Download Hidden Object Games
Hidden Object Games Online
Ever since personal computing was popularized in the 80s, users have continued to find new ways to use the computer as a tool for gaming. From Oregon Trail, to Doom, to Counter-Strike, to World of Warcraft – computer gaming has been evolving and gaining new hardcore followers year after year, decade after decade. But until recently, computer gaming was primarily the domain of the hardcore gamer. This consisted primarily of the 12-35 year old tech-savvy male, utterly devoted to their games. These were, and still are, the hardcore gamers of the world.
In recent years a new breed of gamer has emerged – the casual gamer. Thanks to social networks and smart phones, there is a whole generation of gamers not looking for long, drawn out games that take an emotional and sometimes physical commitment on the part of the player. Instead, they’re looking for simple games that are engaging and addictive, but that can also be consumed in bite-sized chunks. Casual gamers want games that they can pick up and play on their phone for 15 minutes while they’re on the bus, they want games they can play through their browser in class or at work, and they want games on their PC they can download quickly and cheaply. Instead of spending weeks, months, or even years salivating over the prospect of a multi-million dollar release, these casual gamers browse online, on Facebook, or the App Store and simply play whatever catches their eye. Casual gamers can be your little sister, your girlfriend, your mom, or even entire families playing together.
If casual gaming is part of the future of gaming, then one of the primary reasons it is where it is now is due to the emergence of hidden object games. In the hidden object genre, the player looks to uncover hidden objects in a race against the clock. This can be as simple as a single level, free hidden object game online played though the browser, or it can range to downloadable hidden object games that contain multiple levels, elaborate storylines, and the type of puzzle/adventure gameplay extremely popular amongst casual gamers. Developers of these games utilize the hidden object premise to build games that could also be classified as mystery games or adventure games, where uncovered objects lead to clues that drive the plot and game forward.
Download Hidden Object Games
While there are many free online hidden object games with no download required, as previously mentioned, these games are frequently limited in their scope and gameplay. While they’re extremely entertaining and perfect for the type of bite-sized engagement many casual gamers are looking for, some casual gamers will inevitably crave more. For these casual gamers, downloadable hidden object games provide what they’re looking for.
Downloadable hidden object games usually come with a free trial, allowing you to try the game out before purchasing. Unlike traditional computer games, which can cost in the $50-60 range for a new release, premium hidden object games are priced at only $5-$10 to fit the budget of a casual gamer. These games are small, usually between 25-40 megabytes in size, and should take no more than a few minutes to download with a standard home broadband connection. They also have extremely basic system requirements that any PC or Mac less than 10 years old can easily handle.
Mystery Case Files: Huntsville
Released by Big Fish Games in 2005 – one of the pioneers in the hidden object games genre – some credit Mystery Case Files: Huntsville as the first hidden object game to find mainstream success. Whether this is the case or not, Mystery Case Files is a classic prototype of the download-based hidden object game – with hidden object mini games and other puzzles and brainteasers used to unlock clues that advance the game. Mystery Case Files: Huntsville can also be classified as a “hidden clue game” because the objects uncovered during the hidden object mini-games unlock clues that the player will need to use in order to advance and solve the mystery.
Mystery Case Files: Huntsville contains over 20 unique levels, with over 15 crimes to solve as well as thousands of unique items. Like most hidden object games played on PC or Mac, the game is played on a series of two dimensional backdrops. These detailed scenes are used to hide objects and clues for the player to uncover. These objects may be easy to find, or they may blend seamlessly into the background, such as a coconut in a tree, a clock in a bedroom, or a cup on a table. Plots can revolve around virtually any theme. Hidden object games for girls usually revolve around love stories, shopping, or parties, while hidden object games for kids may be educational and involve cartoon characters, animals, or cute monsters. Hidden object games for guys may involve horror, adventure, or mysteries, though many of these genres are popular amongst girls as well.
Play Hidden Object Games
If you haven’t experienced the hidden object games phenomenon, it’s extremely easy to try. When you download hidden object games, you’re often given a free trial in order to experience the game. If that’s too much of a commitment for you, you could try one of the thousands of free hidden object games online. Hidden object games are great for families, kids, people of all ages, and even hardcore gamers looking for some lighter fare. For those who enjoy a little light gaming and solving creative problemsm the hidden object genre may provide exactly what you’re looking for. Give the hidden object genre a chance – you won’t regret it.
