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| 4 | [[quoteright:350:[[VideoGame/HiddenObjectMysteryEstate https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/hidden_obj.png]]]] |
| 5 | |
| 6 | A Hidden Object Game (often abbreviated [=HOG=]) is a subgenre of {{Casual Video Game}}s where the player has to find [[NeedleInAStackOfNeedles a series of objects in a cluttered scene]], which are almost always photorealistic. |
| 7 | |
| 8 | In most cases, expect objects that have no business being anywhere near the scene pictured, and a good helping of AnachronismStew (a jumbo jet inside the depths of an ancient Egyptian tomb, for example). After getting the objects, you'll be given one of them to take with you for use in your exploration of the game's setting (for instance, if you get an axe, expect to find a door with a busted lock somewhere). |
| 9 | |
| 10 | A subgenre of this subgenre are Interactive Hidden Object Games ([=IHOGs=]), also called Hidden Object Puzzle Adventures ([=HOPAs=]). In these, the regular hidden object screens are mixed with other types of puzzles. There's usually some connection between the hidden object parts and the puzzle parts. For instance, you may collect a set of items by finding them in hidden object screens, then assemble them to get through a puzzle screen. Nearly every HOG has puzzles to solve. |
| 11 | |
| 12 | Fragmented Hidden Object Games ([=FROGs=]) are another subgenre. Each item to be found is broken into several pieces. Fortunately, there usually aren't as many items to search for as in a "straight" [=HOG=]. Normally each item will automatically reassemble once all the component bits have been found. |
| 13 | |
| 14 | Most current games are primarily horror games, although there are a few mystery ones (sometimes, they're both). Basically, they're SurvivalHorror titles with hidden object levels replacing the monsters. Although most of them have subtitles, they're either a standalone game or part of a long series. |
| 15 | |
| 16 | The hidden object scene is dominated by Big Fish and Alawar, but other, smaller companies are starting to make names for themselves. All games on the top 5 list of 2012 [=HOGs=] on Gamezebo (''the'' website for [=HOGs=]) [[http://www.gamezebo.com/news/2012/12/24/best-hidden-object-games-2012 are available at Big Fish]]. (It's worth noting that Big Fish distributes ''many'' games for other developers, in addition to the ones they personally produce.) |
| 17 | |
| 18 | The non-electronic counterpart has been around for ages, those little "spot the difference" puzzles typically in newspapers, especially the "kid's section", or on TV, where they show two almost identical pictures next to each other and you have to find the little differences. |
| 19 | |
| 20 | Of course, not all hidden object games are able to get sequels beyond the first game, but nonetheless will be given their due acknowledgment. |
| 21 | |
| 22 | ---- |
| 23 | !!Notable games in this genre include: |
| 24 | [[index]] |
| 25 | * ''[[Literature/WheresWally Where's Wally/Waldo?]]'': Trope Maker, or rather the UrExample. |
| 26 | ** The NES game adaptation (1991) may be one of the earliest video games in this genre. |
| 27 | * ''VideoGame/NineTheDarkSide'' |
