Botany Manor

Pro

• Engrossing narrative exploring Arabella's life and career
• Stunning visual design of the manor and its gardens
• Cleverly constructed puzzles that offer a satisfying challenge

Con

• Relatively short gameplay experience
• Occasional glitches that can momentarily disrupt play
• Could benefit from additional content post-completion

Review

Botany Manor serves as a horticultural haven, seamlessly blending exploration and puzzle-solving into its tranquil tapestry. As Arabella Greene, players retire into an elegantly crafted journey through a historic English manor where each room and garden blossom with stories and intellectual trials. The attention to historical detail fashions a rich backdrop, highlighting Arabella’s challenges and triumphs in a field rare for women of her time. Although the playtime is succinct, the duration feels ample, thanks in part to the meticulously designed puzzles which require a delightful fusion of wit and observation. The serene ambiance is occasionally pricked by minor glitches, but these are few and far between, leaving the player mostly with a sense of sedate fulfillment. Botany Manor might not stretch beyond its 4-5 hours of core content, but its beauty and narrative depth ensure those hours are well spent in a world many may wish to linger in longer.

Background information

Botany Manor has received notable praise from various reviewers, with KeenGamer lauding it for its endearing charm and Nintendo Life highlighting its thought-provoking themes nestled within cosy aesthetics. Both Pocket Tactics and CGMagazine compared the game's appeal to that of a horticulturist's dream and a warm puzzling afternoon, respectively. Digitally Downloaded endorses the game's cozy and welcoming atmosphere, punctuated with logical puzzles, while COGconnected recommends it as a soothing alternative to the typical farming simulator. Across the board, the consensus points towards a game that captivates with its story-driven exploration and cognitive challenges, despite being a compact experience.

Screenshots