Personally, I don't like 'Hidden Object' at all. As you know, I'm not native English user, so don't know exactly 'what to find' with name of the objects. So for me, 'Hidden Object' is much worse pixel hunting game, and I don't understand over-half of the object names.

However, 'Hidden Object' is somewhat similar to 'Point & Click Adventure', and many people might like it here. And now, 'Hidden Object' is evolving very similar to 'Adventure' game, as far as I know.

I'd like to write a column about that subject for Korean webzine Pig-Min, 'Similarity of Hidden Object to Point & Click Adventure'. And I'd like to quote some words from your replies. So if you don't mind, please feel free to reply here.

Thanks.

Hi Mrkwang, I personally find no similarity between hidden object games and adventure games. I like hidden object games because it allows a break from the "thinking part of regular games" and gives me a kind of a mindless retreat. It reminds me of playing Where's Waldo or looking through the Highlights childrens magazine in the doctors office waiting room to find the hidden pictures.

I would think that it would be an awesome way to learn the English language by associating the words with the pictures.

Ana

Mrkwang I have only played one hidden object game, Ravenhurst and I loved it. It's a very addictive game. I would like to play more of them. Any recommendations Ana?

Gerry....since you do not download, I would go get the newly released retail of Madame Fate. (I believe it is released or coming this month). It's fantastic!

Ana

I have no idea why I like hidden object games so much. As a matter of fact, I frequently ask myself that question and receive no answer. My non-gamer friends would question my
mentality level if they knew. One thing, it sure is a mind absorbing stress reliever.

I am an adventure game addict but I do like to play hidden object games when I'm in-between games. I especially like the ones with great mini puzzles. Did play Ravenhurst and really enjoyed it.

I like the Hidden Object games because Hubby and I can play together. But I don't think they are a substitute for a great adventure game. Instead it is another way to have fun and challenge my mind

I cannot get enough of these hidden object games. Ok, so some are much better than others but that is what the 60 mins free play is all about, picking the ones you really like before purchasing them

Bernie

Two types of games cannot be more different. Adventure games leave me frustrated and I often get that "what-am-I-supposed-to-do-next?" dilemma. With Hidden Object games there is no questioning as to what to do next... you have a list of what to find next. The in-between games are a break for the eyes as they do tire trying to find the objects, and they are fun.

If I want a challenge I play adventure (I make sure there is a walkthrough first, as I'm not very good at them), and when I want pure uncomplicated fun, I select a hidden object, mah jong, solitaire or a match three game.

I agree 100% with Ana... hidden object is a perfect way to learn English. Our ESL teachers use it all the time.

Good luck with your article. This is a perfect place to come for game opinions.

I don't like hidden object games unless they are on par with Azada, Hidden Secrets: The Nightmare, or Dream Chronicles all of which sort of combine adventure with hidden objects, but are not your typical seek & find. However, the usual suspects (Mystery Files, etc.) I can't stand. When I first discovered them they were fun, but after awhile I just stopped playing them because they either frustrated me or put me to sleep.

More into the unusual hidden object games, too. Like the way the MCF games are improving with more other type of puzzles in them. Also liked Azada, Dream Chronicles, Hidden Expedition: Everest, and Stone of Destiny. Some for the puzzles, story line, or info and glimpses into places and history.

Don't consider them to be adventure games either because puzzles in an adventure game, will generally further a story line. Objects are usually highlighted when a cursor runs over them and used.

Thanks Ana. I will look for Madame Fate this weekend!

I like the Hidden Objects games I think it helps keep the mind sharp,I really like playing them in between an Adventure game.And in some of them they call some objects different from what we would call them,if I don't know what I'm looking for I click on the hint button.It's interesting to learn a new name for an item! Ah so that's what they are talking about and then I'll replay that chapter!

I think Hidden Object games are completely different from point and click adventure games. I have played all Big Fish Hidden Object (Primal Suspects, Madame fate, Ravenhunt) games twice. It's a relaxing way to spend your time. From the other hand Point and click adventures have a plot, story and walking to different locations, talk to other people etc. It's a different kind of thing.

As with adventure games, there are subtle differences in hidden object games. Some I am crazy about and play several times while others go to the garbage can. Early games such as Hide & Secret, the MCF games and the Mysteryville series are simple and straightforward. They provide a pleasant diversion and change of pace from adventure gaming or solitaire/mah jong type games. They don't require a lot of thought and there is quick gratification in completing as many levels as you want to play at one sitting.

Big City Adventure San Francisco was fascinating the first time through. I felt like I had actually been a tourist and learned tons of information about the history of San Francisco. However the puzzles after each location were repetitive and downright boring after the first 20 levels. Likewise, Sunset Studio, G.H.O.S.T. Hunters, and The Magician's Handbook were tedious and the items were either too small, too blurry or too hard to locate to hold my interest. On the other hand, The Scruffs is a cartoon-like game with several cute surprises and I loved the Squiggles and jigsaw photographs.

