I see from alot of posts, that some people don't like HOG's that have too many hidden object scenes. My question is, if a hidden object game doesn't have any hidden objects, isn't it just an adventure game? For some reason I don't mind alot of ho scenes. I never seem to get bored. While I still love my adventure games, I like the shorter length and instant gratification of HOG's. Opinions anyone?

thracia

That's a good question, thracia. If you take the hidden object scenes away from a hidden object puzzle adventure game, it does indeed seem like we are left with an adventure game. I don't mind some hidden object scenes, but what really appeals to me now is what we tend to call casual adventure or adventure lite: these games give me a consistent sense of accomplishment, frequent rewards, generally not very difficult puzzles, they don't require a major time commitment on my part, and there is a skip button available.

I still play a few true adventure games from time to time but find myself getting impatient (or bored) with a lot of them now, due to the absence of the features mentioned above. For me, adventure lite is the fun of adventure games without some of the frustrations I have experienced with traditional adventure games in the past.

Some hidden object scenes I enjoy more than others. When the actual scene is interactive, I tend to like those better. I thought the box puzzle/hidden object scene in the new Hidden Expeditions was very interesting and creative. I'd love to see more of that type in casual games.

I think for some it's a matter of a balance. IHOG's have gotten so sophisticated and so much more interactive that a lot of people now find the hidden object scenes a distraction. I don't mind them, especially when they're not just a pile of stuff that doesn't relate to the rest of the story and environment. A lot of the games wouldn't amount to much if you took all the h*o scenes out. But once in awhile I also like a straight h*o and always keep a couple on my desktop when I don't want to invest too much time or energy, but want something to pass the time. There are plenty of options to choose from. And the demos are a good way to find out if a game meets an individual's expectations.

It could be some dislike too many HOs within a game because it breaks up the rhythm of solving puzzles. They may get into a mind set where they are so focused on solutions that a HO causes them to lose concentration.

As for myself, I enjoy the combination of HOs and puzzles because while you're working one, you're taking a break from the other. I once played a straight HO game that became very tiresome several screens into the game. But even though it had become tiresome I did manage to finish the game.

I agree Homer. I like the combo of HOS and puzzles.

I love the hidden object scenes, especially going back to a location (when somewhat stuck) and finding a sparkling area which gets me going again.

Bernie

Oh, you are right about that, Bernie! I'm always relieved to find a hidden object scene when I can't figure out what to do next.

I like the games that are lite on HOs. They seem to serve simply as game lengtheners IMO. I won't buy the games that have too many in the demo. I love finding objects on the ground or close-up scenes. And I love lots of puzzles.

Adventure lite is my favorite type of game but they are far and few between.

I agree with bermag45 and Marian, I get excited when I see those sparkling areas. I also like the ho scenes that are within a bigger room. I don't like it when the whole room is the ho sceen. I like a ho scene every three or four locations. I often chuckle at the objects as well, why do you need to find (honey, pins, butterflies,etc...) when trying to save the world.I also try to figure out which object on the list I'm going to get, and where I will need to use it." I'm getting me a crowbar, I just know it!"

thracia

I recently finished Deadtime Stories, which I liked BTW, but found some of the HOs maddening. Most of the HOs I've worked it just a matter of finding the object amongst other objects on a normal colored background.

But some of the HOs in Deadtime Stories were against a green background, and the objects themselves were green. Talk about the proverbial needle in the haystack.

Another style of HO that presents a problem to me are those based in large rooms or courtyard type rooms. Because my eyesight is terrible to begin with, can't see far away well, these distance HOs are a pain.