The Gardens Between, developed by The Voxel Agents and released in 2018, is a serene puzzle-adventure game that takes players on an emotional journey through the memories of two close friends, Arina and Frendt. This visually captivating and thoughtfully designed game is much more than just a series of puzzles—it’s a heartfelt exploration of friendship, nostalgia, and the passage of time.
From its unique gameplay mechanics to its evocative art style and emotional themes, The Gardens Between has garnered widespread acclaim for its ability to deliver a profound experience through simplicity. In this review, we will explore every aspect of the game, delving into its design, narrative, and impact.
The Vision of The Voxel Agents: Development and Release
The Voxel Agents, an Australian indie studio, are no strangers to creating compelling experiences. With a history of crafting thoughtful games, they aimed to push boundaries with The Gardens Between. The game was envisioned as a meditative journey, using gameplay to evoke emotions and tell a story without dialogue or text.
After a few years in development, The Gardens Between launched on September 20, 2018, for PC, macOS, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch. The game's unique concept and polished execution quickly earned it a devoted following. In 2019, it expanded to Xbox One and Xbox Game Pass, followed by mobile releases for iOS and Android in 2020. Its success across platforms has cemented it as a standout title in the indie gaming scene.
A Tale of Friendship and Nostalgia: Plot and Themes
At its core, The Gardens Between is a story about two best friends, Arina and Frendt, navigating dreamlike islands that represent their shared memories. Each island is constructed from objects and settings significant to their friendship, such as treehouses, video game consoles, and camping equipment. These everyday items, magnified to surreal proportions, evoke a sense of nostalgia and wonder.
The narrative explores themes of:
- Friendship: The bond between Arina and Frendt is central to the story, portrayed through their interactions and the memories they uncover.
- Time and Memory: The game’s time-manipulation mechanic symbolizes the act of revisiting and cherishing past experiences.
- Letting Go: As the story unfolds, players come to understand the bittersweet nature of change and growing up.
The lack of dialogue enhances the emotional impact, allowing players to project their interpretations onto the story. This universal approach makes the narrative deeply personal, resonating with players of all ages and backgrounds.
Unique Time Manipulation Mechanics: Gameplay
Core Mechanics
The gameplay of The Gardens Between revolves around controlling the flow of time. Players do not directly control Arina and Frendt but instead manipulate time to guide them through each island. Moving time forward causes the duo to progress along their paths, while rewinding reverses their actions. This simple yet ingenious mechanic transforms each level into a puzzle that requires careful observation and experimentation.
Puzzle Design
The puzzles are built around manipulating the environment to create pathways and solve challenges. For example:
- Moving a lantern to light bridges or open gates.
- Using environmental objects, such as floating boxes or rotating platforms, to clear obstacles.
- Leveraging time to interact with objects at the right moment.
The difficulty curve is gentle, ensuring accessibility while still offering moments of satisfaction when solving more intricate puzzles.
Innovation Through Simplicity
What sets The Gardens Between apart is how it uses its time-manipulation mechanic to seamlessly blend narrative and gameplay. Every action feels purposeful, contributing to the unfolding story while challenging players to think creatively.
A Visual Masterpiece: Graphics and Art Style
The Gardens Between is a visual feast, with its surreal yet approachable art style drawing players into its world. The game’s minimalistic aesthetic is rich in detail, combining vibrant colors with soft lighting to create a dreamlike atmosphere.
Island Design
Each island is meticulously crafted, with oversized objects and imaginative landscapes that feel both familiar and otherworldly. These environments are not only beautiful but also serve as metaphors for Arina and Frendt’s shared memories, adding layers of meaning to the gameplay.
Symbolism in Visuals
The visual design is steeped in symbolism. For example:
- Broken objects represent challenges in their friendship.
- Lanterns symbolize hope and guidance, lighting the way forward.
- Water and bridges often act as metaphors for emotional transitions.
The attention to detail is remarkable, making every scene feel alive and purposeful.
Ambient Soundscapes: Soundtrack and Audio Design
The soundtrack of The Gardens Between, composed by Tim Shiel, is an integral part of the game’s emotional resonance. Its ambient tones and gentle melodies complement the visuals, creating a meditative experience that draws players into the world.
The Role of Music
The music shifts subtly to match the mood of each level, enhancing the narrative without overpowering it. From nostalgic piano pieces to ethereal synth tones, the soundtrack evokes a range of emotions that mirror the story’s progression.
Sound Effects
The game’s audio design is equally impressive. The sounds of rushing water, rustling leaves, and the creak of wooden structures bring the environments to life. These details, combined with the soundtrack, create an immersive audio-visual experience.
Game Versions and Platforms
The Gardens Between has been widely praised for its accessibility across multiple platforms, ensuring that players can experience its magic regardless of their preferred device.
Original Release
The game initially launched on September 20, 2018, for PC (Windows, macOS), Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation 4. These platforms showcased the game’s polished visuals and fluid gameplay, setting the stage for its expansion to other devices.
Xbox One and Game Pass
In November 2019, The Gardens Between made its way to Xbox One, joining the Xbox Game Pass library. This move introduced the game to a broader audience and cemented its reputation as an indie gem.
Mobile Versions
The game was later adapted for iOS and Android in 2020. These mobile versions feature intuitive touch controls that seamlessly integrate the time-manipulation mechanics, making it a perfect fit for portable gaming.
