Screenshots & trailers
Review sentiment over time
Weekly positive-review rate (green) and review volume (bars). Dashed lines mark significant patches; the amber line is the start of the current scoring window. Hover the dots to see what drove a dip or a jump.
How this score was computed
The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.
| Component | Positive | Quality (0-100) | Weight (pseudo-reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press reviews (OpenCritic) | – | 83 | 74 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 95% | 90 | 780 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | – | 0 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 95% | 89 | 1033 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Acclaim gate: the raw blend lands at 88.8, but scores above 88 must be earned in front of a mass audience; this verdict rests on 1,559 player reviews, a largely self-selected fanbase. As more players weigh in, the ceiling rises (full scale unlocks at 100,000 reviews).
Scoring window: since the last significant patch (Apr 13, 2024) · 300 reviews sampled · 1033 total reviews in window · weighted 122.2 up / 3.4 down · computed 2h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (50)
Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.
- 80
“Botany Manor is a beautiful game that caters to anyone with a love of horticulture, science, or mystery. It’s also an important game, one that tells an effective story about the resilience of women, past, present, and future. In terms of quality, the game delivers. However, at its $24.99 asking price, the three- to four-hour experience (five if you hunt for achievements) may leave you wanting. Thankfully, the game launches day one on Game Pass, and it is the perfect way to spend an afternoon or two. Whether you pay to play or you subscribe to vibe, Botany Manor deserves a look. Bring the brains, and it’ll bring the seeds, the planters, and the heart.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“A fun and pretty puzzle game. Not among the best ones in this genre, but still well worth of your time.”
read full review ↗ - 100
“I never truly felt lost while playing, even if some of the puzzles didn’t make complete sense right away, it just meant that I had some more exploring to do! The constant rotation of discovering a new seed, determining the correct clues that fit the growing conditions, and producing a magical dream-like plant never felt monotonous. Despite my small issue with motion sickness, Botany Manor was still a delightful experience and left me wanting more seeds to discover and cultivate. I encourage you to try the game whether you are a puzzle game lover or not, as the cozy aesthetic outweighs the challenge of the hardest puzzle- which truly isn't that stressful!”
read full review ↗ - 85
“Botany Manor is a charming, atmospheric game that combines logic puzzles with a relaxing experience set in a picturesque Old English setting. Thanks to its creative challenges and a compelling story about overcoming obstacles, the game will win over many fans who appreciate its deeper meaning and aesthetic quality. The game offers creative and entertaining puzzles that, while not overly challenging, are still a pleasant mental exercise. Botany Manor proves that even small projects can deliver great experiences.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“It looks like The Witness and it plays a bit like StreetPass Garden, but Botany Manor blooms into something that's not only entirely its own, but also something quite special. Don't let its cosy aesthetics fool you - Botany Manor is packed with nicely challenging, well-designed puzzles, and isn't afraid to tackle heavy subjects, too.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Botany Manor is one of truest cozy games I've run into, and not in all the most obvious ways you'd imagine. It promotes accessibility in every definition of the word, it showcases that puzzle difficulty does not define puzzle satisfaction, and it does it all while telling a powerfully defiant narrative. It at times leans into too cozy for its own good and its laidback vibes may not be for everyone, but if you're the type to be happy to watch a breeze wash over a field of flowers for a couple of hours, Botany Manor may just be the game for you.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Between its great pacing, breezy atmosphere, and more, Botany Manor shows Balloon Studios has a green thumb for game design.”
read full review ↗ - 86
“An interesting mix of botanical rejuvenation, exploration, and problem solving”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Botany Manor is a colorful exploration game with clever puzzles to solve and an intriguing narrative to back it up. With each problem solved I felt gratified and smart for putting together the right clues and reading between the lines. The environmental storytelling and the relaxing atmosphere made me want to explore every nook and cranny of the manor.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Botany Manor has a lot going for it. The puzzles are fun and engaging, but never frustrating. Due to the really brief length alone, Botany Manor falls just short of being something truly extraordinary.”
read full review ↗ - 83
“Botany Manor can easily be completed in a day. While this may seem short and the linear story of Botany Manor might mean there is little replay value, the beauty and relaxing nature of the game will bring me back wherever I am craving a stroll through a beautiful English garden.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“In the era of difficult and challenging games, it's sometimes great to experience something serenely beautiful as a counterbalance. Botany Manor grows flowers with a puzzle-like approach, and it does not offer anything very surprising, but it does everything it promises with admirable professionalism.”
read full review ↗
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Patch history
- Patch 1.0.3Apr 17, 2024
- Patch 1.0.2Apr 13, 2024significant · resets scoring window
- Small Launch PatchApr 9, 2024