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Hidden Object Extravaganza Pt 2

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Mayling Tan

If you enjoyed our previous feature on hidden object games, don’t hold your breath because we’ve got more coming your way! Last week’s list comprised mostly of forerunners in the hidden object game genre; which was more like a prep course. This week, we’ve managed to get our hands on newer games; such as the exciting Snapshot Adventures, a bird photography game and Puzzle Detective, a culmination of a match 3 and hidden object game. Your casual game collection would not be complete without the repertoire of these games in them. These games are not only must-haves, you’ll see that we’re not kidding when say they have groundbreaking gameplay and fended off competitors with their own unique theme and setting.

Travelogue 360 Paris by Big Fish Games
Just when you think you’ve seen it all with hidden object games, Big Fish Games whips out another surprise out its hat with something as delightful as this game. Although it plays like any hidden object game, this game still manages to stand a head above others with its magnificent controls and technology. This game incorporates partial 3D technology which allows you to look all around the level. You can turn 360° to look for items because they could just be hovering over your head, or hiding right behind you. Its hint system is based on your aiming accuracy, as you’ll be guided by a crosshair that will point you the right way. This game is a must-have if you’re a gamer. It really has taken hidden object games to a whole new gameplay level.

Mystery Case Files: Ravenhearst by Big Fish Games
Fans who waited with bated breath for the third installment of the Mystery Case Files (MCF) series were not disappointed. MCF: Ravenhearst proved itself worthy of its predecessors; seeing how MCF: Prime Suspects did so well. MCF: Ravenhearst makes its own mark with its unusual mini games such as the door lock puzzle where you have to make a contraption work in order to unlock a door. You’ll get clues in the form of diary entries that unveil the creepy story behind what really happened in Ravenhearst Manor. This is quite a turn from the previous two titles, which were more focused on gumshoe crime solving. The game graphics are luscious, and there are animations all over levels to make the game look more sinister. Great gameplay, strong storyline, realistic-looking graphics – what more could one ask for?

Hidden Expedition: Titanic by Big Fish Games
With the success of the Mystery Case File (MCF) series, Hidden Expedition: Titanic’s ability to shine may have been slightly dampened. Apart from the setting of the game (which takes you on an underwater expedition), this game did not have that big an impact the MCF crime solving series did. It does have all the key fun a hidden object game does; challenging item searches, gorgeous graphics and the occasional picture assembly mini game which does give it quite a bit of mileage and hours of fun for the family.

Hidden Expedition: Everest by Big Fish Games
Being the second installment to the Hidden Expedition series, I prefer this version of the game. Graphics here have been polished to a shine and the levels come alive with animation! Hidden Expedition: Everest takes you globetrotting, contrary to its name, in search of different items. You’ll get to take a break from item hunting and assemble maps that will guide you to your next destination. There’s even a game to beat the clock and collect as many similar items in the map. This game learnt from its weaknesses in the first edition, and packed in more features – there’s even voice acting for the characters and pseudo-talk show where you’re competing with other participants in a race against time. If you loved the MCF series, this game should satisfy your palates.

Agatha Christie: Death on the Nile by Oberon Games
Agatha Christie has one of the most complicated story and gameplay I’ve yet to see so far. There’s a lot of room to play detective in this game. You’ll have to look for clues pertaining to the suspect. The story mode of the game even allows you to interview the characters to obtain more information about how the crime transpired and who the culprit is. There’s so much detail in the game – right from subtle mannerisms of the character reflected in the dialogue and how the clues tie in to the crime and suspect. Well what are you waiting for? Grab that magnifying glass and get hunting with this game.

Dream Day Wedding by Oberon Games
For every girl, there’s even a dream wedding theme to help live out your fantasy. Dream Day Wedding takes you through a wedding plan, and the best part is, there is a story being told. You are taken through a wedding plan where you’ll be looking for items that will further fuel your story. It has a bit of an RPG touch where you decide how your story will turn out with multiple choice selections as the story branches. I can’t really see guys really getting into this game thanks to its obvious choice of theme, but the game itself is rather challenging. It’s nice that the developers didn’t dumb down the game. Download this game if you’re looking for a simple hidden object game that packs a fun, girly story into the mix.

Snapshot Adventures by Large Animal Games
This amazingly fun game is a must have. In a nutshell, this game requires you to find birds in different maps and photograph them. Catch is, the birds are constantly flitting from one place to another to make your job a little harder. You’ll have a myriad of equipment to help you capture nice looking pictures of the birds; from camera filters to birdfeed and even things like coffee that make your reflexes go faster. One other cool feature I loved in this game is the ability to create my own species of bird! You can even email all your fantastic bird shots to your friends.

Puzzle Detective by Joju Games
Puzzle Detective made it into this list by really unusual means. Firstly, you may be surprised to find out that it’s actually a match 3 game! However if you look close enough, you’ll actually see crime clues scattered throughout the board which you will have to uncover to identify the crook. There isn’t much to comment about this game’s hidden object gameplay aspect, as there’s not much of it. You’ll love this game’s juicy graphics and simple enough gameplay but if you’re a hardcore hidden object game fan, this might not rest too well on your plate. However, this game is still good fun, and it’s a nice exposure to how match-3 can be at the same time.

With that, we’ve come to a conclusion on our coverage of the best hidden object games series. We hope it has helped you narrow down your choices to the cream of the crop. Happy shopping!

Tagged under: agatha christie arcade big fish big fish games death on the nile dream day wedding everest fantasy hidden expedition hidden object hidden object extravaganza joju games Large Animal large animal games match-3 mcf mystery case files oberon games oberon media paris part 2 puzzle puzzle detective ravenhearst reflexive seek and find snapshot adventures titanic travelogue 360

Article by Mayling Tan



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