Hidden Objects: Gardens of Time
Common Sense says
- iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
- Free
- Puzzle Games
Parents say
Kids say
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A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this app.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Hidden Objects: Gardens of Time is an iOS version of the popular Facebook game Gardens of Time. It is mobile-only, and does not connect to the Facebook game. The app combines hidden object searches with a social building sim, in which players try to create the most elaborate garden. The game is free, but offers in-app purchases for game currency and to speed up gameplay. Social networking is optional, but is persistently encouraged throughout the app. Players can choose to add friends and share high scores via Facebook, Apple's Game Center, or within the app's own social network. Friend interactions within the app's network are limited to visiting each other's gardens and sending "gifts" of energy or other gameplay perks; there are no messaging features, and the only possibly identifying information shared is the name players give to their gardens.
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Gardens of Time
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What's it about?
Players travel back in time to help the Time Society correct discrepancies in different historical scenes. Players must find a list of objects as quickly as possible in scenes from various time periods and civilizations, including ancient Egypt and Renaissance Italy. Players spend coins and gold bars to build and decorate their gardens. Players can earn coins, gold bars, and energy by completing quests. Players can send and receive gifts to other players as well as earn experience points, energy, and coins by visiting neighbors' gardens.
Is it any good?
HIDDEN OBJECTS: GARDENS OF TIME is a skillful mash-up of two very popular gaming genres. Fans of hidden object searches and building sims will find themselves sucked in quickly. Social interactions definitely enhance the game, and the in-app network gives players access to social features without requiring they connect to Facebook or Apple's Game Center. The pop-ups encouraging players to tell their friends about the game can be annoying at first, but become less noticeable over time. And though in-app purchases speed up gameplay and allow players to buy more elaborate structures for their gardens, spending real money is not necessary. Occasionally, players will have to wait for energy to build up before they can keep playing, but it's often possible to pass lengthy stretches of time in the game.
App details
- Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
- Subjects: Social Studies: history
- Skills: Creativity: imagination
- Price: Free
- Pricing structure: Free
- Release date: July 25, 2012
- Category: Puzzle Games
- Topics: History
- Size: 21.40 MB
- Publisher: Disney
- Version: 2.4
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 4.0 or later
- Last updated: November 11, 2020
Our editors recommend
For kids who love sims and hidden object puzzles
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.