Meet the Cast and Get to Work

They say that there is no business like show business. What they don't tell you that show business is still a lot of hard work, especially for the little-acknowledged support staff who work behind the scenes. That's exactly where you find yourself in Sunset Studio: Love on the High Seas, getting hired as an assistant to big time actress Kat Connick.

This is your first day in your new position and everything still feels very new. They're not giving you any kind of formal training, because everything needs to be done and it needs to be done right now. Prepare to run between all of the different locations on the floating movie set to find the objects that they need. Oh, you didn't know? This movie is being shot on a boat!

As the new assistant in the room, you're quickly introduced to Kat's agent Judith, as well as director Luke Irving and others. You'll get to know them all quite well, because they'll always be asking you to find something right now.

The Organized Mayhem of a Movie Set

Finding the requested objects wouldn't be too much of a challenge if everything was perfectly organized in some sort of logical manner. Unfortunately for you, it seems that every scene involved in the filming of this movie looks like it has just been through a tornado! The place is a mess with the most random of objects scattered in every which direction. The bright art style is attractive, but oh boy is it cluttered!

Upon arriving at each scene, you will be provided with a list of items to find, but you can only see five of these items at a time. Upon finding each successive object, the list is updated with more. Among the mangled jumble of the scene, you'll have to find a minimum of 12 items to move on to the next stage. Find all 20 items and you earn five stars!

Popcorn and Paparazzi Bonuses

While other titles in the hidden objects game genre tend to rely on a fairly standard "hint" system to assist players, this particular offering is much more unique in pushing you in the right direction. Hidden within each and every scene are a bag of popcorn and the paparazzi's camera.

If you click on the popcorn, the five current items on your list will bounce slightly within the scene for a short while, much like popcorn popping inside a kettle. If you can spot the subtle movements, you can find your items. If you click on the camera, the paparazzi flashes will temporarily illuminate all the objects you need to find. This is very brief, so keep your eyes peeled for the perfect shot!

This interesting take on the genre is very refreshing and makes for quite the unique experience.

Always on the Phone

Continuing with the unique experience and themed objects, there is more help available than just the popcorn and camera. Located on the lower corner of the screen is your cell phone, since you are constantly on call with Katherine the actress, Judith the agent, and others on the set.

If you answer this phone, they'll provide you with a very specific request. Find the target item within the allotted time and they'll reward you with a special power-up. Image Search gives you a glimpse at your objects, the Spotlights light them up for 10 seconds, and so on.

All in all, this game takes all the best elements of other hidden object games, throws in a huge dose of Hollywood, and includes some great innovations for a fresh and original experience.