Review: The Gardens Between (PlayStation 4)
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.
Pros:
- Beautiful cartoon graphics.
- 1.59GB Download size.
- Tutorial pop-ups.
- Puzzle gameplay.
- Controls- Sticks and one button.
- Silent narrative.
- Decent loading times.
- The goal is to get your lantern from the start to the end of the level.
- All levels do a 360-degree spin.
- Uses a DS4 speaker.
- Levels look incredible with many layers of detail.
- Overall map for level selection.
- Can replay levels.
- Time- You control time and can fast forward/rewind and pause time.
- Can use the time mechanic in cutscenes.
- A charming game full of character.
- Easy to get into.
- Full of fun atmosphere.
- New mechanics get introduced over time. Some are really clever.
- Blast from the past with classic items of history in the game like VHS tapes and classic consoles.
Cons:
- Short game, Only a few hours.
- Little replay value.
- Little help/hint system.
- Some time mechanics overlap and confuse each other.
- Graphics - 9/109/10
- Sound - 9/109/10
- Accessability - 9/109/10
- Length - 9/109/10
- Fun Factor - 9/109/10
9/10
Summary
What a superb little game. The time mechanic is simple but powerful, Watching the world move through your touch is just brilliant. Later on, the time mechanics get a lot more in depth and intricate but it still maintains its charm and wonder. I love how the levels look and feel, Each location and level is an adventure in itself. Yes, it is a short game but it is a such a fun ride and it does puzzling so well that you cannot help but fall for it. Excellent.
