Dark Romance: The Ethereal Gardens Collector's Edition > iPad, iPhone, Android, Mac & PC Game

Overall rating

5 / 5

109 of 143 found this review helpful

A DUTIFUL SON OBEYS HIS MOTHER – BUT SHOULD HE?

PostedSeptember 5, 2019

biscuitsmama

fromMaybe mother isn't quite as loyal as she seems

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

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Dark Romance the Ethereal Gardens is the 11th game in the series, evidence of BFG’s ongoing love affair with never-ending serial, cookie-cutter games. I guess if something worked once you simply kept on doing it again and again and again. The thing with series is that the individual games within said series all have the same premise and basic storyline. In the Dark Romance series, the theme is boy ...Show more

Dark Romance the Ethereal Gardens is the 11th game in the series, evidence of BFG’s ongoing love affair with never-ending serial, cookie-cutter games. I guess if something worked once you simply kept on doing it again and again and again. The thing with series is that the individual games within said series all have the same premise and basic storyline. In the Dark Romance series, the theme is boy meets girl, falls in love, but either their families or an evil entity strives to keep them apart, but love eventually conquers all. That being said The Ethereal Gardens is a game that I very much enjoyed and think is the best of the last several games in the series.

This developer, who I think creates some of the longest and best CE games, is one who listens to the gamers and what we want. They have a Custom setting that allows the gamer to set their favorite way to play a game, plus they allow us to select our preferred range for hint and skip times beginning at “ZERO” seconds.

The HOPS are excellent and I enjoyed all of them but my favorites include the traditional list finds and the ones where we must find a specific pattern that will be found somewhere in one of the paintings on the wall. Most of the scenes were very creative beginning with the first HOP in the game. Surprisingly, I even enjoyed the storybook scenes in this game even though they are usually my least favorite. The PUZZLES are good but some were very difficult for me since the directions were not much help. I had to skip one early in the game, but fortunately that puzzle is included in the Extras section and I will be able to spend time figuring it out later.

For me the game is a long one and I have not yet played the Bonus Game. For the most part, I have found the game enjoyable but it did seem to lag in some parts. Overall, the game is excellent and one that I think other gamers will find entertaining. I happen to enjoy most games from this development team that gives us a lot for the money. Each game is packed full of extras, which is something we no longer find with most CEs from other developers. Even though I think this is an excellent game, please try the demo to see if The Ethereal Gardens is a game that you will enjoy. Happy gaming. Show less

I recommend this game!

+75points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

30 of 40 found this review helpful

who loves the fairies, I do in this garden

PostedSeptember 8, 2019

heartblob

fromsouth australia

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

Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

I find this game entertaining enjoyable...love the graphics and the storyline the puzzles are good not too hard and the hos good, what more do you want for a early < Aussie spring >

get the lollies the drinks and settle in.

I recommend this game!

+20points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

23 of 34 found this review helpful

Great Story

PostedSeptember 9, 2019

Majestyx12

fromIf the winged woman with the horns has a lover. Wouldn't the horns pierce his shoulder if she puts her head on his shoulder? Would one get wrapped up in the wings?

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Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object

Current Favorite:

Mystery Case Files: Moths to a Flame Collector's Edition

(148)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Did you notice they changed the opening of Domini to a softer color origami dog? I like the bold red, black and white opening they had before. I hope you all can play this without reading and having the story spoiled for you. It has a wow and really story. 6 chapters + bonus chapter.

Map has Journal and Achievements. You switch places in the game. Both sides that switch thinks the other is ...Show more

Did you notice they changed the opening of Domini to a softer color origami dog? I like the bold red, black and white opening they had before. I hope you all can play this without reading and having the story spoiled for you. It has a wow and really story. 6 chapters + bonus chapter.

Map has Journal and Achievements. You switch places in the game. Both sides that switch thinks the other is wicked. So a little different.

You heard Maleficent but I think it's also has a GOT feel. But that is all loosely interpreted. This is not a carbon of either.

The extras has-

Celeste's Jewelry which is the collection of the 15 morphing jewelry, they have witty info.

Garden which you buy flowering plants from the 70 points from collecting amulets. I thought I had extra points after buying everything for my garden but I was wrong. There are orbs. When you purchase everything you will have a animal come into your garden.

