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The Gardens Between offers a unique and touching exploration of childhood friendship, inviting players on a nostalgic journey through shared memories. Developed by The Voxel Agents, this puzzle adventure game tells a heartwarming story about two young friends, Arina and Frendt, and the bond they share.

The Gardens Between

Climbing the Ladder of Friendship

Arina and Frendt find themselves transported to a surreal world composed of islands, each representing a cherished memory from their past. From their initial encounter to playful adventures, these islands serve as stages in their unfolding friendship. Players guide the duo through these evocative landscapes, solving puzzles to retrieve fragments of each memory held within the islands.

This peculiar world allows manipulation of time, a core mechanic integral to gameplay. Players can rewind and fast-forward time, interacting with objects within each island to overcome obstacles and guide Arina and Frendt to the summit. Their goal: to illuminate a beacon at the peak, rekindling the captured memory.

Arina carries a lantern, collecting sparks of light from flowers along the path. These sparks are essential for lighting the beacon and progressing through the game. Frendt, on the other hand, interacts with the environment, manipulating objects to clear the way. The fixed path and time manipulation mechanic require careful observation and strategic thinking to avoid endless loops and frustrating dead ends.

The Gardens Between

As their friendship deepens and the memories become more significant, the island challenges increase in complexity. Players must utilize their full problem-solving skills to navigate the increasingly intricate puzzles. For instance, moving blocks can carry Arina’s lantern to collect light or shield it from darkness. Purple clouds solidify and dissipate in the presence of light, acting as both obstacles and bridges. The game masterfully introduces new mechanics and combines them with previous ones, keeping the gameplay fresh and engaging.

The Gardens Between

While not boasting cutting-edge graphics, The Gardens Between utilizes a harmonious color palette, creating visually soothing environments. Notably, the game lacks dialogue, yet effectively conveys character personalities and nuances through visual storytelling, animations, and the memories themselves.

The Gardens Between

Arina’s playful curiosity and Frendt’s thoughtful shyness are evident in their interactions. Arina, always eager to explore, often leads the way while Frendt, more cautious, follows closely behind. This dynamic is reflected in their gameplay roles, with Arina carrying the lantern and Frendt interacting with the environment, often solving puzzles for them both.

A Bittersweet Farewell: Too Short a Journey?

Despite its captivating charm, The Gardens Between falls short in its brevity. Once players grasp the mechanics and puzzle patterns, the challenges become relatively straightforward. Even the final puzzle, incorporating all previous elements, doesn’t pose a significant hurdle.

The Gardens Between

The game’s short playtime of approximately three hours leaves players wanting more, especially as they become fully immersed in the experience. The abrupt ending can feel jarring, leaving a sense of unfulfilled potential.

Conclusion

The Gardens Between is a beautifully crafted puzzle adventure that celebrates the magic of friendship and the power of shared memories. Its innovative time manipulation mechanic and charming visuals create a truly memorable experience. However, the short playtime prevents the game from fully realizing its potential, leaving players yearning for a longer journey with Arina and Frendt.