14 DAY TRIAL // At first glance, Three Cards to Midnight would seem as a strange name given to a hidden object game. Usually, these types of games come with catchy names that define the storyline on which the game unravels, giving you a basic idea on what the plot might be. As you will come to realize one you start the game, Three Cards to Midnight brings a brand new idea on how hidden object puzzle titles should be played.
The story begins with the main character, Jess Silloway, gaining consciousness in an obscure room accompanied by a person that appears to be a doctor. As she awakens, she is asked to pick one of the three tarot cards in front of her in the hope that in some way she will remember how she got there and what has happened to her. What’s fascinating about the game is that each card holds a different side of her personality, thus you are able to explore her sensitive, logic and inquisitive nature just by choosing the desired card.
As you stroll through her memories, each location you visit is described with the help of three words that also aid you in finding the objects that you are searching for. You must search for items that relate to the words in question so that you can move onto the next memory. This is not always easy since you must have the ability to correlate words and objects into expressions. For instance, having the word honey and clicking on the teddy bear will ultimately lead to creating the “honey bear” expression that you need in order to complete your search list.
The mind of Jess Silloway seems to have been blocked by certain traumatic events and it is up to you to help her find out what has happened to her boyfriend and family. Each scenario or puzzle that you unlock will popup animated cut scenes with her memories, bringing you closer to discovering the events that have led you where you are now. The three cards act as a stimulus to her subconscious mind, enabling her to relate to past events that are both of emotional and logical nature, therefore allowing you to choose which part of her memory you want to explore more.
What’s captivating about this release is that the gameplay style is similar to classic hidden object games but the story and the way in which the game unfolds are completely new. The usage of cinematic scenes throughout the game gives it a sense of story flow and movie-like experience that will make the player eager to explore.
As for the graphics part, I have to say that it’s not bad. Just like any other hidden object game, each environment has a static feel, so it is hard to bring changes to this feature. Overall, the game impresses through its unique approach of revealing and exploring the mystery, allowing the player to experience multiple endings of the same story. Although the free sixty-minute version of the title will not satisfy your desire of finding out the end of the story, you will find that the 20-dollar fee to unlock the full game is a small price to pay, especially since you will be hooked on the mystery.
Here are some snapshots of the application in action:
