Garten of Banban

About

Garten of Banban is a single player casual action adventure game with horror, fantasy, mystery and thriller themes. It was developed by MBM Studio and was released on January 6, 2023. It received neutral reviews from players.

"Garten of Banban" is a rhythm game where players help Banban maintain his garden by planting and watering flowers to the beat of catchy tunes. With a variety of modes, achievements, and over 30 songs, it offers a fun and engaging music experience for players of all skill levels. The game also features colorful graphics and a whimsical atmosphere, making it a delightful addition to any rhythm game fan's library.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

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54%

Audience ScoreBased on 7,729 reviews

gameplay86 positive mentions

monetization68 negative mentions

The game is free, making it accessible for everyone to try.
The unique character designs and whimsical atmosphere provide a charming experience.
The puzzles, while simple, can be engaging and fun to solve.

The game is very short, often completed in under 30 minutes.
Graphics and lighting issues make it difficult to see and navigate.
The gameplay mechanics, especially the drone control, are clunky and frustrating.

gameplay
504 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
17%
68%
15%
The gameplay of "Garten of Banban" has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with many players criticizing its clunky mechanics, poor optimization, and lack of engaging content. Common complaints include the repetitive nature of tasks, a frustrating drone mechanic, and a general sense of unoriginality, often comparing it unfavorably to other horror games like "Poppy Playtime." While some players found moments of enjoyment, the overall consensus is that the gameplay is shallow, poorly executed, and fails to deliver a satisfying experience.
- “The gameplay mechanics are meticulously designed, striking a perfect balance between accessibility and depth, ensuring that both casual players and seasoned gamers can enjoy the experience.”
- “The gameplay itself is surprisingly engaging.”
- “Garten of Banban emerges as a delightful and enchanting entry in the realm of indie horror games, capturing the imagination with its whimsical visuals, creative gameplay, and captivating narrative.”
- “The gameplay is just a walking simulator with just a simple chase; no gameplay, click buttons on areas, that's it.”
- “The gameplay is extremely clunky; it's usually not at all clear what the player is supposed to actually do.”
- “The gameplay loop of Garten of Banban is as follows: guide around a slow-ass drone with horrible hitboxes and make it slam into buttons, solve insultingly easy puzzles, and run from some stupid-looking monster.”
story
383 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
19%
70%
11%
The story of "Garten of Banban" has received mixed reviews, with many players criticizing it for being vague, underdeveloped, and lacking coherence. While some appreciate the potential for deeper lore and environmental storytelling, others find the narrative simplistic and unengaging, often comparing it unfavorably to other horror games. Overall, the game appears to struggle with delivering a compelling story, leaving players divided on its effectiveness and depth.
- “The storytelling, subtle and intriguing, is something that stays with you long after the game is over, and that’s not something I expected from a game so short.”
- “The narrative of Garten of Banban is as captivating as its visuals, weaving a story that is both heartwarming and intriguing.”
- “As I delved deeper into the dark secrets of the garden, I was constantly surprised by the twists and turns the story took, leaving me hungry for more.”
- “The story is confusing and almost non-existent.”
- “The game tries to force story into it but it just doesn't make any sense and isn't compelling in the slightest.”
- “The first chapter of this game and the chapters following it seem to have little to no effort put into the story and/or gameplay.”
graphics
348 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
22%
65%
13%
The graphics of "Garten of Banban" have received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with many players describing them as poor, outdated, and reminiscent of early 2000s games or even Roblox. Issues such as lag, low resolution, and lack of optimization have been frequently mentioned, leading to a frustrating experience for many users. While a few players appreciated the whimsical art style, the consensus is that the visuals significantly detract from the overall gameplay experience.
- “The game's graphics push the boundaries of what is possible, delivering an unparalleled visual feast.”
- “The graphics are breathtaking, with meticulously crafted environments that truly immerse me in the eerie atmosphere of the game.”
- “Garten of banban features high quality graphics, unique elaborated gameplay and a fresh look at the story with tons of secrets to find.”
- “Honestly the worst game I have ever played. Before even starting the game, it was lagging in the menu, and then I got into the game expecting decent graphics to accommodate for the poor FPS, and it was horrible. It looked like a VHS cutscene in a horror game, and even after turning down my graphics, it still struggled to run 60 frames. Poppy Playtime has better graphics and still runs better.”
- “The graphics are unbelievably bad, and the game has zero optimization. I had to play at minimum graphics.”
- “The visuals are some of the worst I've ever seen in a horror title. From poor graphics and design to terrible game mechanics and uninspired level design, it is clear that the developers of this game put little effort into creating a unique experience.”
humor
191 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
98%
2%
