Welcome to EXPlay, (Explain & Play) the review series where we care not for scores but tell it how it is when it comes to every game we get our hands on, whilst also taking the time to include some lengthy gameplay, to give you the reader, the chance to shape your own impressions and views whilst watching and reading. In this installment, we’re covering Botany Manor by developer Balloon Studios.
Botany Manor: (The Explanation)
Botany Manor for Nintendo Switch is a delightful puzzle game that seamlessly blends elements of historical fiction with whimsical plant-growing mechanics. Set in the sunny days of 1890, players assume the role of Arabella Greene, a retired botanist who inherits a grand manor and spends her time researching fantastical plants in a tranquil environment.
The game’s narrative unfolds through several chapters, mirroring Arabella’s efforts to fill out a research book for publication. While the gameplay appears serene on the surface, subtle details reveal the challenges Arabella faced in a male-dominated scientific community. Uncovering letters and articles adds depth to Arabella’s story, making the first few sections of the game I played for EXPlay all the more satisfying. I get the feeling that attentive players will find the subtle story that unfolds satisfying, making Botany Manor a game I look forward to completing.
Botany Manor reminds me a lot of the game Witness both in style and in its gameplay loop. The core gameplay revolves around growing plants by recreating their specific environments. Rather than spoon-feeding players with quest markers, the game encourages exploration and critical thinking. Within the first few sections of the game you will be required to observe your surroundings, read and take in the notes and clues you find, and in some cases combine items in ways to recreate that perfect environment for the desired plants to grow. Clues come in all forms from posters and notes found on the walls and in drawers, photographs on tables, tools you find, a camera, and more.Â
The game’s puzzles often draw inspiration from children’s stories and folk tales, creating a heightened, fantastical version of real-life ecosystems. The attention to detail is evident in every aspect, from the gentle, hopeful music to the sound of wind and the clink of a plant pot. The meticulously crafted environment rewards players for paying close attention and immerses them in a bright, bouncy 3D world. Botany Manor is like nothing I have ever come across on the Switch. The world looks complete and lived in while being bright and colorful. There are small details hidden all throughout the manor which slowly unlock gaining you access to other areas of the house and its connected spaces.
Despite the increasing complexity of puzzles, Botany Manor maintains a peaceful and focused atmosphere throughout. Players are encouraged to take their time and explore every corner of the manor, uncovering its secrets at their own pace. The game’s balance of challenge and relaxation makes it immensely satisfying to solve puzzles and cultivate a variety of plants. Coming across interactive elements is easy as you hit A to interact, sometimes needing to move an object inside of another.
While the gameplay mechanics are engaging, the story of Botany Manor takes a backseat to the puzzle-solving experience. Arabella’s tale is primarily conveyed through written notes and letters, lacking the emotional depth found in character-driven narratives. However, the charming English setting and clever clues add intrigue to the overall experience.
In conclusion, Botany Manor is a lighthearted first-person puzzler that captivates players with its charming setting and inventive gameplay. Despite its somewhat one-note story, the game’s clever puzzles and surreal plant-growing mechanics make it a delightful experience for those seeking a relaxing yet engaging gaming experience on the Nintendo Switch. Botany Manor is an indie gem and a darling game that will have puzzle and plant fans champing at the bit as they move chapter to chapter completing Arabella’s field guide
Botany Manor: (The Gameplay)
Game Specifications:
Developer: Balloon Studios
Publisher: Whitethorn Digital
Platform: Nintendo Switch (eShop)
Category: Adventure, Puzzle
No. of Players: 1 player
Release Date: April 9, 2024 (EU & NA)
Price: $24.99
File Size: 1.3 GB
Nintendo.com Listing
