Time Trap Review
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Time Trap Review

Our Review by Jordan Minor on August 23rd, 2012
Rating: starstarstarstarblankstar ::
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This hidden object game stands out thanks to its intriguing plot, moody artwork, and plethora of environments.


Developer: CrispGames
Price: $1.99
Version Reviewed: 1.0
Device Reviewed On: iPhone 4S

Graphics / Sound Rating: starstarstarstarblankstar
Controls Rating: starstarstarhalfstarblankstar
Gameplay Rating: starstarstarhalfstarblankstar
Replay Value Rating: starstarstarstarblankstar

Overall Rating: starstarstarstarblankstar



There are only so many ways to make a hidden object game. After all, it always boils down to “find and touch all the things on the list to move on and find more things to touch.” Time Trap is no different. However, it has enough interesting elements surrounding the hunting and gathering that one may be willing to forgive its incredibly familiar core.

The first and most obviously interesting element is the story. Many games in this genre feature some kind of semi-serious detective plot as its framing device but Time Trap ups the crazy factor considerably. When a journalist goes missing after investigating some shady corporations, the player tries to unravel the mystery. Over the course of the decently long campaign, they are then slowly drawn into a web of lies, violence and, surprisingly, a lot of science-fiction nonsense involving monsters and time travel. It’s ridiculous but the game’s well-executed, somber, and serious tone goes a long way towards making it feel only slightly ridiculous.

That same tone also carries over into the game’s moody, atmospheric, and highly detailed artwork. Each environment feels like a cohesive whole as opposed to a bunch of random elements slapped together. If anything, this makes finding objects even tougher, but in a good way. Some environments are a little too dark and blurry and the controls can’t always recognize a specific tap without the player expanding the screen. Overall though, the standard hidden object mechanics work just fine. There are even a few little puzzles to help break up the usual searching.

Occasionally, some of the game’s less serious aspects clash with the overarching tone. The soundtrack, while great, is bleak and melancholy but the sound that plays when finding an object is a tad too wacky. Also, the whole premise that sifting through random garbage can help uncover this vast conspiracy is absolutely absurd. However, a little absurdity is just inherent to the genre and ultimately Time Trap succeeds because of its tone. Anyone looking for a more engrossing hidden object game should give it a look.

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iPhone Screenshots

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Time Trap - Hidden Objects screenshot 1 Time Trap - Hidden Objects screenshot 2 Time Trap - Hidden Objects screenshot 3 Time Trap - Hidden Objects screenshot 4 Time Trap - Hidden Objects screenshot 5

iPad Screenshots

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Time Trap - Hidden Objects screenshot 6 Time Trap - Hidden Objects screenshot 7 Time Trap - Hidden Objects screenshot 8 Time Trap - Hidden Objects screenshot 9 Time Trap - Hidden Objects screenshot 10
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