LBR received a Nintendo Switch review code from Pirate PR on behalf of Rogueside to review Hidden Through Time 2: Myths & Magic.
Hidden Through Time 2: Myths & Magic is a point-and-click hidden object game from returning developer and publisher Rogueside. There are four unique worlds with their own theme and several levels to explore. There is a campaign and an Architect Mode to create and share original maps.
In Hidden Through Time 2, players seek out hidden objects in themed levels. You’ll need to use context clues, open concealed areas and buildings, and even adjust the day cycle or weather. There is also a secret objective in each world to unlock extra content.
Hidden Through Time 2 first launched on PC via Steam in October 2023. It launches onto Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox this week on January 25th, 2024.
To review some gameplay, you can check out Rogueside’s launch trailer from October:
Hidden Through Time 2 is just as adorable as its predecessor, with bright worlds that are full of humor. The art design is cozy, and the many detailed references for the titular myths and magic feel thoughtful.
But most importantly, I appreciate the extensive storytelling in each world. As a hidden object game, each level must be partly stagnant. So, it’s crucial for the staging to build a narrative.
Hidden Through Time 2 does so by combining active scenes with cute hints for each objective. The comedy may be too silly for some, but I find it wholesome and relaxing.
Many of the characters, critters, and objects react in some small way. Fans of the genre should definitely enjoy discovering all of the smaller details.
Breaking down the context of each clue also feels like its own puzzle, which makes the game more interactive.
However, the difficulty and escalation can feel unbalanced at times. Early levels in each world can feel too easy, due to straightforward clues. Meanwhile, later stages might become a bit too tricky.
The latter doesn’t quite line up with the casual tone of playful music and cartoonish artwork.
And although the music is charming, I do wish there were more of it. In tougher levels, the loop begins to feel redundant. Similarly, each theme could use a bit more variety between settings.
Fortunately, there is a lot of content in Hidden Through Time 2. After the campaign, Architect Mode and online maps add crucial perpetuity and player creativity to the gameplay.
The construction tools are intuitive and let you add your own personality. Player-created maps may also give genre experts a better challenge, akin to Super Mario Maker.
Changing the weather and time of day is also a smart way to increase object density without losing interest. Sometimes, daytime clues even have relationships with the nighttime clues.
Final Thoughts
Hidden Through Time 2: Myths & Magic may not revolutionize the hidden object genre. It also has some balancing issues and lengthy load times on Switch. But it will likely charm you with its bubbly attitude, innocent humor, and a very cute art design. This is a solid, cozy way to pass the time.
Score: 7.5/10
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