| 28 | * ''[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKm2RLgRwTI Area 61]]'', a game where you're inside a warehouse searching for '''61''' Easter eggs referencing various movies. And that's all the plot there is. |
| 29 | * ''AbyssTheWraithsOfEden'' |
| 30 | * ''Agency of Anomalies'' |
| 31 | * ''VideoGame/AliceInTheMirrorsOfAlbion'' |
| 32 | * ''VideoGame/AliceInWonderlandHOG'' |
| 33 | * ''VideoGame/AmazingAdventuresTheForgottenRuins'' |
| 34 | * ''VideoGame/{{Awakening}}'' |
| 35 | * ''VideoGame/{{Azada}}'' |
| 36 | * ''VideoGame/{{Belladonna}}'' |
| 37 | * ''VideoGame/{{Beyond}}'' |
| 38 | * ''VideoGame/BeyondTheInvisible'' |
| 39 | * ''VideoGame/BluebeardsCastle'' |
| 40 | * ''VideoGame/BonfireStories'' |
| 41 | * ''VideoGame/BookTravelers'' |
| 42 | * ''VideoGame/BridgeToAnotherWorld'' |
| 43 | * ''VideoGame/BrinkOfConsciousnessDorianGraySyndrome'' |
| 44 | * ''VideoGame/{{Cadenza}}'' |
| 45 | * ''VideoGame/CalaveraDayOfTheDead'' |
| 46 | * ''VideoGame/CampfireLegends'' trilogy |
| 47 | * ''Literature/CanYouSeeWhatISee'' |
| 48 | * ''VideoGame/CateWestTheVanishingFiles'' and the sequel, ''[[VideoGame/CateWestTheVelvetKeys The Velvet Keys]]'' |
| 49 | * ''VideoGame/{{Chimeras}}'' |
| 50 | * The ''VideoGame/ChristmasSpirit'' series, a Christmas-centered hidden object game series. |
| 51 | * The ''VideoGame/ChristmasStories'' series. Not to be confused with the above. |
| 52 | * ''VideoGame/TheChroniclesOfScarlettFrost'' |
| 53 | * ''VideoGame/CityLegends'' |
| 54 | * ''VideoGame/CityOfStories'' |
| 55 | * ''VideoGame/ConnectedHearts'' |
| 56 | * ''VideoGame/CrimeOClock'' |
| 57 | * ''VideoGame/CriminalCase'' |
| 58 | ** ''VideoGame/CriminalCaseGrimsborough'' |
| 59 | ** ''VideoGame/CriminalCasePacificBay'' |
| 60 | ** ''VideoGame/CriminalCaseWorldEdition'' |
| 61 | ** ''VideoGame/CriminalCaseMysteriesOfThePast'' |
| 62 | ** ''VideoGame/CriminalCaseTheConspiracy'' |
| 63 | ** ''VideoGame/CriminalCaseTravelInTime'' |
| 64 | ** ''VideoGame/CriminalCaseSupernaturalInvestigations'' |
| 65 | ** ''VideoGame/CriminalCaseCityOfRomance'' |
| 66 | * ''VideoGame/{{Crossroads}}'' |
| 67 | * ''VideoGame/CruelGamesRedRidingHood'' |
| 68 | * ''VideoGame/TheCurioSociety'' |
| 69 | * ''VideoGame/CurseOfTheWerewolves'' |
| 70 | * ''VideoGame/{{Cursed}}'' |
| 71 | * ''VideoGame/CursedCases'' |
| 72 | * ''VideoGame/CursedFables'' |
| 73 | * ''VideoGame/CursedFates'' |
| 74 | * ''VideoGame/DanaKnightstone'' |
| 75 | * ''VideoGame/DangerousGames'' |
| 76 | * ''VideoGame/DanseMacabre'' |
| 77 | * ''VideoGame/DarkCanvas'' |
| 78 | * ''VideoGame/DarkCases'' |
| 79 | * ''VideoGame/DarkCitySeries'' |
| 80 | * ''VideoGame/DarkDimensions'' |
| 81 | * The ''VideoGame/DarkParables'' belong to the [=FRoG=] subgenre. This is also true of both of its short-lived sister series, ''VideoGame/{{Cursery}}'' and ''VideoGame/FabledLegends''. |
| 82 | * ''VideoGame/DarkRealm'' |
| 83 | * ''Videogame/DarkRomance'' |
| 84 | * ''VideoGame/DarkStrokes'' |
| 85 | * ''VideoGame/DarkTales'' started out as this; as the series has continued, the games contain fewer hidden object puzzles and more of the point-and-click variety. |
| 86 | * ''VideoGame/DarkartaABrokenHeartsQuest'' |
| 87 | * ''VisualNovel/DaughterForDessert'' contains a minigame of this when the protagonist searches Mortelli's office to find out exactly what the detective knows but isn't telling him. |
