Info about Botany Manor:

Official game description:
Join Our Discord
================
Botanical Friends
=================
About the Game
==============
Botany Manor is a first-person puzzle game set in a Victorian English manor.  
It's 1890, and you play as botanist Arabella Greene, who is working to finish her botanical research book 'Forgotten Flora'.  
Explore a complete historical English manor and its grounds, researching how to grow rare plant specimens from seed.  
There are many rooms and gardens to discover, all set inside a beautiful countryside surrounding.  
The manor is filled with mysterious clues for you to discover, including books, posters, letters and fascinating Victorian contraptions.  
The plants you grow are fantastical, but still inspired by real phenomena in nature, so some of them require you to think outside the box. Using what's available to you in the manor, you must create the ideal conditions for each plant.  
Room by room, you learn more about the life and career of Arabella, and the challenges she faced as a woman navigating her scientific career.  
Botany Manor offers a relaxing and peaceful environment, feel free to stop and smell the roses.

Release date: Apr 9, 2024

Categories: Puzzle Solving, Environmental Storytelling, First-Person Perspective, Exploration, Narrative Adventure, Single-player, Atmospheric Horror (Light), Educational Game

Feature scans:
- MTX: score 15; verdict: Fair / Pure; summary: The user reviews provided do not contain any evidence of monetization or predatory practices beyond a one-time purchase model. The primary feedback revolves around the game's perceived value for its price, with users expressing that it is slightly overpriced for its length but otherwise enjoyable. There are no mentions of microtransactions, gacha mechanics, pay-to-win elements, or other aggressive monetization strategies.
- Steam Deck: score 20; verdict: Mostly Seamless with Minor Concerns; summary: Botany Manor receives generally positive feedback for its performance and compatibility on the Steam Deck, with multiple users praising its seamless operation. However, there are concerns about the accuracy of the 'Verified' label, as some users feel the game is playable but not fully optimized for the Steam Deck. No critical technical barriers such as crashes, unreadable UI, or mandatory external launchers are reported.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics: No data
- Time-to-fun: No data
- Player Archetypes: No data


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Engaging story and puzzles (weight 0.99): Players consistently praised the interwoven narrative and puzzle design, highlighting how the story enhances the puzzle-solving experience. The emotional impact and historical context were frequently mentioned as standout features.
- Balanced puzzle difficulty (weight 0.95): The puzzles were described as engaging but not frustrating, striking a balance between challenge and accessibility. Players appreciated the logical and varied difficulty, which suited both casual and experienced puzzle solvers.
- Beautiful visuals and atmosphere (weight 0.8): The game’s art style, environments, and attention to detail were widely celebrated. Players highlighted the immersive and visually stunning manor, gardens, and plant designs, which contributed to a relaxing and cohesive experience.
- Perfect game length (weight 0.67): Players appreciated the game’s concise length, which allowed for a complete and impactful experience without overstaying its welcome. The short playtime was ideal for casual or single-session gaming.
- Cozy and relaxing gameplay (weight 0.67): The game’s calming atmosphere, soothing music, and lack of pressure were frequently mentioned as ideal for unwinding. Players enjoyed the leisurely pace and the ability to explore without time constraints.
- Strong feminist narrative (weight 0.67): The game’s portrayal of a female botanist in the 19th century and its themes of resilience, equality, and women’s contributions to science resonated deeply with players. The narrative was described as empowering and emotionally impactful.
- Satisfying plant-growing mechanics (weight 0.66): The unique puzzle mechanics centered around growing and cultivating plants were praised for their creativity and satisfaction. Players enjoyed the blend of botany and puzzle-solving, as well as the rewarding animations of blooming flowers.
- Engaging exploration mechanics (weight 0.63): Exploring the manor, gardens, and uncovering hidden clues was a major highlight. Players enjoyed the environmental storytelling and the sense of discovery tied to solving puzzles and growing plants.
- Educational and whimsical plant lore (weight 0.1): The game’s blend of real botanical science and whimsical fantasy elements was praised for its creativity and educational value. Players enjoyed learning about plants and their historical context through engaging storytelling.