The humor in "Garten of Banban" is a standout feature, with many players finding the game hilariously absurd and entertaining despite its flaws. The character designs, particularly the "funny bird," and the game's overall execution evoke laughter, often described as "so bad it's funny." While some players criticize the game for its lack of genuine horror, they appreciate the comedic moments and absurdity, making it a fun experience, especially when played with friends.
- “This game is the most hilarious and stupid thing I have ever played in my life, but it's also so amazing. This game is so fun but so bad and hilarious.”
- “It's an experience so baffling, so hilariously bad, it loops back around into being avant-garde.”
- “The quirky interactions with the various characters and the cleverly crafted dialogues provided a welcome reprieve from the tension, and I found myself chuckling at times even in the midst of my terror.”
- “This game is awful and unfunny in almost every way imaginable.”
- “Not funny, didn't laugh.”
- “You're not funny!”
emotional
97 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
99%
1%
The emotional aspect of "Garten of Banban" resonates deeply with players, eliciting a wide range of feelings from joy and laughter to sadness and nostalgia. Many reviewers highlight the game's ability to create strong emotional connections through its characters and narrative, often describing experiences that left them in tears or filled with warmth. Overall, the game is praised for its heartfelt storytelling and immersive emotional journey, making it a memorable experience for many players.
- “Emotionally devastating perfection.”
- “But what truly made Garten of Banban 1 stand out for me was how it made me feel.”
- “The emotional highs and lows, the moments of quiet contemplation amidst the chaos, create a symphony of fear that resonates long after the credits roll.”
- “Not very scary with a boring story.”
atmosphere
87 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
45%
44%
11%
The atmosphere of the game is a polarizing aspect among players, with many praising its rich, immersive qualities that evoke a sense of dread and mystery, particularly through effective sound design and visual elements. However, some critics argue that the atmosphere falls flat due to predictable scares, poor design choices, and a lack of tension, leading to a mixed reception overall. While fans of horror appreciate the chilling and engaging environment, others feel it fails to deliver a truly terrifying experience.
- “From the very first moment, you’re swept into its enchanting world, where the atmosphere is rich with mystery, and every corner holds something unexpected.”
- “The game's atmosphere is masterfully crafted, with a sense of dread and unease that permeates every corner of the mysterious kindergarten.”
- “This game is amazing, the atmosphere is unbelievably gorgeous, the character designs are so unique and special, and the gameplay is impeccable and straight to the point.”
- “The atmosphere is flat, the scares are predictable, and the design choices are baffling.”
- “I may be easily scared in other horror games, but in this game, it failed to deliver a great scare due to lack of tension, terrible jumpscares, bad character design, and weak atmosphere.”
- “No scares to be found, the signposting is bad, the atmosphere is nonexistent, the drone bugged out on me when I needed it.”
monetization
72 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
3%
3%
94%
The monetization aspect of the game has been heavily criticized, with many users labeling it as a blatant cash grab aimed at children, featuring aggressive marketing for sequels and merchandise from the outset. Reviewers express frustration over the lack of quality and effort in the game's design, suggesting that it prioritizes profit over gameplay experience. Overall, the consensus is that the game exploits popular trends in the indie horror genre without delivering meaningful content.
- “Most importantly, there are no microtransactions or monetization of any kind; it's all just completely free.”
- “With most of the completely free-to-play games (meaning games that do not have an in-app purchase system) I've played, I believe it's free, so get it and give it a try... it doesn't cost you anything.”
- “This game is a blatant cash grab which terribly rips off games (that I semi-sadly have to call better), Poppy Playtime and Rainbow Friends (which is also terrible but I'd rather keep this shitshow of a review somewhat on the rails).”
- “In conclusion, this game has no gameplay value, no real thought put into the design, and ultimately is just a cash grab to exploit kids.”
- “It's such an obvious cash grab and I would rather cut my balls than play this game again.”
music
70 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
23%
68%
9%
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some praising its enchanting and whimsical qualities that enhance the atmosphere, while others criticize it for being either ineffective or repetitive. Many players appreciate the sound design and how it contributes to the overall experience, though some feel it lacks the tension typically expected in horror games. Overall, the soundtrack is seen as a significant aspect that can either elevate or detract from the gameplay, depending on individual preferences.
- “The soundtrack is filled with enchanting and whimsical music that complements the game’s visuals and narrative.”
- “The combination of music and sound effects helps to establish the game’s unique atmosphere, making each moment of gameplay feel vibrant and alive.”
- “The musical score is a symphony of emotions, enhancing the immersive experience with its evocative melodies.”
- “The soundtrack is horrendous to listen to.”
- “The music tried to build tension, but it wasn't enough to make it scary.”
- “You can see just as well as going outside at noon, and the absolute lack of soundtrack just makes it feel dull.”
