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We’ve been searching through time with the Hidden Through Time games since 2020, when the first game in the series was released. Since then we’ve had DLC and played the sequel – Hidden Through Time 2: Myths & Magic.
Now we have the chance to experience the next chapter – Hidden Through Time 2: Discovery. And yes, the title did leave us wondering why it’s not simply called Hidden Through Time 3.
The Campaign mode offers three distinct eras: Noir, Victorian, and Science Fiction. Unlike the more historically themed settings of previous games, these eras draw inspiration from different fictional genres. In Noir, you follow a 1940’s detective solving various cases, such as a missing dog. The Victorian era introduces you to characters like Dr. Frankenstein, Sherlock Holmes, and an array of fictional monsters. Meanwhile, Science Fiction takes you on an intergalactic journey with a space traveller exploring different planets across the Universe.
Each era contains multiple 2D hand drawn maps and a number of hidden objects to find. There is no time pressure, allowing players to take their time in finding the objects, which are listed at the bottom of the screen. The right thumbstick moves the map with the left one moving the cursor, which you can use to interact with objects and click on the hidden ones once they are found. You can zoom in and out with the right trigger, but be prepared to sit closer to your screen than is comfortable, as the zoom level isn’t quite sufficient for spotting smaller objects. The cursor is a bit on the small side as well, and we did find that we lost it on more than a few occasions, resulting in a frustrating struggle to regain control.
The gameplay starts off simple in each era, with just a few objects to find, but the challenge increases as you progress. Objects range from easy-to-spot items to those cleverly hidden inside other objects like boxes, cupboards, or suitcases. Many maps contain buildings with multiple floors to explore, adding to the complexity. Later levels introduce the Reality Shift feature, allowing you to change the environment – such as shifting from day to night – which alters the map and reveals different hidden objects.
Each object comes with a hint which, for the most part, is helpful in locating the object. For example, an animal might be congratulating themselves on having a good view, leading you to look for the creature in high-up viewpoints. However, some are not as useful, which results in having to search the entire map. We would have appreciated the option of an additional clue to help find the few last elusive objects, possibly by zooming in on the area where the object is hidden. The difficulty in locating items varies depending on their size, how well they are hidden, and the number of possible hiding spots. Some maps, particularly in the Noir era, are packed with buildings and multiple floors, requiring significant time to comb through each area. As the number of hidden items increases, it becomes harder to remember what you’re looking for and the corresponding hints.
The maps in Hidden Through Time 2: Discovery are densely populated with people, animals, buildings, and objects, each with smaller scenes unfolding within. While there’s a lot to take in, it can sometimes feel overwhelming, and the initial view of a new map often left us feeling more anxious than excited. However, the Science Fiction era stood out as our favourite, with its fantastical locations and alien creatures making the search for hidden objects feel more like an enjoyable discovery.
Each era has a narrative thread and maps are introduced by a short narration that tells part of the story and sets the scene. To be honest the storylines in all the eras are lacking and we couldn’t help feeling that this is something that could be improved on. The hidden objects aren’t connected to the story, and having this would make searching for the objects more exciting.
We did find that locating all the objects on some levels was very tricky. Although there is no need to find everything, the perfectionist in us just couldn’t leave a level half complete, even though there is the option to skip a level as long as you have found a certain number of objects. This meant that rather than feeling relaxed – the intended outcome of this game – we felt bored and frustrated as we roamed the map over and over looking for those elusive final few objects.
As well as exploring the eras in Campaign mode, there is Architect mode, where you can build your own maps. This gives you the ability to use the full range of objects used in Campaign mode as well as customise them, choose animations and movement paths. After creating your masterpiece you can play it, which seems pointless as you’ll know where you put the hidden objects, but you can also upload it so it will be available for others to view and play via the Online Maps. We had a dabble at creating our own maps, but the sheer number of different objects (over 1000 objects and 500 characters) and endless customisation options was a bit too overwhelming, although this feature is sure to appeal to many. That’s proven with the sheer number of other Online Maps available in Discovery; something which boosts the content considerably.
How much you enjoy Hidden Through Time 2: Discovery depends on how much you like hidden object games so it’s difficult to be objective in this regard. The developers promote the game as being cosy and relaxing and it certainly will be for many. However, we often felt a little bored and occasionally frustrated so certainly didn’t feel excited to return to the game after a break. That’s maybe more a personal thing though.