Strange Horticulture
" Atmospheric occult adventure with rich puzzles and story, but slow-paced gameplay "
Strange Horticulture Review
Strange Horticulture offers a unique blend of occult mystery and cozy shop simulation, where players assume the role of a quiet apothecary in a gloomy, rain-soaked town. The gameplay revolves around identifying plants using a detailed encyclopedia, solving puzzles, and making moral choices that influence multiple story endings. The game is praised for its rich atmospheric worldbuilding, handcrafted elegant interface, and smart, rewarding puzzle design that encourages patience and careful observation. Players engage in a tactile detective experience, piecing together eldritch secrets and town gossip from behind their shop desk.
However, the game’s slow pace and repetitive core loop of plant identification and delivery may not appeal to everyone. Some players found the interface cluttered and the plant sorting system cumbersome, especially as the collection grows. Occasional vague clues can lead to frustrating stalls without a built-in hint system. Despite these issues, the game’s immersive story, multiple endings, and relaxing gothic ambiance make it a satisfying experience for fans of thoughtful puzzle games and mysteries.
Highlights
Players highly praise the engaging and tactile plant identification mechanics, which combine detective work with puzzle-solving. The game’s atmospheric and richly detailed world is lauded for its gothic, cozy vibe and immersive storytelling. The branching narrative with multiple endings adds replay value, and the elegant, handcrafted interface enhances player interaction. Additionally, the inclusion of map-based puzzles and a soothing soundtrack complement the overall experience, making it both relaxing and intellectually stimulating.
Criticisms
Common criticisms focus on the slow and repetitive gameplay loop, with many players feeling the plant identification process becomes tedious over time. The interface and inventory management are often described as cluttered and difficult to organize, leading to frustration. Some players also note that the story’s presentation relies heavily on text, lacking visual dramatization during key moments, which diminishes emotional impact. Additionally, the limited variety in music and occasional vague or cryptic clues can hinder progress and reduce overall engagement.
Pros
- • Engaging tactile detective work with detailed plant identification puzzles.
- • Unique blend of occult mystery and cozy shopkeeping simulation.
- • Rich, atmospheric worldbuilding that draws players into the story.
- • Multiple branching story paths with meaningful player choices.
- • Smart puzzle design rewarding observation and patience.
- • Elegant, handcrafted interface that enhances immersion.
- • Relaxing gothic ambiance with fitting soundtrack and visuals.
Cons
- • Slow-paced gameplay may feel tedious or repetitive to some players.
- • Inventory and plant sorting system can become cluttered and frustrating.
- • Story presentation relies heavily on text, lacking visual dramatization.
- • Limited music variety can become monotonous over extended play.
- • Occasional vague or cryptic clues may stall player progress.
- • Plant identification sometimes too simple or underdeveloped.
- • Lack of in-game hint system can lead to player frustration.
Rating Criteria
Strange Horticulture is an occult puzzle game in which you play as the proprietor of a local plant store. Find and identify new plants, pet your cat, speak to a coven, or join a cult. Use your collection of powerful plants to influence the story and unravel Undermere’s dark mysteries.
