Four Gardens
- Players
- 2-4
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 2 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 45 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 10+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 2.3 / 5
- Year
- 2020
About the game
Four Gardens invites players to become royal gardeners competing to build the most pristine panoramic garden around a mystical pagoda. By laying groundwork cards, spinning a 3D pagoda to gather resources, and satisfying requirements, players transform plain cards into landscape pieces that combine into scored panoramas. Four Gods watch over the proceedings, each with their own satisfaction meter tied to different garden themes. It's a set-collection game wrapped in an evocative Eastern mythology theme, playable in about 45 minutes.
Hobbli's Notes
Hobbli's team appreciates the tactile novelty of the 3D pagoda resource wheel: it's a nice change from standard resource tracks. The set-collection puzzle of matching groundwork requirements to available resources feels satisfying without being overly fiddly. It's a pleasant mid-weight title that should appeal to families ready to step up from lighter fare. We haven't had extensive hands-on time with this one, so treat our take as a solid but cautious recommendation.
What we like
- Charming Eastern garden theme with a distinctive 3D pagoda component.
- Satisfying set-collection puzzle building landscape panoramas.
- Accessible rules suitable for players as young as 10.
- Four-god satisfaction mechanic adds variety across plays.
- Moderate 45-minute playtime fits comfortably into a game night.
Keep in mind
- Resource allocation via the pagoda can create some turn-to-turn downtime.
- Thematic flourishes feel somewhat disconnected from the underlying mechanics.
- Direct player interaction is fairly limited.
- Complexity may spike unexpectedly for very casual groups.
Who it's for
Good for families and set-collection fans looking for a gentle strategy game, ages 10 and up, in groups of 2-4.
