Botany Manor on Xbox – No Spoilers
Botany Manor on Xbox – No Spoilers
Lately, we’ve been deep into Far Cry New Dawn. I know, I know—it’s not the latest and greatest, but sometimes you miss a beat and have to circle back to great games. I’ll do a co-op review on that later, but for now, I want to talk about something completely different: Botany Manor.
If you enjoy a challenge with cryptic clues, a touch of mystery, and absolutely stunning surroundings, this game is a must-try. I was actually sad when I finished it!
Set in a grand Victorian manor in 1890s England, you play as botanist Arabella Greene, working to complete her research book, Forgotten Flora. This first-person puzzle game has you exploring the beautifully designed manor, uncovering clues to properly propagate seeds from rare plants.
The manor itself is large and encourages exploration. At times, its layout can be a little confusing, but that just adds to the sense of discovery. Some of the puzzles had me scratching my head, and I found myself circling back to re-read notes and examine objects more than once. But when the pieces finally clicked? Bingo! That “aha!” moment was super satisfying.
The game also touches on the attitudes toward women in the 19th century, which adds depth to the story and feels true to the time period.
I did run into a small issue in the tower (no spoilers!) where I got stuck and couldn’t get out. After checking back a few times, I eventually managed to continue—I’m not sure if a patch fixed it or if it was just a random glitch.
Who is this game for?
If you're looking for fast-paced, gun-blazing action, Botany Manor probably isn’t for you. But if you love a good mystery, enjoy solving puzzles at your own pace, and appreciate a beautifully crafted world, this game is an absolute delight. My only small complaint, when reviewing clues in the book, it doesn’t show you the full item you’ve read, meaning I had to backtrack a few times—especially since I didn’t play it all in one sitting.
Overall, I’d highly recommend Botany Manor, and I can’t wait to see what Balloon Studios & Whitethorn Games do next.
Speaking of flowers and botanical beauty, if you love nature-inspired designs, check out our floral-themed t-shirt in the shop! It’s the perfect way to show off your love for all things botanical 🌿🌸
