Game details: Developed and published by UBrothers. Released for Xbox on 27 October 2026, with the Steam edition still listed as coming soon. This review reflects solo play, rather than a hands-on test of two-player co-op.
In Bloom Busters, you play as Jim or Jessie (or team up in co-op) to protect your land from a rather unusual threat. Thanks to a polluted water source, animals and vegetables have mutated into alien-like abominations, and they’re determined to eat, destroy or otherwise wreak havoc on everything you hold dear. Between harvesting crops, gathering fruit, feeding and herding animals, and growing flowers, there’s plenty to keep you occupied. Unfortunately, your gardening routine comes with the added complication of having to fend off waves of mutated creatures, some of which are launched your way quite literally.
A fast-paced, old-school action adventure, Bloom Busters combines the familiar appeal of tending to your own little patch of land with the frantic business of keeping it intact. Its bright colours, quirky style and upbeat soundtrack give the action a playful energy, making for an experience that feels as much about keeping on the move as it does about looking after your garden. There’s always something demanding your attention, and balancing your various tasks with the need to fend off enemies is where much of the fun lies.
Of course, keeping everything in order is easier said than done. As you progress through the levels, the difficulty ramps up, and what initially seems like a straightforward bit of gardening can quickly descend into chaos. You’ll need to work quickly to keep on top of your objectives while dealing with whatever mutated monstrosity appears next. I found this hectic pace enjoyable, particularly because it keeps you moving rather than allowing you to settle into a comfortable routine. Things can get a little frantic, but that sense of urgency is part of what gives Bloom Busters its appeal.
If you’re playing solo and find yourself needing a little extra help, you also have the option to bring in the other character to lend a hand. Although I played on my own, I appreciated having that option available. It gives you a way to call for backup when the pressure starts mounting, without taking away from the challenge of managing your garden and dealing with the enemies coming your way.
There’s a playful charm to Bloom Busters, too, with little touches that help give it character. One moment that particularly amused me came during a tutorial level, when a speech bubble appeared alongside an arrow and the rather polite instruction, ‘Come over here please’. It’s a small detail, but one that gave me a chuckle amid the chaos. I also enjoyed the game’s quirky visual style, which helps give its unusual premise a sense of fun rather than making the whole experience feel too serious.
The variety between levels helps keep things interesting, with different objectives, layouts and gardens to navigate. Enemies can spawn in different locations, too, meaning you can’t always rely on the same approach. This adds another layer to the challenge, encouraging you to stay alert and adapt as you go. With so much happening at once, Bloom Busters is at its best when you’re caught up in the frantic rhythm of trying to get everything done while keeping your land safe.
Overall, Bloom Busters is a fun, quirky action adventure that takes the idea of tending to your own garden and gives it a chaotic twist. Its colourful presentation, upbeat music and increasingly hectic gameplay make for an enjoyable experience, particularly if you like old-school action games that keep you on your toes. While the constant juggling of objectives and enemies may not be for everyone, there’s plenty here to appeal to fans of the genre. If you’re looking for something a little different that combines gardening with frantic action, Bloom Busters is well worth a look.
Verdict: 72/100
Far from perfect, but good for a day of light-hearted fun. Bloom Busters can be a little rough around the edges, and the constant juggling of garden chores and mutated enemies will not appeal to everyone. Still, there is plenty of cheerful, frantic arcade entertainment here. If you fancy something different for a fun day of gaming, give it a go.
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Watch on TikTokReview transparency: An Xbox Series X|S review key was supplied to Coloured Static Press through Keymailer. Opinions are independently presented by Coloured Static Press. The review does not claim hands-on testing of co-op.
Bloom Busters on Xbox · Bloom Busters on Steam (release pending)