A Fantastic Mystery
It's not often that games take me by surprise. As any one who plays a lot of computer games can tell you, there are a lot of copycats out there, making for some really predictable games. I originally thought that Hidden Secrets: The Nightmare was going to be an average hidden objects game. While there are some hidden objects components, it is anything but average.
I was blown away from the very beginning and I remained the way the entire time I played. I don't usually go on uncontrollable rants about games, so you'll have to forgive me this one time. This game is good; no, great!
It Instantly Pulls You In
From the moment you hit start, you'll be completely absorbed into the world of Hidden Secrets. The story kicks off with some amazing artwork that's accompanied by some great voice acting. It all begins with Flora's birthday, when her husband gives her a lottery ticket. The next day at work, she scratches it off to reveal that it's a winner! She phones up her husband and tells him the good news. She says that she's going out on the town with her friend Emily tonight.
Fast forward to Emily waiting at the restaurant. Flora is late, which isn't like her. We cut to Flora at her house getting ready. Suddenly an intruder - whose face we never see - bursts in on her. In the ensuing struggle, she falls down the stairs, getting knocked unconscious.
She awakens in a hospital room, but is she really awake? Is this all a nightmare? She barely remembers what happened. She needs your help.
The story alone is amazing and riveting, but the voice acting and the moody atmosphere really sell it. In each level you'll have to hunt around the room for hidden clues. This isn't as easy as a hidden objects game. You don't even know what you're looking for. You simply need to search each room and click on things to read about them. You'll have to use various objects to open up other areas and find more clues. Some objects even require other objects to function. It all works very well and makes for a fun, thought-provoking adventure.
Mini-Games
After each stage, you'll get to play one or two mini-games. These can be any number of puzzles and they can be really challenging. After you beat each one, you can revisit it from the main menu by simply clicking on "mini-games."
A Near Masterpiece
Hidden Secrets: The Nightmare is one of the best games to come along in a long while. It features an absolutely amazing storyline that will have you hooked from the very beginning and you'll be trying to guess what'll happen next. The gameplay is great fun and the atmosphere will chill you to your bones. I can't remember the last time I sat at my computer for so long. I can't recommend this title highly enough. Pick this one up right away.