The three games in the Little Shop series are great fun to play as a group. My family loves to gather around the computer and play these together for hours on end as we earn rewards and 'customize' our own shop. We also enjoy the 'high tech' atmosphere of Interpol-The Trail of Dr. Chaos. These games don't require heavy thinking and we never get 'stuck' on a level. When time runs short, just click the hint button.

As both an avid adventure gamer and a hidden object junkie, I have noticed an evolution in the seek and find genre. I see the correlation you are seeking. Solid story lines are developing and I believe games like Dream Chronicles, Mortimer Beckett and the Secrets of Spooky Manor, and Mystery P.I.-The Lottery Ticket are approaching the level of difficulty one expects in adventure games. Finding objects is just the beginning. The puzzles are related to the mystery instead of distracting fillers. The levels are similar to the linear action encountered in an adventure game and the resolution of the story line is often as gratifying as the end of a good Nancy Drew game. These games require logical thought, gathering information, exploration and trial and error. While I enjoy the adventure atmosphere of these new hidden object games, I will still rely on the good old, can't fail, mindless seek and find games when I have a few minutes to kill and want something easy to play.

SD, you raise an interesting point. Both kinds of games require objects to be found for the game to advance, and the difficulty of the additional puzzles as well the need for the player to go to several geographical sites, for those HOGs that include these gaming elements, have pushed the boundaries between the 2 gaming genres.

However, I see two main differences. Even though, for both types of games, there are 'hidden objects to be found for the game to advance; for the most part, adventure games require these objects to be applied in some fashion to a clue that activates the progression of the game. Plus, many times, the need for the clue is unknown until further in the game. This doesn't happen in HOGs. Though you need to find all the objects before the game progresses, once that's done, they aren't required for any other part of the game.

Which leads to the second difference. Since each puzzle part of the HOG is an element unto itself, the player can easily resume playing without having to remember, "ok, where am I in this game". An adventure game takes much more mental skill and usually requires the player to take notes and perhaps even do a little research to successfully complete the game. Most players can do a HOG without any guidance at all; yet a lot of players appreciate the work done by more astute gamers who consistantly provide WTs and Hints to those gamers, like myself, who, periodially, need some help to enjoy the game without frustration.

I absolutely agree in all respects butterflybabe. It's like comparing apples to oranges. The point I was trying to make is that recently hidden object games have evolved to a new level by incorporating problem solving skills required of adventure gamers. The old HOG's required no thought or skill other than a discerning eye.

Not every HOG fan will appreciate these changes if all they are looking for is "seek and find." However, the gentleman who started the thread was looking for a correlation between HOGs and adventure games and I believe it is the use of a storyline with progression to a resolution or denouement together with the use of critical thinking to arrive at that final destination that makes the comparison even possible.

Point taken, SD

As a matter of fact, when I began composing my first comments on this topic, I tried to debunk some of your remarks. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized how close some of the more complicated HOGs can come to achieving the challenge level of an adventure game.

I think, mrkwang, that your basic idea is a good topic for an article. However, it's important that to realize that there is a definite distinction between HOGs and adventure games. yes a few similarities exit but the thread, so to speak, that connect the two are thin.

I'll second that! I downloaded it last night after reading Ana's post and I'm loving it. Usually the hidden object games are kind of brainless fun for me but this one is challenging me. I even had the clock run out last night, which I don't think has ever happened to me before. I love it! Thanks for the recommendation, Ana, even if it wasn't directed at me.

I am glad you are enjoying it. I'm not done yet because my son and I saved that one to play together and we have a grand time. I think I am about halfway done.

Ana

I am totally addicted to Hidden Objects games! I especially like The Big City Adventures. Hidden Objects games are a great diversion for me while waiting for the next Nancy Drew game in which I am also addicted!

Same here! I've tried several hidden object games and decided that I totally stink at them. Pixel hunting in AGs are different (at least to me) since usually you're not faced with a messy room with stuff that shouldn't be there or shouldn't be in certain locations (like a paintbrush camouflaged on the ceiling). I liked the hidden objects in Azada though since the objects you needed to find weren't totally unexpected in the locations.

I can see how others would like Hidden Objects if they're good at them -- I'm just not good at them!

I love the hidden object games. I used to just play adventure games, but the hidden object games are fun. Adventure games that I used to play required copious note taking and concentration.

These are fun. And my doctor said that they are good for older brains like mine!! The brain activity helps keep senility away!!!

HorseDancer

I like the Dream one b.Sorry not sure of the name but she is seaching for her husband .Some great little puzzals in this one and not over hard

I'm not sure if I like them as much as I used to - I didn't buy Bloodties or the Sydney one (one doesn't seem to have any mini-games and the other too simiilar to the original) while I used to buy ALL of them that comes out on BFG (and everywhere else if BFG doesn't have it!) Getting jaded, I guess.

I really like the "automaton" puzzles BFG started putting in in Ravenhearst and Madame Fate. It's the "new" things that get me hooked.

Originally I got hooked on these because they reminded me of playing I-Spy with my students. (The I-Spy series totally rock! Especially Spooky Mansion) I had a brand new baby when I started, and it was nice to read out all the words and point to the pictures of them on the screen.