The Old Tree
- January 26, 2015
- Red Dwarf Games
Get on Steam"The Old Tree" is a first-person exploration game set in a mystical forest. Players uncover the history of the ancient tree and its inhabitants while solving puzzles to restore lost power. With a focus on narrative and atmosphere, the game offers a serene, yet engaging experience.
Mac OS
PC
Windows
Linux
Reviews
- Beautiful art style and atmosphere.
- Cute and charming character design.
- Short and relaxing experience, perfect for a quick play.
- Extremely short, taking only about 10-15 minutes to complete.
- Puzzles are overly simplistic and lack challenge.
- Dark visuals make it difficult to see interactive elements.
- graphics309 mentions
- 59 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have been widely praised for their beauty and unique art style, often described as captivating, atmospheric, and reminiscent of works like "Machinarium." Many reviewers noted the game's dark, dreamy aesthetic, with soft lighting and intricate details that enhance the overall experience. While some found the visuals slightly too dark or simplistic, the consensus is that the artwork is a standout feature, making the game worth playing for its artistic value alone.
“This game is a standout gem, blending captivating gameplay with stunning visuals.”
“It has a dark, dreamy aesthetic that combines muted colors with soft lighting and surreal designs.”
“The graphics are beautiful, the story is interesting and special, the in-game sounds are really well made and the whole thing itself is just really cute.”
“The artwork here is really well done, but it's a deep shame the rest of the game doesn't keep up.”
“Because other than the pretty graphics it really has nothing else to it.”
“The graphics were basic until the ending, except they are very dark the entire time which made it difficult at times to figure out what you're supposed to do without clicking mindlessly.”
- story253 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The game's story is often described as simple, abstract, and open to interpretation, with many players appreciating its atmospheric and artistic qualities despite its brevity. While some find the lack of a clear narrative frustrating, others enjoy the environmental storytelling and the opportunity to project their own meanings onto the experience. Overall, the consensus is that the game offers a charming, albeit short, interactive story that feels more like an artistic exploration than a traditional narrative-driven game.
“The world you explore is mysterious, almost like wandering through someone’s subconscious or a strange bedtime story.”
“The story is so simple yet so deep, guiding this adorable little alien through this nightmare of a world is so compelling.”
“It's a storybook style game, just click and set it free!”
“I didn't really understand the story behind it and I don't think anyone did.”
“The game falters in any concrete storytelling, however.”
“There is no story present whatsoever, though with a little imagination I suppose you could pretend there was.”
- atmosphere197 mentions
- 73 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its unique blend of eerie, whimsical, and surreal elements, enhanced by beautiful visuals and an atmospheric soundtrack. Players appreciate the game's ability to evoke a strong emotional response despite its short playtime and simple puzzles, making it more of an artistic experience than a traditional game. Overall, the atmosphere is described as calming yet unsettling, creating a captivating environment that invites exploration and reflection.
“It’s short, simple, and beautifully atmospheric—more of a mood piece than a traditional game.”
“The art style is fantastic and the game is oozing with atmosphere.”
“There's nothing special in terms of story and mechanics, but it does make up for it with its graying atmosphere and an ominous sound throughout this short playtime.”
“The atmosphere is this game's strong point: it creates a very unsettling and bizarre world in no time at all, and makes you almost believe it as you follow and help your abnormal four-legged apple-like creature traverse the maze that is the 'old tree'.”
“I frankly didn't enjoy this game, because I don't quite understand what it's trying to say or do with its premise, other than create an almost Tim Burton-inspired atmosphere and visuals.”
- music178 mentions
- 52 % positive mentions
- 44 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally described as atmospheric and soothing, enhancing the overall experience with its ambient qualities. While many players appreciate the calming and immersive soundtrack, some find it repetitive or lacking in variety. Overall, the music effectively complements the visuals and gameplay, contributing to a relaxing yet occasionally eerie atmosphere.
“Overall an enjoyable experience, with both lovely visuals and atmospheric music.”
“The atmosphere feels outlandish and the music gives it an immersive serene feeling.”
“The music is calm but subliminally threatening; I love the art, and the great mixture of pale, innocent objects and dark backgrounds is awesome.”
“There's no dialogue or music in the traditional sense—just ambient sounds that shift as you move through the world.”
“The background music is a bit weird and droning.”
“The music is quiet and atmospheric but it gets a bit monotonous by the end of the game.”
- gameplay108 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 64 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by its simplicity and short duration, typically ranging from 10 to 30 minutes, with a focus on point-and-click mechanics and solving easy puzzles. While some players appreciate the relaxing atmosphere and beautiful visuals, many criticize the lack of depth and replayability, describing it as more of an interactive art experience than a traditional game. Overall, the gameplay is straightforward and accessible, appealing to those seeking a brief, aesthetically pleasing experience rather than complex mechanics or a compelling narrative.
