Botanicula

Video games overflowing with explosives, T ’n’ A, and action get a gamers’ adrenaline pumping and their hands sweating. But the point-and-click adventure Botanicula is more like a vacation on a tropical island. It’s a relaxing and rejuvenating game that reminds us what life—and games—can be like without the sensory bombardment. Set in a breathtaking mystical woodland, players control five forest friends who solve puzzles to help their fellow creatures while outsmarting a growing threat. From the art direction and sound effects to the creature design and puzzles, everything has a sprinkling of natural magic—reminiscent of what you might see in a Hayao Miyazaki film. There is no dialogue here, so exploration is the key. The creatures, situations and music that you encounter along the way are often hilarious, and you find yourself revisiting completed puzzles as you would an old friend. Botanicula is an imaginative, challenging, adorable and accessible game that dares to strip away the violence and excess. In doing so, it becomes a game that not only benefits our mind and soul, but our blood pressure as well.