Bestiary which is the collection of 15 cards you collect. The Bestiary has been seen before and this one has no info so it's just fun to find but that's it.

You can replay 17 hops, 17 mini-games, 44 movies and 5 music. They have 10 wallpapers and 19 concept arts.

The bonus chapter has a coronation and you play the older sister which I always thought the oldest gets the crown, so go figure. The icy woman is only in the bonus chapter.

I liked the bold coloring they had before. The wash of teal just isn't preferred by me. I think of mold. I thought the opening of the stabbed man speaking was stale. Shouldn't you hear pain and suffering? But no game is perfect. Show less

I recommend this game!

+12points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

10 of 15 found this review helpful

Find My Sister

PostedSeptember 13, 2019

Marja67

fromSpokane, WA

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

Favorite Genre(s):Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Large File, Mahjong, Marble Popper, Match 3, Word

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

I love the graphiics. OK story. Liked that it was a lengthy
game. so was the bonus. So worth the buy.

I recommend this game!

+5points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

5 of 8 found this review helpful

Perfect Hit and Score

PostedSeptember 20, 2019

kickenbass

fromDENVER.CO

Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Adventure

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Layout, play and story are superb. Enjoyed every moment of this format.

I recommend this game!

+2points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

1 of 1 found this review helpful

Great story line

PostedSeptember 22, 2019

gcrazy

Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

I like the story line like a fairy tale.
Mini games are fun but the ones with the arrows was difficult to understand what to do.
The demo is short and if you work on all games it will take you to the end quickly.

I recommend this game!

+1point

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Overall rating

5 / 5

1 of 2 found this review helpful

Excellent Adventure Game

PostedSeptember 25, 2019

Atardecer

fromCanada

Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Puzzle

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

This is an awesome game! I really recommend it. Give us more adventure games like this one. We need more adventure games. Congratulations Fishy!!!!

I recommend this game!

0points

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Overall rating

4 / 5

92 of 175 found this review helpful

SPREAD YOUR WINGS AS YOU FLY INTO THE FACE OF FAMILY DRAMA

PostedSeptember 5, 2019

sunnyglow

fromThe Gray clan (with matriarch Anna and her wayward father, Richard) have nothing in the way of family drama in comparison to this family – a dysfunctional family which is a royal pain!

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

Fun Factor

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

3 / 5

REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
6 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 43 pages (My time: 6 ½ hours – long game)

OPINION: As Prince Liam, venture to the Hallowed Kingdom to combat Queen Celeste at the bequest of your mother, Queen Henrietta. As you journey through this kingdom, uncover family secrets and treachery. To me, this is a mediocre game, not of the same quality as the ...Show more

REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
6 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 43 pages (My time: 6 ½ hours – long game)

OPINION: As Prince Liam, venture to the Hallowed Kingdom to combat Queen Celeste at the bequest of your mother, Queen Henrietta. As you journey through this kingdom, uncover family secrets and treachery. To me, this is a mediocre game, not of the same quality as the previous ones in the series. I did not care for the story behind the game. The story is rather bizarre. I found it difficult keeping up with all the family ties and drama, especially in the bonus chapter.

The graphics are all decked out in bright purple and neon green, this developer’s signature colors. Purple cats, dragons and other forest creatures abound. Usually this developer’s games are fast paced; however, I found this game snail-paced in some parts. Although this game is better than many developers’ best games, to me it is not in the same league as past games from this developer. The game seems a watered-down version of previous games from this developer. Nevertheless, this developer provides more game for the money than those from other developers.

There are three (3) collectibles – bestiary pages, morphing jewelry, and amulets. There are three (3) indicator lights on the inventory bar to indicate when a collectible is within the scene. The amulets can be used to purchase items for a garden at the end of the game. I found most easy to locate. Play both Prince Liam and Queen Celeste in a tag team effort to battle the true evildoer.

HOP SCENES: There are seventeen (17) HOP scenes and all can be replayed at the end of the game. They vary in design; however, to me, they are not as creatively designed as those from previous games. There is a variety of different styles of HOP scenes, including the usual lists of items and silhouette. There are storybook scenes, matching scenes, a replacement scene and a spot the difference scene. There is an optional Match-3 game which can be played in lieu of the puzzles.

