Code provided with many thanks to Shapeshift Entertainment.
Developed by Danish indie studio Shapeshift Entertainment ApS, Fantastic Findings: Hidden Seasons enters into the hidden object genre. The game will be released just in time for the holiday season, and the developer is adding levels to this passion project until the last moment. After all, you can never have too much Christmas Magic, now can you?
Let’s take a look at Fantastic Findings: Hidden Seasons, and see if it makes us feel like sipping a mug of warm cocoa with loads of whipped cream on a snowy evening.
Gameplay: Hidden Objects with a Holiday Twist
Fantastic Findings Hidden Seasons sets you on a heartwarming mission: help Santa find his missing reindeer and prepare for Christmas. To help you along, you’re guided by Jingles the Jule Duck, a cheerful companion who adds a touch of whimsy to your journey. Like Jingles, all characters in Fantastic Findings: Hidden Seasons are animals that can obviously talk. To be expected with magical reindeer nearby!
Every new environment is represented by a gorgeous-looking snow globe. You can enter the first two levels from the start, and the next ones only if you have acquired the right amount of stars.
Stars can be unlocked by doing various things: eat all the goodies, fruit, cakes, etc that are lying about. Clear all the cobwebs, sweep dirt away, and clear rubble lying around. And, of course, by finding the hidden objects that are the main task of the game. They are all in character for the holiday season, of course, ugly sweaters included.
Each Globe (or level) also includes mini quests, like finding all the ingredients so that Mrs Santa can make a hearty soup to cure Rudolph the Red-Nosed reindeer, who is clearly feeling unwell. To find all the hidden things in Fantastic Findings: Hidden Seasons, you’ll pull levers, open containers, and unlock doors, all while soaking in the festive atmosphere. It all works very smoothly, and finding everything was quite a challenge for me.
Each level is themed, from Santa’s stables or his cozy home to a ride on his express train to the holiday museum, and the anthropomorphic animals give you small tips when you click on them.
There is a hint system in place in Fantastic Findings: Hidden Seasons as well, powered by gingerbread cookies that you find and serve as currency. The hints aren’t entirely straightforward; they still present you with a need to think to find the right item.
Soundtrack, Controls & Graphics
The music is festive and ambient, with gentle jingles and soft melodies that enhance the holiday spirit without overwhelming the gameplay. And surprisingly, you can even choose which music track you want to hear.
Controls of Fantastic Findings: Hidden Seasons are simple and responsive, optimised for a mouse. Now I must admit I’m not much of a PC gamer, and I had some trouble pacing my mouse and checking every nook and cranny. This is a game that would do really well with touch controls. I can only hope a release on mobile is in its future. What I appreciated was the button on the top right of the screen that brought me back to the initial room where I entered the venue, so when I really mucked up and found myself at the strangest angles, I could easily reset.
Fantastic Findings: Hidden Seasons does run on the Steam Deck, but I had trouble navigating it all.
Visually, the game is a treat. The 3D environments are intricate and colourful, with layers of detail that reward careful observation. It’s like stepping into a handcrafted holiday diorama.
Final Thoughts for Fantastic Findings: Hidden Seasons
Fantastic Findings: Hidden Seasons is a joyful celebration of Christmas, wrapped in amazing dioramas and with a festive tune to listen to while you are searching for every hidden object. With its charming characters, interactive environments, it’s perfect for players who love to explore at their own pace. Whether you’re a seasoned fan of the genre or just looking for something festive to unwind with, this game is a cozy gift.
Do you like our content?
Subscribe to our daily news and never miss a review!