Botanicula flourishes in imaginative creativity through humorously designed plant organisms that grow with the point-and-click adventure, although the simple quest for quelling the infestation of parasites prevents any replay value whatsoever.
WHAT I LIKED:
+ "So a Physalis, a mushroom, a poppy seed, a twig and a feather walk into a bar...". Much like Amanita Design's previous work, the strength of its environmental adventure is through its zany non-verbal characters, This includes the five protagonists, whom are trying to save the last seed of their home tree from parasitic creatures, and the plethora of fauna they encounter along the way. Each one entirely interactable, either granting the player a valuable item to be used later or simply just to provide some weird nonsensical humour. It supplies the point-and-click quest with an abundance of charm, character and charisma that differentiates itself from other similar titles.
+ A luscious tree brought to life. Amanita's art direction for Botanicula settles for the simplistic, embodying the type of style that was prevalent within browser games of the late noughties, but retains its aesthetic throughout. Considering it was created on Adobe Flash, the design work really shines through. Clear prompts are given as to which direction the botanical protagonists can travel in. Items are importance are highlighted for the player to collect. The wildlife, both in the background and foreground, match the environment that they reside in. Botanicula truly felt like an ecosystem of its own.
+ Hum-hum-hummm-hum. Much of the charm comes from the sound editing and score. With no verbal communication, the characters communicate through mumbles and whistles, which in turn generates a thought bubble for the player to visualise. Hearing a "Yee-hoo" will indicate a positive outcome, and these signals help enhance that required accessibility for younger players.
WHAT I DISLIKED:
- As mentioned, Botanicula plays well for the younger demographic. Adults and/or players who are familiar with point-and-click adventures will find this game far too easy. The puzzles and environmental obstacles on offer could easily be accomplished without a hesitation. Guiding a star through a maze whilst it's being chased by a worm? Simple. Racing ladybugs around a leaf? Done. The lack of challenges makes Botanicula a breeze to complete, with only the familiarisation of each level being the trickiest aspect (although a map is accessible...).
- Save the home tree again? Doubtful. Only a select few point-and-click adventures have replay value, unfortunately Botanicula has none. Once the botanical beings have banished the parasites for good, the game simply ends and can be played again from the start. No chapter select. Easter Eggs can be unlocked if the player interacts with a certain number of creatures, but the reward for doing such a task seems fruitless.
VERDICT:
6/10 botanical organisms
WHAT I LIKED:
+ "So a Physalis, a mushroom, a poppy seed, a twig and a feather walk into a bar...". Much like Amanita Design's previous work, the strength of its environmental adventure is through its zany non-verbal characters, This includes the five protagonists, whom are trying to save the last seed of their home tree from parasitic creatures, and the plethora of fauna they encounter along the way. Each one entirely interactable, either granting the player a valuable item to be used later or simply just to provide some weird nonsensical humour. It supplies the point-and-click quest with an abundance of charm, character and charisma that differentiates itself from other similar titles.
+ A luscious tree brought to life. Amanita's art direction for Botanicula settles for the simplistic, embodying the type of style that was prevalent within browser games of the late noughties, but retains its aesthetic throughout. Considering it was created on Adobe Flash, the design work really shines through. Clear prompts are given as to which direction the botanical protagonists can travel in. Items are importance are highlighted for the player to collect. The wildlife, both in the background and foreground, match the environment that they reside in. Botanicula truly felt like an ecosystem of its own.
+ Hum-hum-hummm-hum. Much of the charm comes from the sound editing and score. With no verbal communication, the characters communicate through mumbles and whistles, which in turn generates a thought bubble for the player to visualise. Hearing a "Yee-hoo" will indicate a positive outcome, and these signals help enhance that required accessibility for younger players.
WHAT I DISLIKED:
- As mentioned, Botanicula plays well for the younger demographic. Adults and/or players who are familiar with point-and-click adventures will find this game far too easy. The puzzles and environmental obstacles on offer could easily be accomplished without a hesitation. Guiding a star through a maze whilst it's being chased by a worm? Simple. Racing ladybugs around a leaf? Done. The lack of challenges makes Botanicula a breeze to complete, with only the familiarisation of each level being the trickiest aspect (although a map is accessible...).
- Save the home tree again? Doubtful. Only a select few point-and-click adventures have replay value, unfortunately Botanicula has none. Once the botanical beings have banished the parasites for good, the game simply ends and can be played again from the start. No chapter select. Easter Eggs can be unlocked if the player interacts with a certain number of creatures, but the reward for doing such a task seems fruitless.
VERDICT:
6/10 botanical organisms