Best Hidden Object Games

Looking to test your eyes, brain and even deduction skills? Why not try a few hidden object games online? This wildly popular casual game genre requires players to find a list of objects cleverly hidden in a scene. The games can be incredibly easy or maddeningly difficult. They may include mini-games or puzzles, can be linear or non-linear, and may or may not have an accompanying storyline that progresses along with the game.

Hidden object games are great for kids and adults alike. In their simplest form, they provide entertainment in a medium not unlike the “I Spy” or “Where’s Waldo” series of children’s picture books. These games have come a long way from their inception, however, and game developers are always searching for new and exciting twists to add in an effort to keep players from becoming bored with the genre. There are many different variations on classic hidden object game play.

“Straight” Hidden Object Games

In a straight hidden object game, the storyline is minimal and secondary to the hidden object scenes themselves. Players are transported from one scene to the next in search of items on an accompanying list. Best for children and beginners, these casual games provide an “ah-hah!” moment of satisfaction when a list item is found. Straight hidden object games may include easy mini-games played between levels, generally in the form of jigsaw puzzles, memory games or Match-3 play. The mini-games usually have no bearing on the storyline and are inserted in an attempt to break up the monotony and give the player’s eyes a rest. The “Big City Adventure” series is the best example of a straight hidden object game. Based in some of the world’s biggest cities, the games ask players to search for hidden objects in and around famous places and rewards them with postcards from the locations.

Interactive Hidden Object Games

In an interactive hidden object game, the player is fully immersed in the game. Best for intermediate or advanced players, this brand is generally heavy on storyline and relies on dialogue and cut scenes to move the game along. Players are presented with a problem to solve early on in the game play and everything they do from that point forward is designed to help them achieve their end goal. An interactive hidden object game has a series of rooms and locations that the player moves through. In a linear game, locations will be available only after certain tasks are performed, basically leading the player by the hand through the game. In a non-linear setting, everything will be available for exploration from the beginning. Non-linear games are generally the more challenging of the two. Interactive hidden object games contain hidden object scenes in addition to puzzles and other challenges that must be completed. These games usually contain an inventory where items “won” from hidden object scenes can be stored for future use in the game. The Mystery Case Files series of games has been hugely successful in this genre. Although the early games have a straight hidden object feel, the later installments are virtual marvels which include live actors and mind-numbing puzzles.

Hidden Object Games Online

Finding hidden object games online is incredibly easy. There are many free hidden object games. Nearly all popular game portals will allow players to try before they buy, making it easy to find just the right game. Popular flash game sites have plenty of free hidden object games, although these tend to be short and fairly easy. Of the paid games available online, most are inexpensive and subscribing to the game portal’s game club can offer significant discounts. For those who play many different hidden object games online each month, it may be beneficial to join a site that offers unlimited free hidden object games for a flat monthly fee.

Best Hidden Object Games Online

For the beginner or a lover of the classic straight hidden object genre, Mystery Case Files: Ravenhearst is among the best of all-time. Simple enough for children with a rare storyline that will keep adults entertained, Ravenhearst is a great game with significant replay value and a spooky fun atmosphere. For interactive hidden object fans, Drawn: The Painted Tower is a must-have. Lengthy game play, challenging puzzles and stunning graphics make this a top pick. For completely free hidden object games, the Little Shop of Treasures series provides hours of seek and find fun, although without the storyline, graphics and immersion a paid game offers.

Hidden object games are a great way to pass the time, challenge your brain or spend a rainy afternoon. With thousands of titles to choose from, players are sure to find the perfect game. Playing free hidden object games is an entertaining and challenging experience for young and old!

Hidden object games – also known as “hidden picture games” or “seek and find games” – are a genre of puzzle video game that has exploded in popularity in recent years, particularly with the advent of Web 2.0 and a new generation of casual gamers. As the name suggests, the player’s objective in hidden object games is to find hidden objects, pictures and clues. Hidden object games could be compared with a high tech version of Highlights magazine’s old hidden picture puzzles, or a point and click version of where’s Waldo.