| 88 | * The video game adaptation of Creator/AgathaChristie's ''Literature/DeathOnTheNile'' |
| 89 | * ''VideoGame/DeadLinks'' |
| 90 | * ''VideoGame/DeadReckoning'' |
| 91 | * ''VideoGame/DeadtimeStories'' |
| 92 | * ''VideoGame/DeathPagesGhostLibrary'' |
| 93 | * ''VideoGame/DetectivesUnited'' is a blend of this and PointAndClickGame. |
| 94 | * ''[[VideoGame/DinerDash Diner Town Detective Agency]],'' co-starring Flo and featuring many characters from the ''Dash'' series of games. |
| 95 | * ''VideoGame/DonnaBrave'' |
| 96 | * ''VideoGame/DraculasLegacy'' |
| 97 | * ''VideoGame/DraculaOrigin'' and ''Dracula: Love Kills'' |
| 98 | * ''VideoGame/DreadfulTales'' |
| 99 | * ''VideoGame/DreamChronicles'' |
| 100 | * ''VideoGame/DyingForDaylight'' |
| 101 | * ''VideoGame/EchosOfThePast'' |
| 102 | * ''VideoGame/EdgeOfReality'' |
| 103 | * ''VideoGame/EmeraldMaiden'' |
| 104 | * ''VideoGame/EmpressOfTheDeep'' |
| 105 | * ''VideoGame/EnchantedKingdom'' |
| 106 | * ''VideoGame/EndlessFables'' |
| 107 | * The ''VideoGame/{{Enigmatis}}'' trilogy is a blend of this and PointAndClickGame. |
| 108 | * ''VideoGame/{{Eventide}}'' |
| 109 | * ''VideoGame/EscapeFromFrankensteinsCastle'' |
| 110 | * ''VideoGame/EscapeTheMuseum'' |
| 111 | * ''VideoGame/EuropeanMystery'' |
| 112 | * ''VideoGame/EvilPumpkinTheLostHalloween'' |
| 113 | * ''VideoGame/FacesOfIllusionTheTwinPhantoms'' |
| 114 | * ''VideoGame/FairyGodmotherStories'' |
| 115 | * ''VideoGame/FamilyMysteries'' |
| 116 | * ''VideoGame/FatalEvidence'' |
| 117 | * ''VideoGame/FearForSale'' |
| 118 | * ''VideoGame/FearfulTales'' |
| 119 | * ''VideoGame/FictionFixers'' |
| 120 | * ''VideoGame/FierceTales'' |
| 121 | * ''VideoGame/FinalCut'' |
| 122 | * ''VideoGame/FlightsOfFancy'' |
| 123 | * The ''VideoGame/ForgottenFairytales'' series |
| 124 | * ''VideoGame/ForgottenPlaces'' |
| 125 | * ''VideoGame/FrankensteinMasterOfDeath'' |
| 126 | * ''VideoGame/{{Fright}}'' |
| 127 | * ''VideoGame/FrightChasers'' |
| 128 | * ''VideoGame/GhostFiles'' |
| 129 | * ''VideoGame/GloomyTales'' |
| 130 | * ''VideoGame/{{Graven}}'' |
| 131 | * ''VideoGame/TheGreatGatsbySecretTreasure'' |
| 132 | * ''VideoGame/{{Greed}}'' |
| 133 | * ''VideoGame/GrimFacade'' |
| 134 | * ''VideoGame/GrimLegends'' |
| 135 | * ''VideoGame/GrimTales'' |
| 136 | * ''VideoGame/HallowedLegends'' |
| 137 | * The ''VideoGame/HalloweenChronicles'' series |
| 138 | * ''VideoGame/HalloweenStories'' series. Not to be confused with the above. |
| 139 | * ''VideoGame/HarrowedHalls'' |
| 140 | * ''VideoGame/HauntedHalls'' |
| 141 | * ''VideoGame/HauntedHotel'' |
| 142 | * ''VideoGame/HauntedLegends'' |
| 143 | * ''VideoGame/HauntedManor'' |
| 144 | * ''VideoGame/HauntedTrain'' |
| 145 | * ''VideoGame/HiddenAgenda2013'' |
| 146 | * ''VideoGame/HiddenCity'' |
| 147 | * ''VideoGame/HiddenExpedition'' |
| 148 | * ''VideoGame/HiddenPictures'' of "Highlights" fame is a variant: here, the scenes are cartoony, and the items you're looking for aren't just part of the scenery, but rather hidden inside the picture! |
| 149 | * The ''VideoGame/HouseOf1000Doors'' series: ''Family Secrets'', ''The Palm of Zoroaster'', ''The Serpent Flame'', and ''Evil Inside''. |
