The sequel to a sleeper hit among the many PN crew, Hidden By Time 2: Myths & Magic, takes one step ahead and two steps again. Whereas nonetheless a enjoyable hidden object recreation, it seemingly wanted extra time for optimization.
Because the moniker signifies, the builders determined so as to add a fantasy angle alongside the time interval method. However all this does is make the sport really feel considerably messy thematically. I can recognize the battle when a number of concepts are on the desk, however it could’ve been higher to stay with (and intention to good ) the unique moderately than attempting to shoehorn one thing that doesn’t match.
As an instance, I’ll choose only one period, The “Magical” ’80s. My spouse and I received an actual kick from seeing all of the popular culture nods on this period. Atari 2600s hooked as much as field TVs, filming of a music video clearly meant to be “Thriller”, and a Marty McFly look-alike, full along with his pink “life preserver,” to call only a few. All these match. Why hunt by way of witches, ghosts, and all these different random parts that appear to have little, if something, to do with the ’80s? Typically, much less is extra.
It’s a credit score to the core gameplay that we nonetheless spent a number of hours attempting to beat the sport. And finally, story considerations are extremely subjective. However with regards to lack of polish, that’s the kind of factor that’s arduous to miss. Hidden By Time 2 has a number of bugs, no less than on Change.
I’ll listing a handful we present in no specific order. Story textual content vanishing (although narration remaining), unfound objects within the search bar altering to clean empty areas, and exhibiting a transparent message claiming we discovered each goal after we hadn’t. These show the aforementioned lack of polish, although I wish to stress the sport stays enjoyable regardless of these.
However worse are the bugs that influence the gameplay. The hitbox detection is so finicky that we couldn’t end no less than one degree as a result of the merchandise we wanted didn’t register. Clicks merely affected a personality that evidently was standing too shut. We even tried taking part in undocked, however the touchscreen labored sporadically right here. Our recommendation, particularly when manipulating buildings to verify every ground, is to be persistent. Discover that candy spot, and pull a Goldilocks on the button (don’t faucet too brief or too lengthy).
Graphically, this sequel stays true to the successful appears of its predecessor. In truth, permit me to cite from my prior evaluation, because it nonetheless applies. “It’s a vivid and colourful child’s ebook dropped at life on-screen. Seeing all of the animals and folks milling about is an actual asset. You possibly can click on nearly something and get an animation, a sound impact, or each.”
A contemporary visible contact includes altering the degrees. Every can change with a button faucet to a unique time of day or new climate situation. Past graphical selection, this additionally positively impacts gameplay, as sure objects are discovered solely beneath particular circumstances. The lone downside right here is that I believed my Change would soften most instances I modified issues. The load instances and stutter actually stood out. Talking of which…
It took us 40 seconds simply to load up the sport to its most important menu—and frequent prolonged load instances had been constant all through our play. I get there’s a ton of stuff on display screen (this can be a busy-looking recreation, in a great way), however if you happen to’re impatient, it’ll bug you. Additionally, don’t anticipate smoothness when panning round probably the most sizable maps.
For all these observations and gripes, the alteration you may make to every degree—known as ‘Actuality-Shift’—is a key addition that provides a big quantity whereas making this recreation really feel like a correct sequel. It makes for a follow-up with more difficult content material, resulting in a lengthier expertise. Whereas I can’t advocate it over its predecessor, if you happen to loved the primary, you’ll get pleasure from this sequel.
One other enchancment is for the artistic sorts—particularly, a tutorial’s inclusion. When you’ve completed the principle recreation, you possibly can strive your hand at creating ranges, now with extra ease. I lamented the dearth of a tutorial within the first recreation, so to see it right here is appreciated. It offers the sport legs. If DLC arrives much like the primary, this can additional prolong playtimes.
Hidden By Time 2: Myths & Magic is enjoyable, however some important points (no less than on Change) make it fall barely wanting its predecessor. It is perhaps higher to seize this one on sale or when DLC arrives (hopefully with a efficiency patch). Artistic sorts may not wish to wait that lengthy.