BecomeAPatron

Hidden Object Adventure Games Rock

azada2

If you say “Hidden Object Game” to a “gamer” they’ll either groan or say “what’s that?”. If you say it to an Indie developer, they’ll probably ask you to leave the room. However, I wonder who many of these people have actually played a good one and how many are just parroting a standard response?

There are two types of Hidden Object Games as I see it:

1) Straight hidden object games like Mystery Case Files: Ravenhearst. This is the type that most people think of when they hear “Hidden Object Game”. I happen to enjoy playing them with my family, but I can see why many people find them boring.

2) Hidden object Adventure games like Azada: Ancient Magic and Drawn: The Painted Tower. These are basically point and click adventure games like from the old days, except that they have high production values and aren’t fiendishly hard. Sometimes these games contain a combination of adventure and hidden object elements such as Dire Grove.

I personally prefer the second type of HOG as they are more like the old-skool point and click adventure games and there are some REALLY good ones like Treasure Seekers: Follow the Ghosts. Many non-casual players don’t know what they are missing!

So if you get a chance, join the millions of casual players who love these games and check them out sometime.

6 Responses to “Hidden Object Adventure Games Rock”

  1. TimS Says:

    And then there are straight casual Puzzle Adventure games, no HOG required. Good times, to be had by all.

  2. Grey Alien Games Says:

    Yep, that’s right TimS and they are my favourite type.

  3. Dave Says:

    I just wondered where you thought the future of HOG was?

    Do you think it will remain where it is and appeal to the same strong following?

    Do you see it adapting to encompass different elements and appeal to new users other than casual gamers?

  4. Grey Alien Games Says:

    Good question Dave. I think it’s a shame if HOGs aren’t seen by more player demographics because I know many gamers that used to love Monkey Island etc back in the day who I’m sure would love a good HOG/Adventure game. I’d like to make a HOG with a very casual RPG element where you can customise yourself as you go along to solve puzzles in different ways.

  5. Dave Says:

    Thanks for answering! I agree with you.

    I always thought they lend themselves nicely to RPG style character evolution and personal customisation purely because many of them are so story driven.

    I could imagine (really want to play) a really in depth sci-fi/fantasy adventure that would suit an altogether different demographic. But because of the extra development costs of adding that RPG layer it could be a financial risk many companies won’t take in today’s climate.

    But it is interesting to see how elements of casual gaming influences more hardcore games, and vice verse i guess.

  6. Grey Alien Games Says:

    Agreed adding the RPG element bumps up the cost, and also complexity which may cost sales in the casual market unless you can get a wider audience to try it out. Casual games have definitely influenced mainstream games for the better in terms of tutorials, accessibility and learning curve.