I will mostly echo what other reviews have already mentioned. Atmosphere, environments and music is very good. Gameplay, controls and certain graphics less good. Happy to say that the game clocks in at about 10 hours, during which the story is captivating enough to make one push through the slower parts. I don't remember whether I finished Syberia 1&2 back in the day but I remember playing them, but it did not feel like a big loss that I did not remember much about the previous story. Main issue as mentioned is that most gameplay feels like busy-work, with a few puzzles being a bit better than the rest. I used the hint system several times because I couldn't be bothered. There are certainly better puzzle games, but often their story might not be as good. Close to giving this four stars and I might regret only giving three later, but it is the grade that feels most correct at the moment. Would keep an eye out for potential sequels.
Someone compared Strange Horticulture with Papers, Please, which I agree is a good comparison. Main difference is that there are no timers here to consider but solve puzzles and identify plants in your own pace. Very enjoyable and occasionally challlenging. I have only unlocked one ending so might give it another go at a later time. This labour of love makes a fantastic start of 2022 in PC gaming and it might make it to many top-lists when the year is over.
