Did you know that hidden object games are the hot trend for 2023? So much demand they had to raise the price above AAA to sate peoples demand to throw money away on them. I’m promoting them here in the hope of a sponsorship deal from those mounting profits.
Okay, I’ll stop doing that.
I’ll complain about something else.
In a seven week period the only new Apple Arcade games for macOS were Kimono Cats, which appears to be a set of mini games, and a Doctor Who hidden object game. Sure, Dr Who has some big brand recognition but by most accounts it’s currently a pretty tired show. I haven’t watched it in years so don’t take my word for it. I expect these games have their merits but that’s starting to look like a poor deal for anyone not using iOS. You could argue typical Apple is always focused on casual mobile gaming but I was under the impression AA was catering for all their platforms. I’ll wait and see where this goes for now.
For anyone curious, the most accurate list for Apple Arcade games I’ve found, including compatibility, is on the Reddit group.
Tangent. My favourite recent game title is “That time i got reincarnated into unanimated Indiana Jones”. Warning. May contain very little game.
Continuing with the proof that we have been living through a golden era of hidden object games and barely even noticed, I played Enigmatis: The Ghosts of Maple Creek Collector’s Edition. A genuine coincidence. It was sat in my backlog for reasons unknown.
Enigmatis is a hybrid of hidden object and adventure game. Not my usual type of thing. I stuck with it for the five hours it took to complete but don’t feel inclined to recommend, although some will enjoy it. There were two puzzles that were bugged. Essentially jigsaw puzzles moving and rotating pieces. I had to skip them (which is a neat in game feature I guess). To be fair this is a 2011 game so it’s surprising it works on a modern Mac. Other than that it’s an alright game. The cut scenes are blurry lo-res due to age but the graphics otherwise look good. Voice acting is a bit stiff. The story is cheesy but hangs together okay. There’s loads of hints so only expert mode would be a challenge. I think I kept going with it mostly to experience the genre as I’ve not played much else like it.
Moving on to 2012, I wiped the dust off the PS3 in a bid to finish off the last of my untouched PlayStation games. First on the list. I completed Lollipop Chainsaw, the crazed story of a cheerleader against mystical zombie hordes. It’s a hack ‘n’ slash where Japanese game design collides with American themes. I couldn’t help but notice James Gunn as creative consultant. I think just before he became a big name with Marvel.
Lollipop Chainsaw feels aggressively late 2000s. Like a far raunchier cousin to Glee. Full of overblown stereotypes, heaps of swears, and lewd comments. With ultra gory, fan service laden, deeply silly plotting. It fits in with the peak Saints Row era.
It won’t be for everyone and it’s not without flaws. The chainsaw dash segments feel like steering a boat and the combine harvester is pure filler. It’s a little easy and has a lot of quicktime events. However, the stream of new and ever crazier set piece heavy stuff carries it. Zombie basketball, exploding cake, a flying viking ship, Zed’s big letters assault, entering arcade games, and some truly mental multi-stage bosses. All with a healthy dose of self awareness.
I’m not always sold on this type of humour but the whole package here hit the spot. Maybe due to my love of horror and weirdness. It was a lot of fun. How could it not be when chaining decapitations to the beat. Apparently a remake is on the way this year.
mishmash 