrets of each island.

Global score

94/100

Genres

Adventure, Indie

Pros

  • Beautiful and imaginative art style
  • Innovative time manipulation gameplay
  • Relaxing music and atmosphere
  • Emotional and nostalgic story
  • Accessible and low frustration puzzles

Cons

  • Short game length
  • Low puzzle difficulty
  • Limited replay value
  • Minimal player autonomy
  • Price considered high by some

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    -3

    "Players do not control characters directly but manipulate time flow, limiting direct action and choice."

  • Competence
    2

    "Puzzles require some thinking and problem solving but are generally easy and not highly challenging."

  • Competition
    -5

    "No competitive elements; focus is on personal puzzle solving and story experience."

  • Continuation
    1

    "Some players replay levels for achievements and enjoy the experience, but overall game is short and not designed for long habitual play."

  • Cooperation
    -5

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

  • Creativity
    4

    "Innovative time manipulation mechanic and imaginative level design encourage creative puzzle solving."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No elements of exerting control or superiority over others; cooperative and equal experience."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Players use the game as a relaxing, nostalgic escape into a dreamlike world and childhood memories."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily for intrinsic interest and emotional experience."

  • Experimenting
    3

    "Players experiment with time flow and puzzle elements to find solutions and explore mechanics."

  • Exploration
    3

    "Players explore new surreal environments representing memories, discovering puzzle elements and story."

  • Expression
    -4

    "Limited customization or self-expression; players follow preset paths and aesthetics."

  • Fantasy
    4

    "Game features imaginative, surreal worlds and abstract storytelling about friendship and memories."

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "Primarily a solo experience with minimal social interaction."

  • Growth
    2

    "Players develop puzzle-solving skills and understanding of unique mechanics, though difficulty is low."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity elements."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention to solve puzzles; not designed for idle or background play."

  • Intimacy
    1

    "Emotional connection to story and characters but limited social or relational interaction."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management elements."

  • Progression
    2

    "Players progress through levels and unlock achievements, but no complex item or upgrade systems."

  • Relaxation
    4

    "Game is relaxing with soothing music, gentle pacing, and low frustration."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Beautiful visuals and ambient sound provide sensory enjoyment and emotional engagement."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social status or recognition systems."

  • Story
    4

    "Strong narrative immersion through visual storytelling and emotional themes without dialogue."

  • Strategy
    2

    "Requires some problem solving and planning in puzzle solutions, but puzzles are generally straightforward."

  • Thrill
    -3

    "Low risk and tension; experience is calm and contemplative rather than suspenseful."

  • Value
    1

    "Players find good value especially on sale, though some consider price high for short length."

  • Violence
    -5

    "No violence; gameplay is constructive and peaceful."

  • Survival
    -5

    "No survival or threat avoidance mechanics; stable, low-risk environment."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026