While the premise may sound simple, not only can hidden object games be surprisingly addicting, but the genre provides for a wide array of game themes, stories, and structures, all premised around the concept of finding hidden objects. Hidden object games are extremely diverse in terms of complexity. They can range from simple hidden picture games where the player simply locates all objects before time runs out, or it can range to complex mystery/adventure puzzle games where the player solves various hidden object puzzles in order to advance a storyline. Storylines can range from solving murders, tracking missing persons, to exploring lost cities.

Hidden object games are extremely flexible in terms of locale as well. Virtually any situation or location can be used as a backdrop for a basic hidden object game. While some hidden object games use a common theme, many simple hidden object games online simply hide a variety of random, unrelated objects. Hidden object games are also found in a wide variety of gaming platforms and delivery stems. Both paid and free hidden object games can be played as downloads, in browsers, on cell phones, and even on social networks.

Free Online Hidden Object Games – No Download

In contrast to the traditional hardcore gaming scene, the emergence of Web 2.0 has brought about the birth of a whole new generation of casual gamers. Unlike traditional gamers who look for addictive, time-consuming games played on the most recent processor intensive platforms, the new casual gamer looks for quick, easily digestible yet engaging games that can be instantly played online, rather than downloaded or purchased in store.

Often, these casual gamers are looking for games that are extremely cheap ($1-$10), though even more casual gamers are looking for games that are free. This has made simple puzzle games, including free hidden object games online, extremely popular.

Find Free Online Hidden Objects Games

Many of the most famous hidden object games are paid/free trial downloadable games. Games supported by paid users are often more elaborate and have superior playability value – not surprising as their paid user base demands a higher level of engagement for their dollar. However, the vast majority of hidden object games are still available online and free. These easily digestible puzzle games are perfect for killing a few minutes or a few hours throughout the day, whether at home, at school, or even at the office.

A quick Google search will reveal a variety of free hidden object games (no download) that are playable with any browser. You can also play free hidden object games online by searching Facebook, which carries a number of popular hidden object games developed by independent developers. Some also include social features that allow you to compete with your friends. Lastly, free hidden object games are a popular genre on smart phones, including both the iPhone and Android platforms, though many of the best hidden object games available on smart phones are free trial versions.

Download Hidden Object Games

Not all hidden object games are played online or through social networks. There are still a variety of premium hidden object games that require download to PC or MAC. These downloadable hidden object games usually cost money to play – usually between $5-$10. In exchange, developers generally deliver higher value games with longer plotlines, greater level of engagement and superior graphics when compared with their free counterparts.

While most of these are free hidden object games to download, the free download version is usually only a trial that requires unlocking in order to access the full version. Popular downloadable hidden object games include Pirateville, Mysteryville, Little Shop Of Treasures, Hide and Secret, Dream Chronicles, Mystery of the Crystal Portal, and many more.

Popular Downloadable Hidden Object Games

Pirateville
In Pirateville, players can take the roll of Jack the Sharpshooter – a pirate hunting for gold and treasure – who sets out on an adventure after discovering a mysterious ancient casket. Pirateville takes the player on an elaborate journey through 161 levels of pirate adventure.

Mysteryville
Mysteryville, as the name suggests, is a game that blends the hidden objects genre with mystery – a hybrid genre sometimes referred to as “hidden clue games”. The player takes the role of ace reporter for Countryside Life Magazine, exploring a mystery in the strange small town of Mysteryville.

Little Shop Of Treasures
In Little Shop Of Treasures, the player is given the challenge to help shop owners in the town of Huntington find over 1,200 unique items for their customers, with the ultimate goal of opening their own shop. Little Shop Of Treasures comes with two game play modes and 12 scenes. Little Shop Of Treasures is less focused on plot than some other downloadable hidden object games, but its two modes, 12 scenes and over 1,200 objects allows for a significant amount of replayability.

Play Hidden Object Games And See What It’s All About

By now, you’re aware of the wide range of themes and backdrops on which the hidden object genre can be based. You’re aware of the array of complexity that can be found in different hidden object games, from basic point and click to mystery solving and adventure. You also know that hidden object games are usually available extremely cheap or totally free.

There’s only one thing left to do. The best way to appreciate the hidden object genre of gaming is to try it for yourself. You’ll discover the fun, engaging and mentally stimulating game play that entertains millions of casual gamers every day.