I remember being a kid and enjoying Highlights’ Hidden Pictures. Of course, what kid didn’t enjoy that. Now, developers in the casual gaming department have gravitated toward hidden-object games because almost everyone knows the basic premise. One developer has mixed this with adventure elements to create Treasure Seekers 3: Follow the Ghosts for the iPod Touch and iPhone.
Treasure Seekers 3 follows two siblings, Tom and Nelly, as they explore Europe for clues on treasures. Coincidently, they are also ghost hunters and help the undead (and other paranormal entities) find peace. The plot, overall, is rather bland as it tells you everything you need to know (most of the time). And by the time it gets interesting, it is over.
Graphic wise, it looks really good for an iPod game. It’s hard to believe that something from the PC looks great on a small screen. Plus, zooming in and out to find those artifacts doesn’t harm the resolution. There are libraries, frozen tundra, haunted English countryside complete with undead Templar, an Egyptian pyramid and a ruined windmill waiting to be explored. What I really liked about the graphics is that in each area there was at least one animated character. It wasn’t much, just a character present doing an action — such as petting a cat. It makes it seem like the world has a personality, not just a barren world waiting to be solved. The only issue I have with the game is that sometimes it will slow down after a while. And the only way around it is to close the application down from the system’s tray.
Gameplay is, essentially, a hidden-object game with strong adventure elements. This means you will hunt and peck your way around the levels looking for the proper tool to progress, then hunt down a bunch more in what could be figured as “the same messy closet.” The odd thing is, it works. You’re never really doing one of the two for too long. The levels only have four “rooms,” so backtracking is kept to minimum. However, just like most adventure games, it is easy to feel “clueless” at times. Sometimes the game gives you the info needed to properly move forward. The majority of the time, the “hint” button” is the only way to move forward. The game does not recognize fast “clicking” and will ignore repeated attempts. So if you’re looking for an item, it’s best to wait for the “hint” button to cool down.
Sound design wise, everything is rather solid. There’s the “magical-you-found-it” sound, creaking doors, turning of a windmill, a hungry plant (and yes, it is massive), howling wind and the cackle of fire. Music is basically the same tune repeated. And the major issue I have with it is that if it is muted, it isn’t missed. Insult to injury is the fact that it lacks voice acting, something that the game practically begs to be present. Yet again, I have no idea of how difficult it would be to add voice acting. It just seems to be possible since the game feels like a good PC game.
This isn’t to say that I did not enjoy my time with Treasure Seekers 3. I did enjoy it, warts and all. I just see a better game struggling to get out, to come to the surface and attract much more attention. Its concept is sound; it just doesn’t reach the lofty goal that it sets before itself. So if you’re looking for a solid casual adventure game, look no further. But don’t be surprised if it leaves you seeking for more in the adventure genre.
