It cannot be overstated how much I’ve adored every moment ofBotany Manor. I’ve played a lot of excellent games already this year, yet this indie title outshines them all – and not simply because I’m a self-professed plant obsessive.
I have over 100 indoor plants in my house, so yes, it goes without saying that I would naturally be drawn to a game involving floriculture. Nevertheless, while my interest aligns with the setting, I wouldn’t say it does when it comes to puzzle solving; as I’ve shared in previous reviews, I lack the logic needed to crack most puzzles.
Join Arabella inBotany Manor’s official trailer
So yes, I wanted to explore every inch ofBotany Manor, but trepidation coloured my steps. It needn’t have, though. While the game is most definitely a puzzle game, the way in which it combines those puzzles with the theme, makes for an experience even unrefined problem solvers like me can enjoy.
Advert
Advert
Taking on the role of retired botanist, Arabella Greene, you’ll traverse her wonderfully vibrant gardens and abode; each area of which is home to a special plant you need to successfully grow. To do this, you’ll listen to the land, picking up clues from your surroundings to propagate and cultivate the most unique stems.
Discovering the secrets of these plants isn’t always obvious, which is why Arabella has a book she carries with her that details the current flora she’s searching for/studying, as well as how many clues relate to it. Not that finding clues gives you an immediate answer; you must ascertain whether the clues you’ve found are connected to the plant you’re trying to grow.
Whitethorn Games
All clues are helpful, but their relevancy is dependent on the flower you’re currently tending to. What is more, you don’t need to find every clue for a particular plant to grow it and thus complete that puzzle. However, for completionists – such as myself – having all the clues neatly added to your book is exquisitely satisfying.
Advert
Advert
Speaking of the rooms, and gardens, they’re not all open to you when you first begin. Part of Arabella’s reasoning behind solving these puzzles, besides growing stunning plants, is to explore her home. Arabella is as much a stranger there as you are, having only recently returned after some time away; as such, you’re on a journey of discovery together.
Whitethorn Games
Advert
Advert
I found myself sitting at every bench, seat, or sofa I could, ignoring my quest to find clues and instead focusing on taking pretty screenshots of my surroundings. Just when I thought I’d found the most picturesque part of the game, a newly discovered area proved me wrong.
To be a part of Arabella’s green thumbed world is a gift. Sadly, it isn’t a gift we can keep enjoying once its complete, due to the way in which the puzzles are solved; their rigidity makes the game more of a one hit wonder. However, despite its short longevity,Botany Manoris everything you want from a plant-based puzzle game. In fact, I’d argue it exceeds expectations. No, I can’t easily return to re-do the puzzles, at least not if I want a fresh challenge, but simply to bask in the glow of the sun-lit grounds? Oh, I’ll return toBotany Manorin a heartbeat.
Pros: Beautiful visuals, delightfully challenging puzzles, a tender and heartwarming experience
Advert
Advert
Cons: A lack of replayability, and no hint button (but I’m nit-picking here)
For fans of: What Remains of Edith Finch, The Talos Principle, A Little to the Left
9/10: Exceptional
Advert
Advert
Topics:PC,Steam,Nintendo Switch,Xbox