Next-Gen Consoles
Although no dedicated versions for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S have been released, the game is playable on these consoles via backward compatibility. Enhanced loading times and performance optimizations ensure that the experience remains smooth and immersive.
Replayability and Longevity
While The Gardens Between is a relatively short game, with most players completing it in 3–4 hours, its emotional depth and unique mechanics encourage revisiting.
A One-Time Experience?
For many, the game’s narrative and puzzles offer a one-time experience, as the puzzles remain static and lose their challenge after completion. However, the story’s emotional resonance and visual artistry make it worth revisiting, even if just to appreciate its design.
Hidden Details
The game is rich with subtle details that players may miss during their first playthrough. From environmental storytelling to visual metaphors, revisiting levels can uncover layers of meaning and deepen the connection to Arina and Frendt’s journey.
Alternate Perspectives
Replayability is further enhanced by the game’s ability to evoke different emotions depending on the player’s perspective and life experiences. Each return to the game can offer a fresh emotional lens through which to view its story.
Critical Reception and Legacy
The Gardens Between received widespread acclaim upon its release, with critics and players praising its innovative gameplay, stunning visuals, and emotional narrative.
Awards and Recognition
The game has been recognized with several awards and nominations, including:
- 2018 Game Awards: Nominated for Best Independent Game.
- Australian Game Developer Awards: Winner of Game of the Year and Excellence in Design.
- Apple Design Awards (2020): Honored for its iOS adaptation and seamless touch controls.
Impact on Indie Gaming
As an indie title, The Gardens Between exemplifies the power of small studios to create deeply impactful experiences. Its success has inspired other developers to experiment with minimalist storytelling and innovative mechanics.
Challenges and Limitations
While The Gardens Between excels in many areas, it is not without its challenges.
Short Playtime
The game’s brevity has been a point of criticism, with some players wishing for more content. However, its concise length ensures a tightly crafted experience that avoids filler or unnecessary complexity.
Limited Replayability
Once the puzzles are solved, they lose much of their challenge. Players seeking a more dynamic or evolving experience may find the game’s replay value limited.
Niche Appeal
The game’s slow-paced, contemplative nature may not resonate with players who prefer fast-paced or action-oriented titles.
Comparison with Similar Games
Monument Valley
Much like Monument Valley, The Gardens Between uses minimalist design and innovative mechanics to tell a story. However, The Gardens Between focuses more on narrative and emotional depth, whereas Monument Valley leans into abstract puzzle design.
Gris
Another indie gem, Gris, shares thematic similarities with The Gardens Between, exploring themes of loss and growth. Both games use visuals and music to convey emotion, but The Gardens Between stands out for its unique time-manipulation mechanic.
Game Details
- Genre: Puzzle, Adventure
- Release Year: 2018
- Platforms: PC (Windows, macOS), Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, iOS, Android
- Age Rating: E (Everyone)
- Game Ratings:
- Metacritic: 82/100 (average across platforms)
- IGN: 8.5/10
- Steam: Overwhelmingly Positive
- Modes: Single-player
- Game Mode Accessibility: Fully offline experience
- Pricing Model: Paid title with one-time purchase
- Developer: The Voxel Agents
- Engine: Unity
System Requirements
Minimum Requirements (PC)
- OS: Windows 7
- Processor: Intel Core i3 or equivalent
- Memory: 4 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 550 or equivalent
- Storage: 1 GB available space
Recommended Requirements (PC)
- OS: Windows 10
- Processor: Intel Core i5 or equivalent
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 760 or higher
- Storage: 1 GB available space
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Innovative Gameplay: Unique time-manipulation mechanics offer a fresh take on puzzles.
- Emotional Narrative: A heartfelt story about friendship and memory.
- Stunning Visuals: Beautifully designed environments rich with detail and symbolism.
- Immersive Soundtrack: A captivating audio experience that enhances the mood.
- Accessible and Inclusive: Simple controls and universal themes make it approachable for all players.
Cons
- Short Playtime: The game’s brevity may leave players wanting more.
- Limited Replay Value: Static puzzles reduce the incentive for multiple playthroughs.
- Niche Appeal: Its slow-paced, meditative gameplay may not suit everyone.
Is It Worth Playing?
The Gardens Between is a must-play for fans of puzzle games, narrative-driven experiences, and artistic indie titles. Its unique mechanics, emotional depth, and stunning presentation set it apart from other games in the genre. While its short playtime and niche appeal may not suit every player, those who connect with its themes will find it to be a deeply rewarding journey.
For players seeking a game that combines simplicity with profound storytelling, The Gardens Between is an unforgettable experience. It’s a testament to the power of indie gaming and a reminder that even the simplest stories can leave a lasting impact.
Our Rating
- Gameplay: 9/10 – Intuitive mechanics and clever puzzles.
- Graphics: 10/10 – A visual masterpiece that blends minimalism with vivid detail.
- Story: 9.5/10 – A heartfelt narrative told through powerful symbolism.
- Soundtrack: 9/10 – Atmospheric and evocative, perfectly complementing the visuals.
- Replayability: 7.5/10 – Limited replay value, but worth revisiting for its artistry.
- Overall: 9/10 – A standout indie game that delivers a profound and memorable experience.
The Gardens Between is more than just a game—it’s an emotional journey that stays with you long after the credits roll. It’s a shining example of how video games can transcend traditional storytelling, offering players a deeply personal and meditative experience.