MINI-GAMES: There are twenty-nine (29) mini-games. Most can be played in either an “easy” or “hard” mode. Most developers do not offer this option, which I wish was available in more games. They are outstanding and creatively designed. To me, they are the best part of the game. However, I played two (2) mini-games which lacked clarity in the directions on how to solve them. I skipped these puzzles not understanding exactly what I was supposed to do to solve the puzzle.

MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• Thirty-nine (39) achievements.
• Collect fifteen (15) pieces of morphing jewelry
• Collect fifteen (15) Bestiary pages
• Collect seventy (70) amulets
• Ten (10) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay seventeen (17) HOP scenes and seventeen (17) mini-games
• Tag team approach. Play both Prince Liam and Queen Celeste

BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. Prince Liam is now the proud father of two (2) daughters. Upon the coronation of the youngest, Bethany, the evil sister of Queen Henrietta, Augustina, provides an icy reception, turning the kingdom into a frozen tundra of eternal slumber. Play Bethany’s older sister as you battle this evildoer and attempt to restore the kingdom. It is a long chapter – almost a third the size of the main game. There are ten (10) mini-games and five (5) HOP scenes. Continue collecting all the collectibles. I feel this chapter is better in some ways than the main chapter.

SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE PUZZLES AFTER THE DEMO: (E= Easy - H-=Hard)

A. Mathematical puzzle. Using a 3-liter and 5-liter bottle, meaure liquid from an 8-liter bottle between these two bottles to get an exact measurement of 4 liters of liquid.
B. Maze puzzle. Using a map, go through a maze choosing the right directions to turn. The map will track your route.
C. Sequence puzzle. On a piano, repeat the sequence of keys given.
D. E/H Paint by number. In this case paint roses according to a given guide.
E. E/H Beat the computer. Fill up a grid with more of your tokens than those of the evildoer. Landing next to the token of your enemy, changes it to your token and vice versa. You can jump over tokens as well.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. E/H Matching puzzle. Match up keys with their appropriate locks. Symbols on both must match.
G. E/H Sequence puzzle. Remove seaweed to allow a fishhook to move across the grid from right to left. If the hook hits seaweed, the puzzle restarts.
H. Mathematical puzzle. On a grid, use arrows to move rows of stars so that each column has the number of stars as indicated at the bottom of the screen.
I. Connection puzzle. Rotate tubes so that all spheres connected to the tubes are connected to a central one. Show less

I recommend this game!

+9points

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Overall rating

4 / 5

2 of 3 found this review helpful

Nice Game , Too Short

PostedSeptember 25, 2019

akbratt94

fromVA

Skill Level:Intermediate

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

Current Favorite:

Nancy Drew: Labyrinth of Lies

(25)

Fun Factor

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

3 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

I have played all the Romance games and I have to say that this one was really short for me. I don't know if it was that I could not stop playing but it is very rare for me to finish a game in one day. I guess that is both good and bad.
The visual art was fantastic. The story line was clear. It seemed a little shallow though.
Overall, I am glad I bought it. I would not pay full price for it as ...Show more

I have played all the Romance games and I have to say that this one was really short for me. I don't know if it was that I could not stop playing but it is very rare for me to finish a game in one day. I guess that is both good and bad.
The visual art was fantastic. The story line was clear. It seemed a little shallow though.
Overall, I am glad I bought it. I would not pay full price for it as a Collector's Edition. It was good, just not that good. Show less

I recommend this game!

+1point

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Overall rating

4 / 5

A Simply Enjoyable Game

PostedSeptember 23, 2021

yowzasma

fromCOWTOWN (Ft. Worth),TX

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

Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object

Current Favorite:

Dark Romance: The Ethereal Gardens Collector's Edition

(18)

Fun Factor

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

3 / 5

I found this game not to be too long or too short with good graphics, sound, hog scenes and mini-games and a fairly good story-line, also so was the bonus chapter.
The only negative I found was the "HINT" button was a little too
prominent and too easy to hit accidently : /

I'm giving this one a3 &1/2 *** &1/2* out of ***** 5 on my personal enjoy-ability list : )

I recommend this game!

0points

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	, share your thoughts about this game! Dark Romance: The Ethereal Gardens Collector's Edition The King is dead! 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.