Initial release date: May 17, 2024
Genres: Indie game, Puzzle, Casual game
Developer: Rogueside
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X and Series S, macOS, Mac operating systems
Publisher: Rogueside
Series: Hidden Through Time
Rogueside’s Hidden Through Time 2: Discovery is a hidden object game with three “stories” that all start to reveal themselves as you locate certain things hidden—often in plain sight—in chaotic, vibrant, and shifting landscapes.
It’s charming, easygoing, and basic. You will be familiar with this idea if you have played the first game or the mobile game Find Out at any point. Perhaps a bustling urban setting with adorable little people going about their daily lives will be shown, along with a ton of small visual jokes and details and a variety of concealed objects—some that are hidden in cabinets or other containers, and others that are so ordinary they don’t stick out at all. Most objects will animate slightly when you click on them.
There are hints on the items themselves that point to the general vicinity in where they may be concealed. Remarkably, Hidden Through Time 2: Discovery features modifiable world states, including day and night or rain and shine, which modifiably change the map’s layout and make some objects accessible.
There is a narrative associated with every campaign that takes place on eleven distinct maps. Following a couple of detectives and an astronaut, neither is particularly deep or complex. Although they’re not very memorable, they’re still a lovely touch. Altering the states of the world also displays some evolution; for example, there is a street vendor who is either selling his wares or seeking shelter from the rain. Again, it’s not complicated, but each of these demonstrates the developer’s care and inventiveness.
After completing the included campaign, you can download user-generated challenges or use Architect Mode to make your own. This startled me because there is such a large selection of materials and themes to choose from. It is simple to create the maps since you may add several levels of detail, characters, obscure obstacles, and hidden objects at the end. Although getting the layers just perfect can occasionally be a bit tricky, it’s actually great that this mode exists.
I only used Steamdeck to play Hidden Through Time 2: Discovery, but you may also use a mouse or controller on a PC or console to click on the environment. There are no stress levels, timers, or failure states present here; instead, there is only the task of taking in the world, which is delightful when the world is this adorable.
The 33 maps in the regular campaign offer a good amount of variety and a mild challenge that will keep you occupied – and occasionally stumped – for a short while. Architect mode adds depth and ingenuity to the mix. All things considered, Hidden Through Time 2: Discovery is a fantastic choice for anyone searching for a different kind of comforting puzzle game. It is just what it needs to be.
Review Overview
Gameplay – 76%
Story – 60%
Aesthetics – 82%
Content – 70%
Accessibility – 80%
Value – 75%
Overall Rating – 74%
Fair
Summary: Hidden Through Time 2: Discovery is a fantastic choice for those seeking a different kind of comforting puzzle game because it is precisely what it needs to be.