We don’t regularly cover the casual puzzle, solitaire and hidden object genres, but Ocean Media has recently launched no less than five games that fit these genres for consoles, allowing us to check them out on a PlayStation 5. They’ve all been previously released on Steam, and offer a variety of experiences for fans. Here’s a look at all five: Jewel Match Atlantis Solitaire, Finding America: The West, Finding America: The Pacific Northwest, Stars, Stripes, and Subgames, and Lots of Things.
Jewel Match Atlantis Solitaire review (PS5)
Jewel Match Atlantis Solitaire combines the classic game of solitaire with the underwater wonders of Atlantis. In a surprisingly robust campaign mode, players go on a journey through nicely crafted aquatic landscapes, solving solitaire-themed puzzles to unlock secrets and treasures. The game’s visuals are a highlight in bringing this classic card game to life, with vibrant colors and detailed environments that make each level a pleasure to navigate. The soothing soundtrack complements the gameplay, creating a relaxing yet engaging experience. However, some players might find the progression through the campaign a bit slow, as unlocking new areas can require considerable time investment and the campaign makes this a bit less of a “pick up a play for a few minutes” experience than regular Solitaire might be.
Finding America: The West review (PS5)
The story in Finding America: The West takes players on an adventure across the western United States, blending hidden object gameplay with historical exploration for a fun and interesting touch. The game’s narrative draws from the rich history of the region, providing educational tidbits alongside the search for hidden items – making this one way more interesting than the typical hidden object game you might have played a decade or two ago. The detailed artwork captures the essence of iconic western landscapes, from bustling towns to serene deserts. The controls are intuitive, making it easy to navigate through the scenes, though a touch screen interface will be missed by some. Some players will also find that the game can become repetitive, with similar object lists appearing across different levels over time. As a result, this one is best enjoyed in short bursts.
Finding America: The Pacific Northwest review (PS5)
If you played Finding America: The West (see above), then you probably have a pretty good idea of what to expect here. In Finding America: The Pacific Northwest, players explore the lush and diverse environments of this region, which looks and feels very different from the deserts in “The West”. The game showcases the natural beauty the region has to offer, with scenes featuring dense forests, rugged coastlines, and majestic mountains. The hidden object challenges are well-integrated into the environments as well, providing a seamless experience. The ambient sound effects and gentle background music enhance the immersion, though if you look past the natural wonders then the story lacks a bit of depth, making for a somewhat shallow experience.
Stars, Stripes, and Subgames review (PS5)
Moving away (albeit slightly) from the “Finding America” theme, Stars, Stripes, and Subgames offers its own twist on the hidden object genre by incorporating a variety of mini-games into the main gameplay. Players not only search for hidden objects but also engage in puzzles and arcade-style challenges. This variety keeps the gameplay fresh and exciting, preventing it from becoming monotonous. The game’s patriotic theme is evident in its visuals and music, celebrating American culture and landmarks – though some might find it to be a bit over the top in that sense. Because of the diverse nature of the gameplay this one entertained us for quite a while, though some players will find the mini-games on offer to be a bit too simplistic in terms of the level of challenge that’s on offer.
Lots of Things review (PS5)
With a title like Lots of Things, this one could have gone anywhere and been about anything. But, as you might expect in this context, it’s a game that provides an abundance of hidden object scenes to explore, with a wide array of settings and themes that ensure that players always have something new to discover and find. The graphics are colorful and detailed, making the search for hidden items enjoyable. And as with the other games, the game’s interface is user-friendly, allowing players to easily switch between scenes, track their progress and manage their inventory. This one’s for the hidden objects veterans and purists, with a sheer volume of content that can be overwhelming to newcomers but will delight fans of the genre.
All in all, this recently released selection of casual games offers something for every fan of more casual gameplay – which is more of a rarity on the PS5. Whether you’re drawn to the serene underwater world of Jewel Match Atlantis Solitaire or the exploration in the Finding America titles, these games provide engaging and visually appealing experiences. While each game has its strengths and weaknesses, the variety and creativity on display make them fun additions to budget-minded casual gamers.
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