Editor Reviews

Garten of Banban 2 picks up right where the first one ended—inside the eerie, broken-down Banban's Kindergarten. It doesn't waste time with a backstory recap; it just drops you back into the abandoned school halls, where things feel even more off. The colors might be bright, but nothing about this place is friendly. It's lonelier and more twisted; the deeper you go, the worse it gets.

The level design opens up in this sequel. In the first game, you felt boxed in. There's more space, more rooms, and a stronger sense of place here. The elevator scene at the start sets the tone—you're going down, literally and figuratively. This game doesn't rely on traditional horror jump scares either; it utilizes space and silence effectively. The unsettling quiet, followed by a strange thump somewhere offscreen, carries more weight than a screamer.

Puzzles have improved. They're not hard, but they require more thought than before. You'll be using your drone again, and while the controls are still a bit clunky, the drone's importance is better balanced. You're not just hitting buttons—it plays a part in the environment, like opening doors or solving puzzles that require some timing.

Characters in this sequel are more distinct. The new monsters feel less like mascots and more like characters with strange motivations. Stinger Flynn and Sheriff Toadster are weird in the right way, and their appearances add layers to the story. You're unsure if they're friend or foe, which adds to the tension.

The horror works here by creating a sense of constant unease. The game uses silence, pacing, and environment to build tension rather than relying on cheap tricks. You’ll often feel watched even when nothing’s happening—rare for a game this compact.

The storytelling leans on visual clues and environmental design. Graffiti, scattered notes, and subtle set pieces tell parts of a larger mystery. It rewards curious players who enjoy piecing things together and adds more personality to the world without spelling everything out.

How to Play?

Step 1: Launch the game and tap “Start.” You’ll begin in Banban’s Kindergarten, which looks quiet but hides creepy surprises. You’re playing as a parent looking for your missing child.

Step 2: Use the on-screen joystick to navigate around. Interact with glowing objects to unlock doors or read notes. Many notes reveal what happened at the facility or give hints for puzzles.

Step 3: Use the drone. It's controlled via buttons on your screen, and you can press buttons that are out of reach. To use it, tap the drone icon and point it to a glowing drone switch.

Step 4: Solve the puzzles in each room to progress. Some puzzles involve color matching, finding keycards, or triggering buttons in the right order. Clues are usually nearby or written down.

Step 5: Be cautious of the creatures. They appear at different times and usually signify danger. If someone is chasing you, follow visual cues or signs quickly. If you die, you restart near the last checkpoint.

Step 6: Pay attention to item collection. You'll often need colored keycards, batteries, or symbols to continue. Items are usually hidden on shelves, behind doors, or in corners.

Step 7: Use sound cues. Sometimes, you'll hear things before you see them. Footsteps or strange noises can give you a heads-up before a creature appears.

Step 8: Keep moving forward and check all rooms. The game mixes exploration with short bursts of tension. There’s no combat—just survival and puzzle-solving.