optimization
63 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
5%
51%
44%
The game's optimization is widely criticized, with many players reporting severe performance issues, including low frame rates, crashes, and graphical glitches, even on capable hardware. Reviewers note that the game feels unfinished and poorly designed, with unnecessary complexity in models and lighting that exacerbate performance problems. Overall, the consensus is that the game is unplayable for many due to its lack of optimization, despite being a free title.
- “Optimization (make use of LOD systems, so my PC doesn't have to suffer for no reason)”
- “Not as well-optimized as it could be, but it is a free game so I won't complain too harshly about that.”
- “I love how the models are simple and totally optimized with only the amount necessary of polygons, and the game in general too, very optimized.”
- “This game is so poorly optimized that it crashed due to memory issues, lmao. Also, why is it so damn dark????”
- “The game has the worst optimization that exists, literally worse than Five Nights at Freddy’s: Security Breach.”
- “The optimization is horribly done and is the complete opposite of what the developers mentioned in the requirements section.”
character development
50 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
14%
54%
32%
Character development in this game has been widely criticized for its lack of depth and creativity, with many reviewers describing the character designs as bland, uninspired, and poorly executed. While some appreciate the playful art direction, the overall consensus is that the characters fail to evoke any memorable qualities or emotional engagement, detracting from the game's potential horror elements. The reviews suggest that the character designs are more of a cash grab than a thoughtful contribution to the game's narrative or atmosphere.
- “The storytelling is so well done, the character design is phenomenal, and I constantly look forward to the next installment of the BanBan series.”
- “Beyond her physical appearance, Opelia Bird’s character design reflects an underlying narrative depth.”
- “As well as interesting character designs that challenge the imagination and stimulate the mind!”
- “The character designs are the definition of uninspired and lazy.”
- “The character designs are all bland, generic monster designs consisting of one or two colors that look like they were drawn by a kindergartner.”
- “There was clearly no effort put into this game, no lore, bad character design, bad performance.”
grinding
47 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
68%
32%
The reviews overwhelmingly indicate that grinding in the game is excessively tedious and time-consuming, with many players feeling it requires an unrealistic investment of time. Puzzles and gameplay mechanics are often described as slow and frustrating, detracting from the overall enjoyment. Many users express that the grinding feels shallow and unoriginal, leading to a lack of engagement and fun.
- “Grinding out small and useless little games for the sake of getting money off children who don't know any better.”
- “It’s not really fun and it’s tedious to play through; chapter 2 seems like it would be amazing with some more polishing. Every chapter looks like they are in testing and shouldn’t have to be paid for in that condition.”
- “As for the sequels, don't bother buying them; I've watched enough gameplay videos to know that it's more of the same, but with longer, more tedious tasks to get your playtime up.”
stability
38 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
5%
95%
The game is widely criticized for its numerous bugs and glitches, leading to a frustrating experience for many players. While some users found aspects of the game enjoyable, the overall consensus is that it suffers from significant stability issues, including unresponsive mechanics and inconsistent collision detection. A few players reported a smoother experience, but these instances appear to be the exception rather than the rule.
- “The game isn't buggy and ran somewhat well, at least for me, so there's at least one thing that isn't terrible about this game.”
- “Unresponsive, buggy mess.”
- “Never before have I played something that was so buggy, so stupid, and so rushed to get attention.”
- “Extremely buggy, broken textures, horrible monsters.”
replayability
12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
34%
33%
The reviews on replayability are mixed, with some players praising the addictive nature and variety of challenges that encourage multiple playthroughs, while others criticize the lack of memorable content and overall replay value, deeming it low or nonexistent. While some chapters are noted for their engaging gameplay, others feel like a cash grab with minimal incentive to replay. Overall, the game's replayability seems to vary significantly among players, with opinions ranging from highly positive to extremely negative.
- “Developed by the geniuses at Euphoric Brothers, this series starts with the free Chapter 1 on Steam (yes, free – what are you waiting for?!) and spirals into eight chapters (count 'em: 1 through 8, with Chapter 8: Anti Devil being the pinnacle of gaming achievement at 88% very positive!). Each chapter builds on the last, delivering hours of heart-pounding, pants-wetting terror that's somehow addictive and replayable forever!”
- “Amazing game full of fun and replayable levels. My favorite is level 24; the amount of puzzles is just so amazing and challenging, and the variety is out of this world.”
- “10/10 replayability!”
- “As a result, by the time the game finished, the replay value had dropped to 0.”
- “You get an hour or two of playtime, with little replayability, with the chapters normally costing about $10.”
- “I will say that it's fun for the first few plays, but there's no replay value after that.”