Hidden Memories of The Gardens Between is a heartfelt, nostalgic journey that brings the award-winning 2018 indie puzzler into the world of virtual reality. While it doesn’t reinvent the original, it delivers a fresh perspective that feels both familiar and touching — especially for those who value story-driven experiences in VR.
In this review, we’ll explore how the VR adaptation stacks up, the new features added, and whether it’s worth revisiting Arina and Frendt’s emotional story in this mixed reality remake.
A Beautifully Emotional Tale Returns in VR
If you’ve played the original The Gardens Between on flatscreen, Hidden Memories feels more like a thoughtful expansion than a direct sequel. Set decades after the original events, the story quickly returns to the familiar bond between childhood best friends Arina and Frendt, inviting players once again into a dreamlike world filled with surreal imagery and time-based puzzles.
Rather than rehash the same exact experience, the game adds a new introduction and collectible elements — but most of the emotional weight still comes from the original journey. Even though the core storyline hasn’t changed much, experiencing it in VR breathes new life into the tale.
A Unique Time-Manipulation Puzzle Mechanic
At its core, Hidden Memories of The Gardens Between is a third-person puzzle game with a unique twist: you don’t control the characters directly. Instead, you manipulate time by moving your hand left (to rewind) or right (to move forward), guiding Arina and Frendt along pre-determined paths through visually stunning environments.
Each floating island functions like a surreal childhood memory, mixing oversized everyday objects — like popcorn bowls, sofas, and bicycles — into dreamlike landscapes. The puzzles evolve as you progress, and your main objective remains simple: transport a glowing pink orb to a portal using a lantern. However, various obstacles such as dark clouds or orb-draining flowers add layers of challenge that make you think carefully about timing and sequence.
Designed for VR – Mixed Results
The VR implementation is thoughtful but not without its flaws. The hand-tracking system works well, with pinch gestures feeling intuitive for item interaction. You can also use motion controllers, making it accessible for a wide range of players. Impressively, it’s even playable one-handed — a big win for accessibility.
The biggest VR addition is the ability to rotate each level like a diorama, giving players new angles and perspectives. This design cleverly supports mixed reality on the Meta Quest 3, blending virtual scenes with your real environment. While this doesn’t directly impact gameplay, it enhances immersion.
However, the Quest 3 version isn’t perfect. Visual clarity takes a hit, with noticeable resolution drops up close and occasional jarring black borders when you move outside the stationary play area. We previewed the game on Steam but haven’t tested the full PC VR version yet, which may improve visual fidelity.
Puzzles That Range from Satisfying to Frustrating
The puzzle design in Hidden Memories starts strong, gradually ramping up complexity. Early levels are intuitive and relaxing, perfectly matching the game’s tone. But mid-way through, some puzzles can become vague or unintuitive, leaving you stuck and frustrated rather than intrigued. While most solutions follow a clear logic, a few moments break that rhythm, leading to trial and error rather than satisfying discovery.
New Collectibles Add Minimal Replay Value
One of the few new features is the addition of collectible items hidden in each level. These items unlock new diary scenes that add background to Arina and Frendt’s friendship. Some collectibles require playful experimentation — like unwrapping a chocolate bar to find a hidden ticket — which adds a bit of charm. Still, the reward for collecting them is minimal, and unless you’re a completionist, you might not feel compelled to find them all.
Short But Impactful – A VR Experience Worth Considering
Clocking in at around 3–4 hours, Hidden Memories doesn’t overstay its welcome. Its brevity is part of its charm — offering a concise, emotional journey that taps into childhood nostalgia and the bittersweet nature of growing up.
While the VR transition doesn’t fully hide its flatscreen roots, and the resolution and occasional frustrating puzzles may hold it back from greatness, Hidden Memories of The Gardens Between remains a genuinely moving indie gem. It’s perfect for VR players looking for something reflective, emotional, and unique.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth Playing?
Hidden Memories of The Gardens Between isn’t a revolutionary VR game, but it’s a heartfelt one. If you’re looking for a relaxing puzzle adventure that tugs at your emotions and shows what VR can do with atmosphere and storytelling — this is a great pick.
🎮 Pros:
- Emotionally resonant, wordless story
- Gorgeous, surreal environments
- Relaxing and intuitive time-manipulation mechanics
- Great hand-tracking and accessibility options
- Mixed reality support is a nice touch
⚠️ Cons:
- Not designed natively for VR
- Quest 3 visuals lack sharpness
- Some puzzles feel more frustrating than fun
- Minimal new content for returning players
Where To Play
- Platforms: Meta Quest 3 (Mixed Reality Supported), SteamVR (PC VR)
- Developer: The Voxel Agents
- Genre: VR Puzzle / Adventure
- Estimated Playtime: 3–4 hours