Common complaints:
- Excessive backtracking frustrates players (weight 0.47): Players repeatedly mention the need to revisit areas to gather or re-read clues, which disrupts gameplay flow and feels like artificial padding. The journal system fails to store clues properly, forcing manual note-taking or screenshots.
- Technical and UI issues (weight 0.43): Problems include camera glitches, inconsistent frame rates, clunky menu navigation, and lack of key rebinding. Some players experienced motion sickness or struggled with item selection mechanics.
- Low replayability and content (weight 0.42): The game offers no meaningful replay value, with linear progression, no post-game content, and limited interactions. Players wished for more chapters, plants, or decorating options.
- Minor bugs and localization issues (weight 0.39): Reports include stuck points, unregistered achievements, untranslated text, and illogical puzzle solutions. Some bugs (e.g., object interactions) disrupted gameplay.

Gameplay feedback:
- Accessible puzzle design (weight 0.37): Puzzles are designed to be fair and engaging, with moderate difficulty and intuitive mechanics. Hints are contextually integrated, and no trial-and-error is required, making the game accessible to casual players.
- Chapter-based progression with unlocks (weight 0.3): Gameplay is divided into chapters, each introducing new plants, clues, and areas of the manor. Progression unlocks additional zones, with puzzles increasing in complexity and variety (e.g., Morse code, temperature adjustments).
- Environmental storytelling (weight 0.29): Lore and backstory are embedded in the environment through letters, newspaper clippings, and artifacts. Players piece together the protagonist’s life and the manor’s history while solving puzzles.

Performance notes:
- Performance inconsistencies across devices (weight 0.06): Players report varying performance, including frame pacing issues, freezes, and inconsistent FPS on different hardware (e.g., M1 MacBook Air, Steam Deck). Some devices run smoothly, while others struggle despite low spec requirements.
- Settings not saved after restart (weight 0.03): Graphical and performance settings (e.g., FPS limits, motion sickness adjustments) are not retained after closing and reopening the game, forcing players to reconfigure repeatedly.
- Steam Deck compatibility mixed (weight 0.02): While some players report flawless performance on Steam Deck, others encounter poor performance or bugs, indicating inconsistent optimization for the platform.
- Visual and camera glitches (weight 0.02): Visual distortions, camera glitches, and 3D-related dizziness are reported, particularly on high settings or when moving. Lowering frame rates or settings often mitigates these issues.
- High resource usage for cozy game (weight 0.02): Despite being a low-intensity 'cozy' game, players note unexpectedly high CPU/GPU usage, suggesting optimization inefficiencies even on modern hardware.
- Movement and teleportation issues (weight 0.01): Players experience slow or jerky walking mechanics and teleportation glitches, impacting immersion and gameplay smoothness.

Recommendations:
- Recommended for puzzle/cozy game fans (weight 0.25): The game is highly recommended for fans of puzzle games, cozy atmospheres, and botany-themed experiences. Players appreciate its relaxing and contemplative nature, making it ideal for casual or beginner puzzle solvers.
- Ideal for relaxed, low-pressure play (weight 0.25): The game is praised for its cozy, stress-free gameplay, making it perfect for players seeking a peaceful puzzle experience without time pressure or complex challenges.
- Best purchased on sale (weight 0.22): The majority of feedback emphasizes that the game is only worth its price when discounted, typically recommending a 50% or greater sale. Players feel the full price is too high for the content provided.
- Short length justifies discount (weight 0.2): Many players note the game is short and lacks replayability, making it more suitable for a discounted price or bundle purchase. Some suggest it can be completed in a single evening.
- Alternative games suggested (weight 0.08): A few players compare the game to others in the genre (e.g., *Strange Horticulture*, *The Witness*) and recommend those as alternatives or complementary experiences.
- Potential for future content (weight 0.03): Players express hope for updates, DLC, or sequels to expand the game’s content. Some would continue playing if more features or storylines were added.
- Note-taking aids puzzle-solving (weight 0.01): Players recommend keeping notes or taking screenshots of clues to assist with puzzles, as some challenges require referencing multiple pieces of information.
- Avoid spoilers for best experience (weight 0.01): Some feedback suggests avoiding presentation videos or external guides to prevent spoiling the game’s puzzles and surprises.

Other player notes:
- Themes of gender discrimination (weight 0.02): The game explores historical and real-world issues like women's intellectual recognition, gender bias, and academic freedom, resonating strongly with players who appreciated its thematic depth.
- Bundle acquisition common (weight 0.01): Many players acquired the game as part of a bundle, which may have influenced their expectations or playtime investment. This is mentioned frequently in reviews.
- Inspired by 'The Witness' (weight 0.01): Players note the game's similarities to 'The Witness,' suggesting it draws inspiration from its puzzle mechanics or design philosophy.
- Accessibility features included (weight 0.01): The game offers accessibility options like a toggle run, which players highlight as a positive inclusion for broader audience engagement.

