Gardens Inc. 4: Blooming Stars Collector's Edition > iPad, iPhone, Android, Mac & PC Game

Overall rating

5 / 5

156 of 210 found this review helpful

Reality TV Superstars

PostedJanuary 30, 2016

pennmom36

fromShould Jill be hang gliding in her condition?

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Top Reviewer

Skill Level:Expert

Current Favorite:

Phantasmat Collector's Edition

(100)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Jill and Mike are on their way to becoming international reality TV gardening superstars! They are filming a TV show around the world as they create beautiful gardens for all to enjoy. Jill and Mike are about to become parents, so the money they earn will help them create the perfect room for their much anticipated bundle of joy. Being a TV star however has made them a target, and during an ...Show more

Jill and Mike are on their way to becoming international reality TV gardening superstars! They are filming a TV show around the world as they create beautiful gardens for all to enjoy. Jill and Mike are about to become parents, so the money they earn will help them create the perfect room for their much anticipated bundle of joy. Being a TV star however has made them a target, and during an interview on the Very Late Show, someone as managed to nab the parents to be! It's a little difficult for the show to go on without these gardening superstars, who would do such a thing and why?

Gardens Inc. never disappoints, and this fourth episode has many new features as well as the features that make this game fantastic, building beautiful gardens and choosing which flowers to plant. Each level has a Bonus Goal such as building two identical gardens, making adjacent garden different or planting as many different flowers as you can. Each level has a chest, some of which are hidden, which contain extra coins, and you can earn 500 extra coins for each Mole you click on that pops up in random areas. You can earn trophies in Gold, Silver or Bronze in Timed and Expert modes, Relaxed mode rewards you with only Gold trophies, but you earn less coins, and the Expert mode is more difficult to obtain level goals. If you beat the Developer's Score you earn more coins as well, and eventually you will receive Bonus Star Icons that will make the workers Run Faster, make them work faster or produce resources quicker.

The Coins you earn are used to remodel the baby's room, with new flooring, wallpaper, cribs, rugs and toys, but in my opinion, the choices are all ugly and unappealing. The feature that make this game unique are the fact that you can switch some buildings to produce an alternate type of resource, such as stones, tools, or seeds, and when you plant gardens, you get to choose from several different types and colors of plants, and you can change them at anytime,

This Collector's Edition offers Wallpapers, 35 Coin Chests, 60 Achievement Trophies, Pop up Moles to catch (if you catch at least one mole in each level, you will earn a Trophy) 10 Bonus Episodes (45 Regular episodes) and a built in Walkthrough Strategy Guide. Personally I see no need for the "extras" in a TM Strategy game, so for me personally I will wait for the Standard Edition to be released, enjoy! Show less

I recommend this game!

+102points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

46 of 62 found this review helpful

Grab the rubber boots and start

PostedJanuary 31, 2016

Gamesetter

Skill Level:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management, Match 3, Strategy, Brain Teaser

Current Favorite:

Mind Snares: Alice's Journey

(60)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Based on complete playthrough

While Jill is expecting a baby, the Gardens Inc. crew gets the chance to do a reality show. Of course not without some complications, surprises and the need of beeing gardeners and detective same time.

Players of the former Gardens Inc. Games will not only meet old friends, buildings and of course the bonus task with word riddle again, but will also encounter new ...Show more

Based on complete playthrough

While Jill is expecting a baby, the Gardens Inc. crew gets the chance to do a reality show. Of course not without some complications, surprises and the need of beeing gardeners and detective same time.

Players of the former Gardens Inc. Games will not only meet old friends, buildings and of course the bonus task with word riddle again, but will also encounter new ways of traveling and getting recources as a glider to travel or a supplier and workbenches to get goddies as wood, stone and tools.
Newcomers will find a unique setting for a time/recource management with a good but never frustrating challenge.

Three modes are available, relaxed, normal and hard.
While the relaxed mode has no time line involved, one may not only win with the timed levels with gold but can also try to beat the developers record. Not alway an easy tasks, this guys are really good.

You will find 5 locations (+1 for in the Collector's extras) with 45 leves and 5 special levels (+9 and 1 special in the Collector's exta). Each level gives you, beside the tasks to finish the level, a riddle. Solve the riddle to plant the flowers and earn more coins. I really like the task, that one can choose when to end the level (of course, one need to complete the "official" tasks), so you can collect coins and more and the end, when there is still time.
Most of the levels will need between 6 and 8 minutes, so the game has good time value.
Each level also gives the possibility to catch at least one or even more moles. This will bring addional coins.
Two levels per location will challenge you with defending a garden or/and earn a lot of coins.

