Gamezebo readers pick their favorite hidden object games

Few things in this world are as deeply satisfying – especially to a Gamezebo reader – as a good hidden object game. But with more than a few years of casual search’n’find behind us, which HOG experiences have really managed to stand out? Gamezebo wants to know: which hidden object games are your favorites?

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Few things in this world are as deeply satisfying – especially to a Gamezebo reader – as a good hidden object game. But with more than a few years of casual search’n’find behind us, which HOG experiences have really managed to stand out? Gamezebo wants to know: which hidden object games are your favorites?

We posed that very question to our faithful readers yesterday on Twitter, Facebook, and in our forums – and they had plenty of answers! Agree with their picks? Disagree? What are your favorites? Be sure to let us know your picks in the comments below!

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Elizabeth on Facebook said… “I thought Dire Grove took HOGs to a new high when it came out. Other games have tried to tack new gimmicks on to average gameplay, but Dire Grove featured a suspenseful story that was enriched and enhanced by its advanced graphics and unique puzzles.”

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Nanna in the Gamezebo forums said… “My all-time favorite has to be a fairly new one: Antique Mysteries: Secrets of Howard’s Mansion. Howard’s Mansion was packed with NEW puzzles and a great story line. No cons on this one. Hope we get more from this developer.”

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S Stuart on Facebook said… “I really like the Dark Parablesgames, with the fragmented hidden objects that help to solve puzzles and move the story narrative along, plus the morphing objects that are sprinkled amongst the various scenes and that help to complete the final puzzle that wins the game.” (Dark Parables: Curse of the Briar Rose, Dark Parables: Rise of the Snow Queen, Dark Parables: The Exiled Prince)

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scooter46 in the Gamezebo forums said… “I would have to mention Return to Ravenhearst as one of my all-time favorites because it was innovative in its time.I like the dark and spooky games like F.A.C.E.S, Enigmatis, Shattered Minds, and Dark Parables series. Wandering around in a game is all part of the entertainment for me. Snark Busters series is light hearted and humorous.” (Snark Busters: Welcome to the Club, Snark Busters: All Revved Up, Snark Busters: High Society)

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Steve on Facebook said… “Playing Abandoned: Chestnut Lodge Asylum right now — one of the best-made HO’s I’ve ever played: great graphics, good minigames, interactive object searches, etc. Just an extremely well-made game. Also enjoying Living Legends: Ice Rose. I’m an avid strategy/RPG player, but I warm up with HOGs, and these are two very good ones I’ve come across lately.”

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Ralph in the Gamezebo forums said… “For me, it is the Drawn series. They are innovating games, something that is quite different from the most other hidden object games. Of course, the dark theme is present, but not as much as in most hidden object games of these days. I like games that are different and it seems like there are only the same games lately. So, Drawn it is. Different gameplay, different story, different game.” (Drawn: The Painted Tower, Drawn: Dark Flight, Drawn: Trail of Shadows)

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All About Casual Game on Facebook said… “Non-scary HOGs are basically very difficult to find nowadays. My favorite is Otherworld: Spring of Shadows and also the Awakening series by Boomzap. All locations are very detailed and beautiful, puzzles are entertaining and the gameplay is very well done.” (Awakening: The Dreamless Castle, Awakening: Moonfell Wood, Awakening: The Goblin Kingdom)

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Cherie in the Gamezebo forums said… “the ones I would grab to save in case of fire are the Mortimer Beckett games and the Treasure Seekers series. I have found these games to be cheery, bright and challenging enough to make me think, but not walk away feeling drained from repetition and darkened areas thatare poorly drawn. It also reinforces the sibling bond in family units.” (Mortimer Beckett and the Secrets of Spooky Manor, Mortimer Beckett and the Time Paradox, Mortimer Beckett and the Lost King, Mortimer Beckett and the Crimson Thief, Treasure Seekers: Visions of Gold, Treasure Seekers: The Enchanted Canvas, Treasure Seekers: Follow the Ghost, Treasure Seekers: The Time Has Come)

Looking for more great lists of hidden object games worth playing? Be sure to check out our picks for Best Hidden Object Games of 2011.

Jim Squires is the Editor-in-Chief of Gamezebo. Everything you see passes his eyes first, so we like to think of him as "the gatekeeper of cool stuff." He likes good games, great writing, and just can't say no to a hamburger. Also, he is not a bear.