Game: Hidden Through Time 2: Discovery
Genre: Puzzle, Hidden Object
System: Steam (Windows) (also available on Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and Android, iOS)
Developers | Publishers: Rogueside
Controller Support: Yes
Steam Deck: Tested Playable
Price: US $10.99 | UK £9.49 | EU € 10,99
Release Date: August 13th, 2024
A review code was provided, with many thanks to Dead Good Media.
I enjoy a good hidden object hunt now and then, and the Hidden Through Time series of games is just the ticket; I’ve also played all the games in the series.
Back in June, I had the pleasure of playing the demo for Hidden Through Time 2: Discovery for an impressions article; now it’s time for a review of the full game, which is being released on Steam and other formats.
Hidden Through Time 2: Discovery – A Journey Through Eras
Hidden Through Time 2: Discovery offers a relaxing hidden object experience, perfect for players looking for a peaceful escape. The game beautifully captures the three distinct eras in the campaign mode: Victorian, Noir, and Sci-fi. Each era has a storyline, and they all provide a visual feast of hand-drawn art and intricate details.
Gameplay and Hints
The gameplay of Hidden Through Time 2: Discovery revolves around you searching for hidden objects within the lush environments.
For me, what sets this game apart from other games in the genre is the absence of time limits. Not having a time limit ticking away in the corner of the screen allows you to explore at your own pace, letting you thoroughly examine every nook and cranny of the beautifully designed maps.
To find everything, you need to be thorough and click on all the elements in the scene. For instance, clicking on a building might reveal hidden areas inside, and even something as seemingly minor as a suitcase or a box could open up with a simple press, and there could be a hidden object inside. So, it’s important to explore every detail carefully.
The challenge of finding cleverly hidden objects is enhanced by cryptic hints that will guide you, making each Discovery feel rewarding.
Some hints are more vague than others, but generally, they will give you an idea of where to look. Looking around larger environments can be tiresome; sometimes, it really is like trying to find a needle in a haystack, so a general pointer in the right direction can be very helpful.
Reality Shift Feature
In the previous game, Hidden Through Time 2: Myths & Magic, the developers added a feature known as “reality shift”.
In Hidden Through Time: 2 Discovery, the reality shift feature is back; with a click of the icon on the top of the screen, many of the maps change between different states, such as night and day or different weather, like rain or sunshine.
These reality shifts also cause characters on the map to move and reveal new items, making each map feel more expansive. While the game’s story isn’t filled with deep lore, these changes enhance the lighthearted narratives of each map, adding a touch of humour to the world.
Map Editor
Another feature of the game is the map editor. Even for someone like me who doesn’t really use editors, I had fun designing my own maps and tinkering with them. The map editor tool lets you unleash your creativity by designing your own hidden object scenes. It is pretty user-friendly and offers a wide variety of assets from the game’s three eras.
You can also populate your creations with characters and objects, designing unique scenarios that can be shared with the game’s community. The map editor feature significantly extends Hidden Through Time 2: Discovery replayability, as you can not only create but also explore an ever-growing collection of user-generated maps from other players.
Community and Replayability
The online community of Hidden Through Time 2: Discovery adds plenty more maps to the gameplay. Players can dive into a treasure trove of user-created maps, experiencing diverse and inventive challenges crafted by fellow adventurers. The communal sharing of maps provides a sense of connection among players but also an endless opportunity to discover new puzzles designed by other players.
Visuals and Atmosphere
The first thing that stands out to me in all the Hidden Through Time games is their delightful art style. In Hidden Through Time 2: Discovery, each scene is meticulously crafted with a blend of whimsy and nostalgia.
The Victorian era brims with elegance and opulent details, the Noir scenes evoke a sense of mystery with their shadowy tones, and the Sci-fi levels have futuristic gadgets and alien landscapes. The soundtrack also complements the visuals, enhancing the calming ambience and making the exploration of the maps even more immersive.
Performance on PC and Steam Deck
I played Hidden Through Time 2: Discovery on both my laptop and the Steam Deck. While the game isn’t officially verified for the Steam Deck, it performed well on both systems.
While I like this game and the previous games in the series, I can’t help but think Hidden Through Time 2: Discovery should probably have been released as a DLC for the previous game.
The campaign gives you around 3–4 hours of playtime, and the map editor is fun to tinker with and design your own maps. However, other than different scenes, there isn’t anything new or different to the gameplay from what we have previously seen in Hidden Through Time 2: Myths and Magic.
Conclusion
Hidden Through Time 2: Discovery is a lovely hidden object game that offers a blend of relaxation and challenge. Its beautifully drawn scenes, calming music, and engaging gameplay make it fun to play. If you have played the previous games in the series, you will most likely enjoy Hidden Through Time 2: Discovery and feel right at home, as the gameplay is similar to the previous one.
Final Verdict: I Like it a Lot 
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