This is the first game by Amanita Design that I have played, and wow what an introduction it was. I will preface my review by saying that Botanicula is very light on the gameplay. The puzzles are unlikely to leave you scratching your head, and it's also not particularly long (I beat the game in 3 hours and I was taking my time.) If you want a pure puzzle game that will challenge you, this might not be what you're looking for. As I say in the title, this game was more of an 'experience' (if that sounds pretentious at all I apologize but I think it's the most applicable term.) The world we're presented with here is absolutely intoxicating, full of little critters with charming designs that dance on the border of alien and familiar. The music was a highlight for me (a certain track that plays in the final large area of the game had me in a trance), and it fits the whimsy and unfamiliarity of this place better than anything else I could imagine. There's plenty of moments of bizzare humour, and the tone is never overly cutesy, with several off-colour and even downright creepy places and moments to discover (the nut town was a highlight for me.) The 'most helpful' review on here describes the game as a 'celebration of life' and I cannot think of a more apt description. Every so often you find a game that reminds you of why games, and art in general, are awesome. Botanicula was that for me. I don't know everyone will love this game as much as I do, but I can say with confidence that I think this game will get a genuine smile out of you. Thank you to the creators for this wonderful piece of art.
