Introduction To Hidden Object Games

According to the website PC Games Junkie, the first ever hidden object game was “Mystery Case Files: Huntsville” in 2005. In the last five years, HOGs or Hidden Object Games for your PC have become more and more popular. Who is playing all these ‘Find and Seek’ games? What is the appeal? Aren’t they all the same after awhile? I shall endeavor to answer these questions as I look at this genre of games. I’ve explored Game Forums and Sites, read reviews, played the games, and have written a few reviews myself, and all the while I’ve asked myself, “Why do I keep playing these games?”

Hidden object games usually have stunning graphics, beautiful music, cunningly clever hidden items to find, a story-line to follow, and extra mini games and puzzles to solve. The story line most often involves a mystery to unveil, clues and/or keys to gather, secrets to reveal, and adventures to experience! But where most HOGs have these core elements in them, many offer small twists and variations, unusual settings and different mini puzzles, to keep them interesting!

Many Hidden Object computer games include a 60-minute free trial so can be played for nothing. Otherwise they can be played online at sites like GrandMatrix.com. The tale line usually starts of with you being charged with a not insignificant task like saving the hero, finding a murderer or even saving hte planet – no pressure. You are then whisked away to a brightly-colored, detailed drawn and cluttered room, stuffed with every possible object from an apples to a buses and supplied with a shopping list of items to find, and given a defined amount of time and hints.

With this task before you and the clock ticking it’s time to get stuck in! Start scanning the screen for glasses and golf balls, clicking on balloons and books, and smiling with satisfied happiness as you eventually reveal the cat and the cherries! Pride fills your chest as you successfully complete the 1st room, proud of how observant you are, how fast you are and how clever.

Many years ago as a child, I remember playing games of ‘I Spy, with my little eye” while lying in the dark bedroom I shared with my two younger sisters. Our powers of observation and memory were often sorely tested as we took turns and described items in the room, hoping the others had forgotten or never noticed them before.

It can be very rewarding to undertake a challenge and win! After a rough day at work, or simply forgetting about the mortgage and orthodontist bills for a few hours, you can become caught up in the adventure, searching for hidden objects, keys and clues to the mystery. My research has found that most HOG players are adults, relaxing and/or obsessing over inventory lists and missing treasure maps, secret codes and mysterious mansions.

The best Hidden Object Games I’ve played so far need to be Escape Rosecliff Island and Mishap : An Accidental Haunting. Both have wonderful graphics, music, story-line, and hidden objects that are challenging without being so maddening that they leave you pulling your hair out by the roots! You’ll find reviews of these 2 games and can download the free trial version from GrandMatrix.com.

So next time you’re attempting to find something rather different, try a Hidden Object Game and go on a scavenger hunt. You never know what you will find!

Want to find out more about free online games, then visit www.grandMatrix.com and play the best free games around.

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