| 150 | * ''Literature/ISpy'', which began as a series of children's books and [[VideoGame/ISpy later became computer games]], is probably one of the earliest games of this type. [[note]]In the video games, you GottaCatchEmAll (whatever they are) and get an additional object for finishing a Hidden Object Scene.[[/note]] |
| 151 | * ''Videogame/ImmortalLove'' |
| 152 | * ''VideoGame/ISpy'' |
| 153 | * ''VideoGame/ItHappenedHere'' |
| 154 | * ''VideoGame/JunesJourney'' |
| 155 | * The ''VideoGame/KeeperOfAntiques'' series |
| 156 | * ''VideoGame/KingsHeirRiseToTheThrone'' |
| 157 | * ''VideoGame/KnightCats'' |
| 158 | * ''VideoGame/LeagueOfLight'' |
| 159 | * ''VideoGame/LeftInTheDark'' |
| 160 | * ''VideoGame/LegacyTales'' |
| 161 | * ''VideoGame/LegendaryTales'' |
| 162 | * ''VideoGame/LetsFindLarry'' |
| 163 | * ''VideoGame/LivingLegends'' |
| 164 | * ''VideoGame/LostLegends'' |
| 165 | * ''VideoGame/LoveChronicles'' |
| 166 | * ''VideoGame/MacabreMysteries'' |
| 167 | * ''VideoGame/{{Maestro}}'' |
| 168 | * ''VideoGame/MagicCityDetective'' |
| 169 | * ''VideoGame/ManorMatters'' |
| 170 | * ''VideoGame/{{Margrave}}'' |
| 171 | * ''VideoGame/MazeOfRealities'' |
| 172 | * ''VideoGame/MemoirsOfMurder'' |
| 173 | * ''VideoGame/MidnightCalling'' |
| 174 | * ''VideoGame/MidnightMysteries'' |
| 175 | * ''VideoGame/MindSnares'' |
| 176 | * ''VideoGame/MonsterQuest'' |
| 177 | * ''VideoGame/MortimerBeckett'' |
| 178 | * ''VideoGame/MsHolmes'' |
| 179 | * ''VideoGame/MurderByChoice'' |
| 180 | * ''VideoGame/MurderInTheAlps'' |
| 181 | * ''VideoGame/MurderMystery'' |
| 182 | * ''VideoGame/MysteryCaseFiles'' |
| 183 | * ''VideoGame/MysteryLegends'' |
| 184 | * ''VideoGame/MysteryManor'' |
| 185 | * ''VideoGame/MysteryOfMortlakeMansion'' |
| 186 | * ''VideoGame/MysteryTales'' |
| 187 | * ''VideoGame/MysteryTrackers'' |
| 188 | * ''VideoGame/{{Mysteryville}}'' |
| 189 | * ''VideoGame/MythOrReality'' |
| 190 | * ''VideoGame/MythSeekers'' |
| 191 | * ''VideoGame/MythsOfTheWorld'' |
| 192 | * ''VideoGame/{{Nevertales}}'' |
| 193 | * ''VideoGame/NewYorkMysteries'' |
| 194 | * ''VideoGame/NightfallMysteries'' |
| 195 | * ''VideoGame/NightmareAdventuresTheWitchsPrison'' and its sequel ''[[VideoGame/NightmareAdventuresTheTurningThorn The Turning Thorn]]'': Notable for having ''no hidden object levels at all''. (Basically, the exact opposite of ''VideoGame/Travelogue360''.) |
| 196 | * ''VideoGame/NightmareRealm'' |
| 197 | * ''VideoGame/NightmaresFromTheDeep'' |
| 198 | * ''VideoGame/NightmareOnThePacific'' |
| 199 | * ''VideoGame/NoirMysteries'' |
| 200 | * ''VideoGame/OffTheRecord'' |
| 201 | * ''VideoGame/OminousObjects'' |
| 202 | * ''VideoGame/OminousTales'' |
| 203 | * ''VideoGame/OnlyTheBraveCanRescueTheKidnappedPrincess'' alternates between being this and a PointAndClickGame. |
| 204 | * ''VideoGame/{{Otherworld}}'' |
| 205 | * ''VideoGame/ParanormalFiles'' |
| 206 | * ''VideoGame/PathOfSin'' |
| 207 | * ''VideoGame/PennyDreadfulsSweeneyTodd'' |
| 208 | * ''VideoGame/PersianNights'' |
| 209 | * ''VideoGame/{{Phantasmat}}'' |
| 210 | * ''VideoGame/{{Photographs}}'' |
| 211 | * ''Magazine/{{Playboy}}'': Adult magazine version: finding the hidden bunny logo on the covers has become a game with readers. |
| 212 | * ''VideoGame/PunishedTalents'' |
| 213 | * ''{{VideoGame/Puppetshow}}'' |
| 214 | * ''VideoGame/QueensQuest'' |