Emotions:
- Enjoyment (weight 0.17): Players consistently highlight the game's relaxing and engaging puzzle mechanics, cozy atmosphere, and charming visuals as key sources of enjoyment. The combination of exploration, plant-growing mechanics, and light storytelling also contributes to a fun and immersive experience.
- Frustration (weight 0.12): Frustration stems primarily from gameplay design flaws, such as excessive backtracking to revisit clues, the inability to review collected hints in the journal, and unclear puzzle rules. Performance issues, glitches, and repetitive tasks like note-taking or walking further exacerbate the frustration.
- Disappointment (weight 0.12): Players express disappointment due to the game's short length, lack of depth in puzzles or plant mechanics, and perceived overpricing for the content provided. The mismatch between expectations and the actual experience, particularly in terms of replayability and challenge, also contributes to this emotion.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.11): Satisfaction arises from completing puzzles, uncovering the story, and seeing plants grow under the right conditions. Players appreciate the cohesive experience of solving logical puzzles, engaging with the narrative, and the rewarding feeling of progression and completion.
- Appreciation (weight 0.06): Players appreciate the game's beautiful visuals, soothing atmosphere, and thoughtful design, including accessibility options like motion sickness settings. The feminist narrative, historical context, and the representation of an older woman protagonist are also highly valued.
- Joy (weight 0.05): Joy is derived from the game's charming and immersive experience, including its relaxing puzzles, beautiful setting, and engaging story. The themes of botany, history, and female solidarity, as well as the whimsical presentation of magical plants, contribute to a delightful and uplifting experience.
- Relaxation (weight 0.04): The game's calming atmosphere, lack of urgency, and soothing music create a relaxing experience. Players enjoy the gentle pacing, stress-free puzzles, and the cozy, idyllic environment, which make it ideal for unwinding.
- Excitement (weight 0.02): Excitement is driven by the engaging gameplay, exploration of the manor, and the potential for future content. Players express anticipation for sequels, new chapters, or similar games, as well as the thrill of solving puzzles and uncovering the story.
- Admiration (weight 0.02): Players admire the game's beautiful art style, detailed environmental design, and the thoughtful representation of plant growth and botanical phenomena. The protagonist's resilience and the feminist undertones of the story are also sources of admiration.
- Affection (weight 0.02): Affection stems from the game's whimsical aesthetic, cohesive design, and charming atmosphere. Players express fondness for the cute and cozy elements, such as the art, music, and the tender storytelling that resonates emotionally.
- Hope (weight 0.01): Players express hope for future content, such as sequels, additional chapters, or more games in the same genre. The enjoyable experience leaves them eager for similar storytelling and puzzle mechanics in future releases.
- Happiness (weight 0.01): Happiness is derived from the emotional ending, the delightful gameplay, and the protagonist's achievements. Players feel joy in carrying on Arabella's legacy, solving puzzles, and experiencing the game's unique blend of themes.
- Positive (weight 0.01): Players provide general positive feedback on the game's cozy nature, puzzles, visuals, and historical context. The combination of these elements creates an enjoyable and well-rounded experience that resonates with players.
- Comfort (weight 0.01): The game's relaxing pace, beautiful presentation, and cozy atmosphere provide a comforting experience. Players enjoy the serene environment, easy puzzles, and the lack of stress, which makes the game a soothing escape.
- Anticipation (weight 0.01): Players look forward to future projects from the studio or similar games in the genre. The enjoyable experience leaves them eager to explore more content from the developers or revisit the game after some time.
- Love (weight 0.01): Players express deep affection for the game's magical elements, such as the fantastical flowers, the protagonist's role, and the overall blend of puzzles, plants, and storytelling. The graphics, music, and narrative also contribute to this strong emotional connection.
- Surprise (weight 0.01): Players are pleasantly surprised by the game's quality, the unexpected combination of themes (e.g., plants, puzzles, and Victorian drama), and the authenticity of the botany in the puzzles. The impactful ending and lore also contribute to this emotion.
- Gratitude (weight 0.01): Players express gratitude for the developers' efforts, the game's inspirational themes, and the attention to detail. The ability to customize controls for accessibility, such as reducing motion sickness, is also appreciated.
- Curiosity (weight 0.01): Curiosity is sparked by the game's fictional flowers, the protagonist's background, and the mysterious atmosphere. Players are intrigued by the botanical phenomena, the story's historical context, and the unique puzzle mechanics.}