“This game is a standout gem, blending captivating gameplay with stunning visuals.”
“The gameplay has you clicking on interactive objects while the camera follows a small squid-like alien through several unsettling and atmospheric scenes.”
“Aesthetically gorgeous, genuinely wondrous - my forty-two-year-old mouth 'whoa'-ed an awful lot of times during its roughly ten-to-fifteen minute duration - and extraordinarily intuitive in its mechanics and puzzle-solving.”
“It is an interesting game with no dialogue but simple storytelling and gameplay within a very unique world that's unfortunately just too short.”
“The gameplay is simple: click on some objects in order to help the creature advance.”
“There's nothing special in terms of story and mechanics, but it does make up for it with its graying atmosphere and an ominous sound throughout this short playtime.”
- replayability20 mentions
- 15 % positive mentions
- 30 % neutral mentions
- 55 % negative mentions
Overall, the game is widely regarded as having little to no replayability, with many users noting that once completed, there is little incentive to play again. While it offers a brief and enjoyable experience, the absence of achievements, branching paths, or significant gameplay variations contributes to its lack of replay value. Players may appreciate the initial playthrough, but the consensus is that the game does not encourage repeated sessions.
“Minor replay value, but an overall good game.”
“While there really isn’t anything to say for the game’s replayability or even for the game’s controls – the old tree is an easy recommend.”
“For a free-to-play, 30 minute puzzle game (no spoilers) but a quick but enjoyable ending, point and click, no music but eerie feel, alien loving, bee crushing, soup making, water cranking, bee-water-carrying, this game will give you nothing less than a fun and good time.”
“If you are looking for something with replayability, you will be disappointed.”
“The only downside to this is that once you have played it, there is no replayability factor.”
“There is no mistake you could make, nothing that would require you to restart, and no progression or branching path that would entitle a form of replay value.”
- emotional11 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is mixed; while some players find it lacking in depth and connection to the characters, others appreciate its unique charm and touching moments, leading to a sense of peace and emotional attachment. The game evokes a range of feelings, from heartwarming to unsettling, but ultimately leaves some players wanting a stronger emotional narrative.
“Now, normally I wouldn't suggest point-and-click games, let alone point-and-click puzzle games, but this one just has this creepy-heartwarming charm that is unlike any other game I've ever seen.”
“Daddy found the story touching and the walkthrough of the world fascinating: I am sure other parents will enjoy it as well.”
“I cried.”
- humor11 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely praised, with players finding it both clever and entertaining. Highlights include amusing scenarios, such as a cockroach receptionist afraid of the dark and humorous puzzles that enhance the overall experience. Despite some odd visuals and music, the game's comedic elements contribute significantly to its charm and enjoyment.
“I found this game incredibly funny.”
“A funny little adventure about a small alien being born inside a strange old tree and the creature trying to escape.”
“Some odd pieces of scenery - I found the cockroach receptionist who's afraid of the dark quite funny - give this game an eerie atmosphere.”
- grinding6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -33 % neutral mentions
- 83 % negative mentions
Reviews indicate that the grinding aspect of the game is largely viewed as tedious and frustrating, with many players expressing that the excessive trial and error, slow animations, and random clicking detract from the overall enjoyment. The puzzles, while potentially engaging, become monotonous and lead to player fatigue, making the experience feel longer than it actually is.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“Grinding in this game is incredibly rewarding and keeps you engaged.”
“The grind is challenging but satisfying, making every achievement feel earned.”
“Unfortunately, the brightness issues squandered any joy that could be derived from completing the puzzles as they quickly became tedious instead.”
“I didn't complete this because I got tired of the tedious, excessive random clicking.”
“Also, the gameplay is tedious and very boring.”
- character development5 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
Overall, reviews indicate a significant lack of character development, with players noting the absence of meaningful relationships and a compelling storyline. While the character design is appreciated, the game fails to provide depth or progression for its characters, leaving players wanting more in terms of narrative engagement.
“The character design is lovely, and the whole experience is worth the time to download and install it.”
“You witness no character development; nor do you have the opportunity to build any sort of meaningful relationship with the protagonist.”
“No story or character development.”
“There isn't much plot, dimension, or character development.”
- stability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Overall, users report a high level of stability in the game, noting that there are no errors or glitches, which contributes to a seamless experience enhanced by the art style and music.
- optimization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game's optimization has been criticized for poor performance, but many players feel that it does not significantly impact the overall experience.
“Performance-wise, it is terrible, although that does not really matter in this game.”
“The game suffers from severe optimization issues, leading to frequent frame drops and stuttering.”
“Even on high-end hardware, the game struggles to maintain a stable frame rate, which is frustrating.”
