Welcome to EXPlay, (Explain & Play) the review series where we care not for scores but tell it how it is when it comes to every game we get our hands on, whilst also taking the time to include some lengthy gameplay, to give you the reader, the chance to shape your own impressions and views whilst watching and reading. In this installment, we’re covering the Hidden Through Time 2: Myth & Magic by developer Rogueside.
Hidden Through Time 2: Myths & Magic: (The Explanation)
If you remember flipping through I Spy books or Where’s Waldo (also known as Where’s Wally) as a kid, and enjoyed that, you will enjoy Hidden Through Time 2: Myths & Magic. Each level and world of Hidden Through Time 2 has you searching for cleverly hidden objects. Hidden Through Time 2: Myths & Magic brings back those nostalgic vibes in a digital format. As someone who plays digital versions of hidden object books in various PC, Switch, and other consoles, the game sets itself apart from the crowd through its art style and animated scenes.
If you have played the recent puzzle game Crime O’Clock, you will find a bit of similarities here in Hidden Through Time 2. Unlike many games, Hidden Through Time 2 doesn’t boast a traditional story. Instead, it immerses players in four distinct themes—Greek Mythology, 1001 Nights, The Middle Ages, and the Magical 80s—each with its visual narrative connecting the levels.
The gameplay revolves around scouring variously sized boards for a list of hidden objects, enhanced by intricate environmental details and structures. While the clues provided for each object could be more descriptive, they generally guide players without being overly obtuse. You navigate each level by zooming in and out of the world and moving around (top, right, bottom, and left). In each level, there might also be buildings, cars, mounds of dirt or snow, and more that you might need to click on to uncover items hidden within. As you click around and interact with various objects there may also be sound effects associated with the item you interacted with.
The game introduces a neat gimmick: the ability to manipulate time or weather to reveal hidden objects. Although the options for reality-shifting are somewhat limited compared to what the game’s online page implies, they add an extra layer of challenge and engagement. There are icons on each of the item cards that let you know which version of the world you need to look in to find the hidden object. Having the icon does help a bit in narrowing down your search, especially since some items and characters will move around based on the time of day and weather.
One of Hidden Through Time 2′s standout features is its robust level editor, allowing creative minds to craft custom boards with a plethora of objects and decorations. While it might overwhelm some, it’s a treasure trove for players eager to design their hidden object puzzles. You can also jump in and search other creators’ puzzles which adds unlimited possibilities for creating and sharing puzzles you make or download.
Visually, the game maintains a charming cartoon aesthetic that complements its accessible gameplay. Though lacking in audio diversity, the narration accompanying each level adds a touch of sophistication. There isn’t much in terms of an actual story, but having some narration helps to keep the children’s hidden object book appeal.
However, Hidden Through Time 2 could benefit from more visual dynamism and theming. Character animations feel generic, and the Magical 80s levels lack the nostalgic flair one might expect. Additionally, the game’s performance on the Nintendo Switch leaves much to be desired, with lengthy loading times and framerate issues, especially in larger levels. I noticed several times, especially when changing the time of day or weather, that the game seemed to stutter a bit more than what I noticed on other consoles from online previews.
Nevertheless, Hidden Through Time 2: Myths & Magic offers a delightful gaming experience. While it may not match the complexity of other puzzle games, it serves as a pleasant throwback to the joys of hidden object books. Creative players will relish the level editor, while younger audiences will find enjoyment in its whimsical themes. There is a lot here and a lot to do, especially with the creator tools. Puzzle fans who like searching for objects should find many hours of gameplay here at Hidden Through Time 2: Myths & Magic.
Hidden Through Time 2: Myths & Magic: (The Gameplay)
Game Specifications:
Developer: Rogueside
Publisher: Rogueside
Platform: Nintendo Switch (eShop)
Category: Puzzle, Adventure
No. of Players: 1 players
Release Date: January 25th, 2024 (EU & NA)
Price: $12.99
File Size: 714 MB
Nintendo.com Listing
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