Game: Clutter’s Greatest Hits – Collector’s Edition
Genre: Casual, Indie, Puzzles, Hidden Objects
System: Steam (Windows)
Developers | Publishers: Puzzles By Joe | Grey Alien Games
Controller Support: None
Price: US $13.99 | UK £10.99 | EU € 11,59
Release Date: December 7th, 2023
Review code used, with many thanks to Grey Alien Games.
Developed by solo developer Joe Cassavaugh, Clutter’s Greatest Hits – Collector’s Edition is a hidden object game with a difference.
Un-Hidden Objects
The game is primarily a hidden object game. However, the objects aren’t hidden as such, as most are in full view of the player. So you could call it an un-hidden object puzzle game. Nevertheless, it contains over 2000 puzzles in various combinations of the hidden object genre, with a 100-level main quest. So there is certainly plenty to keep hidden object fans busy.
Lots of Puzzles
Among the games in the greatest hits edition is a quest for the perfect song by matching two of each disc. Hyper quest is fast and furious, with images in pinwheels and spirals that move on the screen. However, I liked that section of puzzles less as they were too busy and demanding on the eyes as I tried to keep up with the moving items. Box quotes puzzles include letters you must place correctly from a saying.
Then there are many un-hidden object levels to complete with objects such as soft toys, doughnuts and general bric-a-brac items to find in pairs or fours. The puzzles with doughnuts or chocolates made me want to go and raid the cupboard and stuff myself full of chocolate. The doughnuts look so real, and I’m sure they would be delicious.
Made with Love
The developer, Joe, has put a lot of love into his game, and it does show while you are playing it. For example, at the end of some puzzles, you are shown an image and an inspirational quote; it’s a nice touch.
In addition, the settings in the game are numerous, allowing you to tailor the game to your liking; for instance, you can play the puzzles with a timer, or if, like me, you don’t like to be timed, you can turn it off. However, if you play it timed, you get bonus points for any time left at the end of the puzzle.
Also, if you are colourblind, you can change the object to black and white or remove the silhouettes. Finally, as I mentioned earlier in this review, the items move in some of the puzzles, and even this can be turned off in the settings. It’s good to see a developer giving the players the freedom to tailor the game to the players’ needs; kudos to Joe.
Visuals and Controls
The music is excellent, and I recommend using headphones to get the most out of it. Soon you will be tapping along to the beat as you solve the puzzles.
Controls are simple, as only the mouse is used; everything works as it should. Visually the game looks great, and the objects are all clearly defined. At the end of each story quest puzzle, Joe’s narration gives game design tidbits and philosophical musings: again, I liked that and adds to the game.
Conclusion
Clutter’s Greatest Hits – Collector’s Edition is a fun casual game. It doesn’t pressure the player to succeed, and you can play it at your own pace. It’s also quite addictive and can pull you back for one more turn. The game is suitable for all ages of puzzles fans to enjoy.
Final Verdict: I Like it a Lot 