In this article, we’re taking a close look at two mobile (Android/iPhone) games: Down in Bermuda and The Gardens Between. Both are puzzle games that will challenge your wits and intellect and also help you have fun. Again, both place you on an island where you have to solve puzzles in order to progress through the game and the story. And both do it in a different way.
Down in Bermuda, you’re a pilot who gets lost in the Bermuda Triangle (ain’t that a cliche), ultimately ending up at this mysterious and beautiful archipelago. The goal of the game is to escape.
In the Gardens Between, on the other hand, you get to manipulate time and explore memories (some beautiful, some bittersweet) and use those memory fragments of the past to leave.
Let’s get into a short, deep dive into one and then the other to see what they’re all about!
Lost and Found in the Mysteries of Down in Bermuda
Developed by Yak & Co, Down in Bermuda is an exciting game that combines exploration, colorful elements, and clever puzzles. It is also a well-researched fact that puzzle games have a positive effect on our brain activity and attention, which is a bonus benefit. It’s available on both Android and iOS, as well as Windows, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Mac, and tvOS (meaning you get to even play it on your TV).
The game follows Milton, who is a pilot who ends up stranded on a mysterious island after his plane crashes in the Bermuda Triangle. Of course, it all starts out as Milton just trying to survive (AND escape), but that quickly turns into a mission to uncover the hidden secrets across various islands.
As you play and make progress, you go from island to island, and each is unique in its own way. You tap on the objects to interact with things around you, unlock doors, and solve puzzles that range from easy-peasy to delightfully complex. The whole gameplay blends puzzles with exploration, and as you collect stars and orbs to unlock new areas, you discover the story behind Milton’s journey. Each of the six islands looks different and has its own challenges, so it feels fresh and new the entire time. The soundtrack compliments the game without being overpowering; it’s calming and pleasant.
As far as the puzzles go, it’s really clever how they’re integrated into the environment. You’ll stumble upon switches and mechanisms to create an immersive, organic gameplay. In one section, you manipulate water levels to get to hidden paths, and in another, you adjust gears and levers to find secret passages.
It’s not strictly a water puzzle game, but it does have many water-themed elements within the puzzles. A seemingly endless ocean surrounds you, so that has to count for something; plus, the feel of the game is very tranquil and soothing and helps you feel relaxed.
You’ll need both logical thinking and observation to solve the puzzles, but you won’t feel overwhelmed. It’s not a very long game that you’ll play forever because there are only so many islands to explore, but it’s a very refreshing take on a puzzle game, and it’s highly unlikely you won’t enjoy it.
Timeless Bonds in The Gardens Between
The other game that is being reviewed today is The Gardens Between. It’s developed by The Voxel Agents and takes you on a different kind of journey – through memories and friendship. The game’s available for Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch, PS4 & 5, Xbox One, Windows, Linux, Google Stadia, and Mac (so, if you’re not into mobile games, it isn’t one, technically speaking). It follows two friends, Arina and Frendt, who explore a series of surreal islands that are filled with oversized objects from their past.
You don’t control the characters directly; instead, you control time and move it forward and backward to help them solve puzzles and uncover memories from experiences they’ve shared together. Talk about originality!
Each island is a different memory, and it has familiar objects, like board games and garden tools, but they get new meanings as you piece the story together. The puzzles are straightforward but very creative, and as you control the way time flows, you help Arina and Frendt navigate through these dreamlike worlds and reveal pieces of their past.
The game’s style is minimalistic, with soft colors and gentle lighting. It goes perfectly with the theme and gives the game a warm, nostalgic feel. The music is subtle and calming and you’ll feel relaxed after having played the game. The music enhances the emotional impact, but it won’t distract you from solving puzzles. The total game time is not too long – approximately 3 hours. But it’ll be enough to immerse yourself into the story and be captivated.
Conclusion
Can’t decide which one to play first? No biggie – get both! They’re both puzzle games, but they’re different enough that it makes sense to play both. Down in Bermuda throws you into a mysterious island adventure, while The Gardens Between takes you on an emotional ride through time and memory. Each has its own take on exploration and discovery, and they’ll have you thinking long after the last puzzle piece falls into place.
