Garten of Banban has taken the internet by storm, particularly on YouTube. This episodic horror game, inspired by creepy mascot characters, promises a thrilling adventure into a nightmarish kindergarten. But is it all sunshine and rainbows, or are the scares more like glitter glue and finger paints? This review dives deep into the good, the bad, and the downright odd of Garten of Banban to help you decide if it’s worth a visit to this unsettling daycare.

What is Garten of Banban?

Developed by Euphoric Brothers, Garten of Banban is a first-person horror adventure game currently available on PC (through Steam), mobile platforms (Android and iOS), and consoles (PlayStation and Nintendo Switch). Released in episodes, the first chapter acts as a free introduction, with subsequent chapters requiring purchase.

The story takes you to the abandoned Banban’s Kindergarten, once a haven for playtime but now shrouded in mystery. The adorable mascots, Banban and his friends, have vanished, replaced by something far more sinister. Your objective? Uncover the truth behind the kindergarten’s darkness and escape with your sanity (hopefully) intact.

The Spooktacular (or Not-So-Spooktacular) Gameplay

Garten of Banban’s gameplay revolves around exploration, puzzle-solving, and avoiding the kindergarten’s monstrous inhabitants. You’ll navigate through a variety of unsettling environments, from classrooms overflowing with forgotten toys to dimly lit hallways echoing with unnerving sounds. Here’s a closer look at the core mechanics:

Exploration: You’ll spend most of your time wandering the unsettling halls of Banban’s Kindergarten. The environments are detailed, capturing the unsettling atmosphere of an abandoned school. However, some criticize the repetitive use of assets, leading to a feeling of sameyness.

Puzzle-Solving: The puzzles are a mixed bag. While some offer a satisfying challenge, others are repetitive or frustratingly illogical. Many rely on collecting and using various items found around the environment.

The Drone: A unique aspect of the game is your trusty remote-controlled drone. This little bot allows you to access areas you can’t reach directly and even distract the monstrous inhabitants. While a neat idea, some find the drone controls clunky and frustrating.

Hide-and-Seek with a Monstrous Twist: Unfortunately, the “monsters” in Garten of Banban are more of a nuisance than a genuine threat. Their predictable AI and lack of variety make the hide-and-seek gameplay feel repetitive after a while. Jumpscares are also plentiful, but many find them predictable and more of an annoyance than a source of terror.

A Spooky Kindergarten with Questionable Design Choices

Garten of Banban has garnered a significant amount of online discussion, and the opinions are far from unanimous. Here’s a breakdown of the positive and negative aspects frequently mentioned in reviews and discussions:

Positives:

Free First Chapter: The free first chapter allows players to try the game before committing to purchasing additional episodes. This is a great way to see if the atmosphere and gameplay resonate with you.

Intriguing Premise: The concept of a haunted kindergarten with creepy mascots is undeniably interesting. It taps into childhood fears and the unsettling nature of abandoned places.

Visual Design: While some find the environments repetitive, others appreciate the detailed recreations of school settings, which effectively create an unsettling atmosphere.

Negatives:

Repetitive Gameplay: The core gameplay loop of exploration, basic puzzles, and predictable hide-and-seek sequences can become monotonous after a while.

Lackluster AI and Jumpy Jumpscares: The “monsters” are more of a nuisance than a genuine threat due to their predictable behavior. Jumpscares are plentiful but often feel cheap and ineffective.

Technical Issues: Some players have reported performance issues, especially on mobile platforms.

Unpolished Presentation: The overall presentation, from character models to animations, can feel rough around the edges.

Is Garten of Banban Worth Your Time?

Whether or not Garten of Banban is worth your time depends on your horror gaming preferences.

If you enjoy:

Atmospheric horror with a creepy setting

Simple exploration and puzzle-solving

Games with a free introductory chapter

Then you might find some enjoyment in Garten of Banban.

However, be prepared for:

Repetitive gameplay mechanics

Predictable scares and enemy behavior

Technical issues (depending on your platform)

If you’re looking for a truly terrifying or innovative horror experience, you might want to look elsewhere. There are many other horror titles that offer a more polished experience with deeper scares.

FAQs

What is Garten of Banban?

Garten of Banban is a first-person horror adventure game with a creepy kindergarten setting. You investigate the disappearance of children from a once-reputable daycare, Banban’s Kindergarten. The game features mascot horror, with the seemingly friendly cartoon characters taking a dark turn.

Is it scary?

Reviews are mixed on the scare factor. Some find the concept unsettling, but many criticize the execution. The game leans more on jump scares than atmospheric dread, and some find them predictable or ineffective.

How long is it?

The first chapter, currently available, is very short. It can be completed in around 15-20 minutes. There are plans for further chapters, but their release date and length are unknown.

Is it any good?

Reviews are mixed to negative. While some find the concept intriguing, many criticize the short playtime, lack of challenge, and repetitive puzzles. The graphics are considered mediocre, and the story feels underdeveloped.

What are the good aspects?

Concept: A creepy kindergarten setting with monstrous mascots is an interesting idea.

Potential: Future chapters could expand the story and gameplay significantly.

What are the bad aspects?

Short playtime: The first chapter is very brief.

Lack of challenge: Puzzles are simple and repetitive.

Uninspired scares: Jump scares feel predictable and fail to build tension.

Mediocre graphics: The visuals are considered average at best.

Underdeveloped story: The first chapter offers minimal lore and leaves many questions unanswered.

Should I buy it?

This depends on your expectations. If you want a short, spooky experience, it might be worth a try on sale. However, if you’re looking for a deep and engaging horror game, you’ll likely be disappointed. There are better horror games available for the price.

Are there any alternatives?

If you enjoy mascot horror, consider titles like Poppy Playtime or Five Nights at Freddy’s. For a more atmospheric horror experience, games like Visage or Amnesia: The Dark Descent are critically acclaimed options.

Is there a mobile version?

Yes, Garten of Banban is available on mobile platforms like iOS and Android.

Is there anything else planned for the game?

The developers plan to release additional chapters expanding the story and gameplay. However, there’s no confirmed release date or details on their length.

Where can I find more information?

You can check the game’s official store page on Steam or the developer’s website. Reviews on platforms like Steam and Youtube can also offer player experiences.

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