You can earn 60 trophies (a lot of them first bronze, then silver and at the end gold).

Coins can be used to decorate the nursery for Jill and Mikes baby.

The Extras for the Collectors are, as mentionded 10 extra levels, cutscenes, an additional trophy section (10) and of course an in-game-walkthrough.

A very good told story, combined with a challenging but yet relaxing and fun gameplay. Nice graphics, a setting beside the usual in this genre, twists in the plot, new stuff and a lot of fun... I do recommend this game with pleasure. Show less

I recommend this game!

+30points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

17 of 20 found this review helpful

Gardens raises the bar again

PostedFebruary 9, 2016

AverageSizeFish

fromUSA

Key Contributor
This "Key Contributor" plays, rates, and reviews a lot of games. We think you'll trust their thoughts and opinions about games.
Key Contributor

Skill Level:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

The Gardens series is among the very best in this game genre and the latest surpassed my expectations. If you've played one of the earlier game this one is similar enough to the others to feel completely comfortable diving in without the tutorial but different enough to feel like a whole new game.

The graphics and sound are appealing and well done. The story is very clever and cute with return ...Show more

The Gardens series is among the very best in this game genre and the latest surpassed my expectations. If you've played one of the earlier game this one is similar enough to the others to feel completely comfortable diving in without the tutorial but different enough to feel like a whole new game.

The graphics and sound are appealing and well done. The story is very clever and cute with return appearances of many favorite characters from previous episodes and fun new characters too.

Game play can be relaxed with no timer or fast-paced at expert level. I played the entire game on the middle setting and then immediately went back to play it all again in expert mode. The great beat the developer feature is back and if you win in gold with enough time and resource bonuses you are rewarded by the announcement that the developer's top score was beaten. The game also keeps track of your scores so you can replay a level to beat your old score.

Several new features have been introduced including moles that pop up randomly that you get extra points for catching, expert animal catchers, resource delivery sheds, and new modes of getting your characters to the tasks. Garden defense levels are also new and allow you to play as a police officer or animal catcher to defend the garden against hordes of wolves, scorpions, and criminals set on getting into your flower beds. Winning in gold depends on catching them all before they carry out their nefarious intentions.

Some of my less favorite features from previous games including criminals that kicked your plants to pieces and ghosts that kept your workers cooped up in their truck have been left out of this game and I was really happy about that. Also gone is the concept of cash as a resource that you need to pay workers to do tasks which was also pleasing.

Overall this is a great addition to the Gardens series. The developers always change the game enough that it's worth buying the new one and this one is no different. Excellent fun and excellent replayability make this game a great value. When I came to the end of the main game I was very glad I had purchased the Collector's Edition because I wasn't ready for it to end. The bonus level in Australia was really fun. Show less

I recommend this game!

+14points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

15 of 20 found this review helpful

Gardens Inc. 4: Blooming Stars Collector's Edition

PostedFebruary 2, 2016

jiraybon

fromColumbia, SC

Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management

Current Favorite:

Kingdom's Heyday

(31)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Love, love, love it!!! Bought it without playing the trial. I have all the Garden Inc games and love all of them.

I recommend this game!

+10points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

11 of 16 found this review helpful

I Love Gardens Inc!

PostedFebruary 1, 2016

wanda1023

fromDallas TX

Skill Level:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Match 3

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

These are by far the best of the time management games, I have them all and can't wait for #5. I actually replay these games they are so much fun!

I recommend this game!

+6points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

8 of 11 found this review helpful

Best One Yet

PostedFebruary 5, 2016

hoosierhasbeen

fromtucson, az

Key Contributor
This "Key Contributor" plays, rates, and reviews a lot of games. We think you'll trust their thoughts and opinions about games.
Key Contributor

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

I hadn't played the Garden Inc. games in awhile, but this one will bring me back to the fold! In some of the earlier games I got stuck and ended up not even finishing the games. This has an option for a relaxed mode and that is just right for me. I personally loved decorating the room with the cash I earned for doing the shows. Also loved the little twists thrown into the plot. Because it is CE I ...Show more

I hadn't played the Garden Inc. games in awhile, but this one will bring me back to the fold! In some of the earlier games I got stuck and ended up not even finishing the games. This has an option for a relaxed mode and that is just right for me. I personally loved decorating the room with the cash I earned for doing the shows. Also loved the little twists thrown into the plot. Because it is CE I will probably wait for a really good sale to get it. It is definitely on my list. Show less

I recommend this game!

