Features

Hidden Expedition: Everest is a brilliant hidden object game and one of the best I’ve played. Its stunning scenes and graphics, smooth playability, easy to follow storyline and fun mini-games earn the game an almost perfect rating.

The game adds an element not usually found in hidden object games — a race. Players and three computer opponents race to reach the top of Everest. Like Amazing Race, the teams have names that describe them: The Scholars, the Scarlet Hat League and the Gamers. The race can make a competitive player like me jumpy. When I see a team gaining on me, I feel the pressure to move faster which made me miss a mystery puzzle (more on that in a minute).

Another nice feature that should become a hidden object game best practice is keeping found objects on the list. You know you’ve already found the object when it appears grayed out (like application commands you can see, but can’t use). Sometimes we accidentally find an object only to have it disappear before we realized what it was.

Some hidden object games have items appearing throughout the game for extras or power ups. In this one, each scene has five gems for earning extra hints. When using a hint, you can pick which item you want to find rather than the game selecting which item to show you. I’d like to see this one become a regular feature in hidden object games. Also watch for an hourglass to add more time.

Hidden Expedition: Everest contains 30 scenes along with a diversity of hidden objects to keep the game stimulating. Developing a game of the hidden object genre is challenging since it can easily become repetitious. Everest isn’t repeat-free — I don’t think any hidden object game ever is — but it repeats less than the average game. However, some scenes do repeat and objects stay in the same spot where you found them last time.

The requisite mini-games either have you putting a puzzle together or finding 20 of the same object in a scene. These give you hints of your next destination. Also watch for a secret game to add to the challenge. Telling you more would be a spoiler. Those who must know can find the spoiler information somewhere on the Web as I confirmed its existence.

Ed Viesturs, expert Everest climber, provides guidance and tidbits that could come in handy in a trivia game. The game also comes with videos and photos of expeditions. While I haven’t played Hidden Expedition: Titanic, it’s available for those who want more Hidden Expedition.

Hidden Expedition: Everest makes a great first game for those new to the hidden object genre and a worthy pick for those who carefully select the ones they play. The game was a joy to play.

P.S. Gamezebo has excellent tips for playing Hidden Expedition: Everest.

System Requirements: Windows

• Windows ME/2000/XP/Vista
• 600MHz or faster Processor
• 128MB RAM