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The Old Tree

Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux • 2015

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Quick resume

The Old Tree is a short free-to-play cinematic puzzle game about a newborn alien baby. Witness this microscopic entity's first moments of life and help it emerge from its underground lair and ascend towards an unknown destination.

Global score

90/100

Genres

Adventure, Casual, Free To Play, Indie, Point-and-click, Puzzle

Pros

  • Beautiful artistic design
  • Relaxing atmosphere and music
  • Short and free
  • Simple and accessible puzzles
  • Unique and imaginative setting

Cons

  • Very short gameplay
  • Minimal challenge
  • Lack of replay value
  • Dark visuals can hinder puzzle clarity
  • No social or competitive features

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    -3

    "Player controls only clearing obstacles; character moves on its own, limiting direct control."

  • Competence
    -2

    "Puzzles are simple and easy, requiring minimal skill or challenge."

  • Competition
    -5

    "No competitive elements or comparison with others; purely single-player experience."

  • Continuation
    -4

    "Very short game (~10-15 minutes) with low replay value; players finish quickly and move on."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Entirely single-player with no cooperative or multiplayer features."

  • Creativity
    3

    "Artistic design and unique puzzles encourage creative appreciation, though gameplay is simple."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No elements of dominance or control over others; cooperative and equal interaction absent."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Atmospheric, relaxing, and artistic experience offers a brief escape from reality."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily for a short, casual experience without pressure or obligation."

  • Experimenting
    1

    "Some exploration of puzzles and environment, but mostly straightforward interactions."

  • Exploration
    2

    "Players discover new areas and interact with environment, though limited by linear progression."

  • Expression
    -4

    "No character customization or player-driven expression; fixed visuals and narrative."

  • Fantasy
    4

    "Imaginative setting with alien creature and surreal environments, evoking fantasy themes."

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "No social or community features; purely solo play."

  • Growth
    -3

    "Minimal learning or skill development due to simple puzzles and short gameplay."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity involved."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention during short play sessions; not designed for background play."

  • Intimacy
    -5

    "No social or emotional relationship building; isolated single-player experience."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management elements; single-player puzzle adventure."

  • Progression
    -4

    "No item collection or upgrades; linear progression through puzzles without accumulation."

  • Relaxation
    4

    "Calm, soothing atmosphere and music promote relaxation and stress relief."

  • Sensation
    2

    "Artistic visuals and ambient sounds provide moderate sensory stimulation."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social recognition or status systems; individual experience without visibility."

  • Story
    2

    "Minimal narrative conveyed through atmosphere and visuals rather than explicit plot."

  • Strategy
    -3

    "Simple puzzles require little strategic thinking or planning."

  • Thrill
    -4

    "No suspense or risk; gameplay is calm and predictable."

  • Value
    4

    "Free game with high artistic value for short playtime; good return on time invested."

  • Violence
    -5

    "No violent content; gameplay focuses on helping and clearing obstacles."

  • Survival
    -4

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

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    Last update: 06/03/2026