After playing Antichamber back in 2017, I remember looking for another game to fill the void that was my desire for another Escher-esque puzzle game. Someone on Reddit thought that this game, Manifold Garden, was similar. Though the art style of both games ultimately take inspiration from the same paintings, they are completely different in nature.
Yes, they are both wonderful puzzle games. Yes, they are both a bit mind-bending. But Manifold Garden isn't constantly tricking you in the ways that Antichamber does; it's paths are possible, just infinite. It's not nearly as confusing, difficult, nor lengthy, but it's got a lot of other things that make it great.
Manifold Garden is NOT Antichamber. In fact, I think it's outright unfair to compare the two. They're that different. In Manifold Garden, you'll find yourself immersed in beautiful infinitely reaching landscapes, falling between the world alongside a constant ambience.
The puzzles in this game simply consist of cubes, buttons, a gravity-switching mechanic, as well as water a little later on into the game. They're never too difficult; never once did I even consider using a walkthrough, apart from points in my playthrough where I simply didn't know where I was headed or what I was meant to do at all. I kinda wish that the puzzles were more difficult, but regardless, I had a blast with the game.
There is a second playthrough, completely different than the first, that can be done as well. There's tons of hidden paths I never would've discovered on my own that gain this game another level of respect due to how cleverly interwoven each and every level is. I recommend going through this as well; however, keep in mind that this would take a massive amount of time without any proper guidance.
This game is not that long. It took me about 4 hours to finish my first playthrough of the game. This feels like the perfect length; if it went on for any longer, it probably would've felt like too much of a slog. The only issue this may pose is complaints about the price, but remember that this is a beautiful, polished, labor of love that took many years to create. I'd recommend picking it up on sale if you get the chance.
Yes, they are both wonderful puzzle games. Yes, they are both a bit mind-bending. But Manifold Garden isn't constantly tricking you in the ways that Antichamber does; it's paths are possible, just infinite. It's not nearly as confusing, difficult, nor lengthy, but it's got a lot of other things that make it great.
Manifold Garden is NOT Antichamber. In fact, I think it's outright unfair to compare the two. They're that different. In Manifold Garden, you'll find yourself immersed in beautiful infinitely reaching landscapes, falling between the world alongside a constant ambience.
The puzzles in this game simply consist of cubes, buttons, a gravity-switching mechanic, as well as water a little later on into the game. They're never too difficult; never once did I even consider using a walkthrough, apart from points in my playthrough where I simply didn't know where I was headed or what I was meant to do at all. I kinda wish that the puzzles were more difficult, but regardless, I had a blast with the game.
There is a second playthrough, completely different than the first, that can be done as well. There's tons of hidden paths I never would've discovered on my own that gain this game another level of respect due to how cleverly interwoven each and every level is. I recommend going through this as well; however, keep in mind that this would take a massive amount of time without any proper guidance.
This game is not that long. It took me about 4 hours to finish my first playthrough of the game. This feels like the perfect length; if it went on for any longer, it probably would've felt like too much of a slog. The only issue this may pose is complaints about the price, but remember that this is a beautiful, polished, labor of love that took many years to create. I'd recommend picking it up on sale if you get the chance.