Hidden Object Adventures

Harold came in while I was sprawled on the couch, immersed in a new game for a Hardcore Droid review.

“Are you playing a hidden object game?” he asked, with a certain amount of shock in his voice. Harold and I met through working on HO games, but we don’t always see them the same way. Harold, fighting everything that’s ever been written about gamer demographics, really enjoys the genre. I recognize the value of this casual games in the growing acceptance of game-playing as a adult hobby, and especially in helping to redefine ‘gamer’ away from the angry young man playing MMOs in his mom’s basement. But I am, of course, too much of an indie games hipster for hidden object casual games.

Plus, they can be just a little predictable… Are you a kicky girl detective unlocking the mysteries of your first big case? A stylish city slicker who’s inherited a dusty old manor with a secret? Maybe you’re a perky young journalist getting to the bottom of this mysterious story! Do you need to find the oil, wick and lamp before going to the dark room where all the clues are? Is there a circuit panel of wires that needs to be untangled? Most importantly, is there a bit of a quality decrease after Big Fish Games’ first free hour?

“No!” I said, “This is an adventure game, with hidden object elements.”