January 13, 2008

Blood Ties - new hidden object game

I needed a distraction this weekend, so the release of Blood Ties came at a good time. It’s a new hidden object game based on the Lifetime TV Series of the same name. Vicki Nelson is a private detective who solves cases with assistance from her 450 year-old vampire friend, Henry Fitzroy. The case under consideration is the disappearance of all of the members of the Hellfire Club, each of whom had been entrusted with a piece of an ancient tablet. The magical tablet must be re-assembled each year in order to keep the demon Asteroth from unleashing his evil on the world.

Players must complete a series of hidden object searches in order to solve each case. The artists have created a collection of eerie scenes appropriate to the storyline. Though each scene befits the macabre theme, they are not so darkly done as to prohibit fair gameplay. Ethereal music and sound effects add to the atmosphere without creating too much of a distraction.

Objects to be found are clearly defined and each is recognizable as an item on the word list provided with each screen. The scenes provide that ecclectic and disorienting mix of objects we’ve come to know and love in these games. Ancient weapons, skulls and voodoo instruments somehow blend nicely into a room that also contains a computer, an electric guitar and a cell phone. Go figure.

Hints are available if you get stuck. You’ll accumulate extra hints by collecting “ancient symbols” hidden throughout the game. Most are devilishy disguised and difficult to find. Can you see the one in the right corner of the ceiling in the scene above? Don’t despair if you don’t find them all. I found the game challenging and engaging, but resorted to using hints only a couple of times.

As you solve each case you’ll be rewarded with a piece of the ancient tablet, which you will patch together as the game progresses. At the end of the game you’ll make one last trip to the patch panel to fully reassemble the tablet, thus keeping the world safe from the demonic forces of Asteroth.

Blood Ties is available for free, limited play (one hour of playing time) from Big Fish Games. I played the hour, liked it and bought it. I’m a Big Fish Game Club member, so it only cost me $6.99. The full, unlimited version is $19.99 for non-Game Club purchasers. If you’re as a big a fan of hidden object games as I am it makes sense to join.

Need more games? You can find all of my hidden object game reviews in the games category for skeet’s stuff. Each contains a link where you can find more information and free, limited downloads. Check back frequently. I have two more hidden object games to be reviewed in the next few days.

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