| 215 | * ''VideoGame/QueensTale'' |
| 216 | * ''VideoGame/RedemptionCemetery'' |
| 217 | * ''VideoGame/ReflectionsOfLife'' |
| 218 | * ''VideoGame/{{Reveries}}'' |
| 219 | * ''VideoGame/RevivedLegends'' |
| 220 | * ''VideoGame/RiddlesOfFate'' |
| 221 | * ''VideoGame/RiteOfPassage'' |
| 222 | * ''VideoGame/RoyalDetective'' |
| 223 | * ''VideoGame/RoyalLegends'' |
| 224 | * ''VideoGame/RoyalRomances'' |
| 225 | * ''VideoGame/SableMaze'' |
| 226 | * ''VideoGame/SacraTerra'' |
| 227 | * The ''VideoGame/SamanthaSwift'' series with its archaeological storylines. |
| 228 | * ''VideoGame/ScarlettMysteries'' |
| 229 | * ''VideoGame/SeaLegends'' |
| 230 | * ''VideoGame/SeaOfLies'' |
| 231 | * ''VideoGame/SeasonOfMysteryTheCherryBlossomMurders'' |
| 232 | * ''VideoGame/SecretCity'' |
| 233 | * ''VideoGame/SecretOfGreatQueens'' |
| 234 | * ''VideoGame/SecretsOfTheDark'' |
| 235 | * ''VideoGame/SeekersNotesHiddenMystery'' |
| 236 | * ''VideoGame/ShadesOfDeathRoyalBlood'' |
| 237 | * ''VideoGame/{{Shadowplay}}'' |
| 238 | * ''VideoGame/ShadowWolfMysteries'' |
| 239 | * ''VideoGame/ShatteredMinds'' |
| 240 | * ''VideoGame/{{Shiver}}'' |
| 241 | * ''VideoGame/ShroudedTales'' |
| 242 | * ''VideoGame/SilentNights'' |
| 243 | * ''VideoGame/SmallTownTerrors'' |
| 244 | * ''VideoGame/SpiritLegends'' |
| 245 | * ''VideoGame/SpiritOfRevenge'' |
| 246 | * ''VideoGame/SpiritsOfMystery'' |
| 247 | * ''VideoGame/StrandedDreamscapes'' |
| 248 | * ''VideoGame/StrangeInvestigations'' |
| 249 | * ''Stray Souls'' |
| 250 | ** ''VideoGame/StraySoulsDollhouseStory'' |
| 251 | ** ''VideoGame/StraySoulsStolenMemories'' |
| 252 | * ''VideoGame/{{Surface}}'' |
| 253 | * ''VideoGame/TalesOfTerror'' |
| 254 | * ''VideoGame/TimeMysteries'' |
| 255 | * ''VideoGame/{{Timeless}}'' |
| 256 | * ''VideoGame/TheTinyBangStory'' |
| 257 | * ''VideoHame/Travelogue360'' [[note]]You can only go to Hidden Object Scenes. There is no overworld. And once you've finished, the story progresses, as opposed to receiving an item.[[/note]] |
| 258 | * ''VideoGame/{{Trauma}}'': You are searching for small photos inside levels that are themselves a collection of photos, and also need to draw signs on the screen with your cursor at certain points in order to receive certain endings. |
| 259 | * ''VideoGame/TwinMind'' series |
| 260 | * The ''VideoGame/TwistedLands'' trilogy: ''Shadow Town'', ''Insomniac'', and the prequel story ''Origin''. |
| 261 | * ''VideoGame/UnchartedTides'' |
| 262 | * ''VideoGame/UnfinishedTales'' |
| 263 | * ''VideoGame/UnseenFears'' |
| 264 | * ''VideoGame/UnsolvedCases'' |
| 265 | * ''VideoGame/VampireBrideLoveOverDeath'' |
| 266 | * ''VideoGame/VampireLegends'' series |
| 267 | * ''VideoGame/VampireSaga'' |
| 268 | * ''VideoGame/VermillionWatch'' |
| 269 | * ''VideoGame/VictorianMysteries'' |
| 270 | * ''VideoGame/VoodooChronicles'' |
| 271 | * ''VideoGame/WebOfDeceit'' |
| 272 | * ''VideoGame/WeirdPark'' |
| 273 | * ''VideoGame/WhereAngelsCry'' |
| 274 | * ''Literature/WhereAreThey'' |
| 275 | * ''VideoGame/WhisperedLegends'' |
| 276 | * ''VideoGame/WhisperedSecrets'' |
| 277 | * ''VideoGame/WitchesLegacy'' |
| 278 | * ''VideoGame/WitchsPranks'' |
| 279 | * ''VideoGame/WorldsAlign'' |
| 280 | * ''VideoGame/YuletideLegends'' |
| 281 | [[/index]] |
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