+5points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

13 of 20 found this review helpful

A winner for me !

PostedJanuary 31, 2016

Forestdog

fromPembrokeshire Wales

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Initially I wasn't sure about this game as it was just so busy and I couldn't seem to get my head around it. By the end of the demo which was 90 minutes I knew the game was a must have. In fact, for an old brain like mine it might just help to rejuvenate my remaining flagging brain cells.

I'll leave all the technical stuff about game description to the experts.

I recommend this game!

+6points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

38 of 64 found this review helpful

The Gold Standard

PostedJanuary 30, 2016

Gesneramor

Skill Level:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Time Management

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

(based on playing the free trial) The Gardens Inc. series is my Gold Standard of Time Management games, and this installment is fun, with all the things that I love about the series plus enough new twists to keep it feeling fresh.

The graphics and music are fun, the storyline is coherent (although I don't think a storyline is as important in a TM game). There are three levels of difficulty, so ...Show more

(based on playing the free trial) The Gardens Inc. series is my Gold Standard of Time Management games, and this installment is fun, with all the things that I love about the series plus enough new twists to keep it feeling fresh.

The graphics and music are fun, the storyline is coherent (although I don't think a storyline is as important in a TM game). There are three levels of difficulty, so all players will find a suitable challenge.

Just a great game so far! Show less

I recommend this game!

+12points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

6 of 8 found this review helpful

One of my favorite time management games.

PostedFebruary 8, 2016

borrowt

fromAlbertville, AL

Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Strategy

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

This is a time management game, and it is one of the best. There are a lot of different levels that change requirements needed to pass to the next level. The shacks allow you to change resources as needed. Try to remember this or you won't get enough of the resource needed to win. This game really keeps you on your toes. I love the story line. I can't wait to see how the new baby fits into this ...Show more

This is a time management game, and it is one of the best. There are a lot of different levels that change requirements needed to pass to the next level. The shacks allow you to change resources as needed. Try to remember this or you won't get enough of the resource needed to win. This game really keeps you on your toes. I love the story line. I can't wait to see how the new baby fits into this game, maybe we'll have some mud pies to play with. Great game. Show less

I recommend this game!

+4points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

6 of 8 found this review helpful

I'm a BIG fan!

PostedFebruary 4, 2016

jkuci

fromFlorida

Key Contributor
This "Key Contributor" plays, rates, and reviews a lot of games. We think you'll trust their thoughts and opinions about games.
Key Contributor

Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Large File, Strategy

Current Favorite:

Gardens Inc. 3: Bridal Pursuit

(18)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

I've been eagerly waiting for this new Gardens, Inc game since I finished the last one in the series - replaying it several times. The story line is a big plus and the graphics have steadily improved. But its the game mechanics that I love so much, And I really have not been a fan of TM games at all. This series of games has hooked me because of the strategy required. You can get past the levels ...Show more

I've been eagerly waiting for this new Gardens, Inc game since I finished the last one in the series - replaying it several times. The story line is a big plus and the graphics have steadily improved. But its the game mechanics that I love so much, And I really have not been a fan of TM games at all. This series of games has hooked me because of the strategy required. You can get past the levels without winning but then you can go back and analyze the goals and replay with improvement each time. Also, the role of money to buy items for the baby's room is an additional feature - its not quite as satisfying as some of the previous buy-to-improve scenarios in the past but its still good. I will be playing this latest game over and over - waiting for the next one eagerly. Show less

I recommend this game!

+4points

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Gardens Inc. 4: Blooming Stars Collector's Edition

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	, share your thoughts about this game! Gardens Inc. 4: Blooming Stars Collector's Edition Become an international TV superstar! Heres what your review will look like once it’s posted. Click Submit if you’re happy. Your review should appear soon. To make changes, use the Edit or Cancel buttons. Thanks for sharing your thoughts about this game! You’ve already shared your thoughts about this game. Thanks for submitting the review below.