Twisted Lands: Insomniac Review

What the heck is going on? That's mostly what you'll be wondering while playing Twisted Lands: Insomniac. It might be a pretty typical Hidden Object game in many ways but its storyline is downright bizarre. Maybe it's because I hadn't played Twisted Lands: Shadow Town but Twisted Lands: Insomniac really throws you in the story deep end.

Players start out in a mental institution awaiting a lobotomy. Obviously, it wouldn't be much of a game if you let this happen so the first order of the day is to escape! So begins a fairly enjoyable story of bizarreness, even if it doesn't always make sense. Gameplay itself is quite predictable and safe, but the intriguing story keeps you wanting more.

Following regular Hidden Object gaming quirks, Twisted Lands: Insomniac is a mixture of puzzles and searching for various objects on a screen. Even by Hidden Object game standards, it's not a hard game to finish. Two game modes are available: normal and expert with the choice affecting how fast hints recharge and whether interactive zones are highlighted. A notebook and diary keeps track of what's expected of you at all times so players are never left unsure of what's next.

Each of the Hidden Object scenes is quite clearly laid out so I found using hints was rarely needed. Some scenes are also repeated but it fits into the story suitably well, rather than feeling as if the game is being padded out. Twisted Lands: Insomniac isn't the longest of games, at around 3 hours but at least it's fun for that short length.

Twisted Lands: Insomniac might not revolutionize the genre in any way but that intriguing story will keep people playing, just to see what happens next. It's not often a Hidden Object game is generally creepy but this one manages it well. It's just unfortunate that it's not a little longer for the price.