The Gardens Between
The Gardens Between is a single-player adventure-puzzle game about time, memory and friendship. Best friends Arina and Frendt fall into a series of vibrant, dreamlike island gardens peppered with everyday objects from their childhood. Together they embark on an emotional journey that examines the significance of their friendship. Manipulate time to solve puzzles and reach the apex of each isle. Follow the duo as they unpack and explore their precious moments spent together, lighting up constellations and illuminating threads of a bittersweet narrative. Features Vibrant, storybook-inspired art style Dreamy tale of adventure, friendship and growing-up Gorgeous single player experience with a meaningful personal story Bespoke ingenious puzzles require the manipulation of time to solve Accessible design; simple controls, and no text, speech, time pressure or complex UI Relaxing, ambient soundtrack by feature-artist Tim Shiel Play in full detail on your gorgeous 4k screen
Game Discussion
Chief 0
Got it for Nintendo Switch. Enjoyed the level design and general atmosphere.
Gameplay itself is slow-paced, though puzzles are challenging enough and have some fresh ideas, so it doesn't feel like you were solving them already.
A great family-friendly game overall.
Steam User 11
Through the long night, we share our stories, promising to keep our bond unchanged.
While everything else fluctuates, one thing remains the same.
우리의 추억을 기억해줘.
Steam User 5
A bittersweet time manipulation puzzle that only has 3 control buttons - left, right and space. However don't let the easy controls and the charming graphics + relaxing ambient distract you (honestly though it is super relaxing especially the rain sounds). The puzzles are a bit on the easier side, but some levels do require running back and forth to solve it. In the end it is still pretty satisfying to solve when u had that "Aha!" moment.
One feedback though, I wish we could press shift or something to make them run back and forth a bit faster. Especially needed when the levels require a lot of time scrolling.
Game does run a bit short, but I think it is worth the price.
Definitely recommended, both for the unique concept and the relaxing vibe overall. Looking forward to more games from the dev!
Steam User 2
Amazing art style, I love that the journey is always together. It's very calming and a great game to just kick back and play. All achievements are simply accomplished by playing through the game which is lovely and convenient. I really enjoyed playing through and I'd definitely play this times over :))
Steam User 7
"The Gardens Between" is an excellent puzzle game by an Australian studio.
I say, the best puzzle games must always offer fresh and unique perspectives to solving the puzzles.
(My favorite examples are games like: Hue, GOROGOA, Monument Valley, Framed and Old Man's Journey.)
The game is quite short and easy compared to my examples,
but I still like it because it offers a time manipulation mechanic that is fun and unique.
Cute story, neat puzzles, beautiful graphics.
Good game!
Steam User 2
Very surprised by this game.
It's a nice little puzzle game with a cute story.
The puzzles aren't too hard but are clever and feel well thought through. The rewind/forward time mechanic has a nice touch and is the key for all solutions.
The story isn't too deep or complex but has a bit of a surprise at the end. In the end it reminds us that friendships are important and that the memories we make with our friends will always remain and make us who we are.
It's only about 1-2 hours long with some nice little achievements inbetween that sometimes are a small puzzle in itself.
I really enjoyed myself because of the simplicity of the gameplay and the story. It doesn't always have to be complicated imho and would definitely recommend the game if you want an hour or two just playing a relaxing game.
Steam User 4
I got this on sale during the Fall sale for five dollars. For that price I would say the game is worth it but even then it's a little anemic. The game is very atmospheric and has a fun game play mechanism with the time warping, but overall I would say that there's not a lot here. If you are deciding between a $15 movie or this game for $5 of entertainment for the night I would go with the game, but be prepared for even less story than you would think. It is a very relaxing get ready for bed game though.
Steam User 2
Short and cute little puzzle adventure with time manipulation mechanics similar to Arise. This game gives all the nostalgic feels. Especially if you've ever had to say goodbye as a child. You use very simple controls to solve puzzles, obtain achievements and build the memories that last when friendship is confronted by the test of distance.
Definitely buy on sale. I'd say it's appropriately priced at $9.99 rather than $19.99.