Strange Horticulture

Item: Strange Horticulture
Rating: 90
Author: VaporLens

Last updated: 2025-07-09

Summary

Engaging puzzles and mystery drive gameplay
Cozy yet eerie atmosphere is well-received
Satisfying plant identification is a core mechanic
Short game length and shallow content
Low replayability due to repetitive gameplay
Small, hard-to-read font is a common complaint

Emotions

Satisfaction27%Enjoyment16%Frustration7%Disappointment7%Joy6%

Reviews (sample size): 2000
Helpful reviews: 91%
Unhelpful reviews: 9%
Protest reviews: 0%

90%
Helpful reviews with positive sentiment
10%
Helpful reviews with negative sentiment

Positive points: 6033
Negative points: 1963
Gameplay points: 2199
Perf. points: 28
Rec. points: 874
Misc points: 347

Point	Description	Importance
Engaging Puzzles & Mystery Description The core gameplay loop, particularly the puzzle-solving and mystery elements, is consistently highlighted as highly enjoyable and engaging. Players appreciate the balanced difficulty, which provides a satisfying challenge without causing frustration, and the variety of puzzles keeps the experience fresh. Importance 99%	The core gameplay loop, particularly the puzzle-solving and mystery elements, is consistently highlighted as highly enjoyable and engaging. Players appreciate the balanced difficulty, which provides a satisfying challenge without causing frustration, and the variety of puzzles keeps the experience fresh.	99%
Cozy & Eerie Atmosphere Description The game's atmosphere is frequently praised for its unique blend of cozy, relaxing, and subtly eerie or mysterious vibes. This distinctive ambiance, often described as 'dark academia' or 'witchy,' contributes significantly to player immersion and enjoyment. Importance 87%	The game's atmosphere is frequently praised for its unique blend of cozy, relaxing, and subtly eerie or mysterious vibes. This distinctive ambiance, often described as 'dark academia' or 'witchy,' contributes significantly to player immersion and enjoyment.	87%
Satisfying Plant Identification Description The plant identification and cataloging mechanics are a central and highly satisfying aspect of the gameplay. Players enjoy the process of researching, labeling, and organizing the diverse and often unique plants, which ties into the game's overall theme. Importance 49%	The plant identification and cataloging mechanics are a central and highly satisfying aspect of the gameplay. Players enjoy the process of researching, labeling, and organizing the diverse and often unique plants, which ties into the game's overall theme.	49%
Compelling Story & Lore Description The game's narrative is consistently described as compelling, intriguing, and well-paced. Players appreciate the gradual unfolding of the mystery, the well-developed characters, and the rich lore that adds depth to the world. Importance 38%	The game's narrative is consistently described as compelling, intriguing, and well-paced. Players appreciate the gradual unfolding of the mystery, the well-developed characters, and the rich lore that adds depth to the world.	38%
High Replayability (Multiple Endings) Description The inclusion of multiple endings significantly enhances the game's replayability. Players are motivated to explore different choices and outcomes, finding the varied conclusions rewarding and adding to the game's overall value. Importance 17%	The inclusion of multiple endings significantly enhances the game's replayability. Players are motivated to explore different choices and outcomes, finding the varied conclusions rewarding and adding to the game's overall value.	17%
Unique & Pleasing Art Style Description The game's art style and visual design are widely appreciated for being unique, charming, and aesthetically pleasing. The hand-drawn look and attention to detail contribute to the immersive atmosphere and overall appeal. Importance 15%	The game's art style and visual design are widely appreciated for being unique, charming, and aesthetically pleasing. The hand-drawn look and attention to detail contribute to the immersive atmosphere and overall appeal.	15%
Adorable Pet Cat Description The ability to pet the in-game cat, Hellebore, is a small but frequently mentioned detail that adds to the game's charm and coziness. Players enjoy the cat's presence and its purring reactions. Importance 13%	The ability to pet the in-game cat, Hellebore, is a small but frequently mentioned detail that adds to the game's charm and coziness. Players enjoy the cat's presence and its purring reactions.	13%
Desire for More Content Description Many reviewers express a strong desire for more content, such as a sequel or DLC, indicating a high level of satisfaction and engagement with the game. They often wish the experience could be longer or that they could forget it to replay it fresh. Importance 13%	Many reviewers express a strong desire for more content, such as a sequel or DLC, indicating a high level of satisfaction and engagement with the game. They often wish the experience could be longer or that they could forget it to replay it fresh.	13%
Helpful Hint System Description The game's hint system is praised for being helpful without being overly intrusive. It provides just enough guidance to prevent frustration, allowing players to solve puzzles independently while still offering assistance when needed. Importance 7%	The game's hint system is praised for being helpful without being overly intrusive. It provides just enough guidance to prevent frustration, allowing players to solve puzzles independently while still offering assistance when needed.	7%