Hidden Expedition: Smithsonian™ Castle Collector's Edition > iPad, iPhone, Android, Mac & PC Game

Overall rating

5 / 5

218 of 241 found this review helpful

Sound Hidden-Object-Adventure with Shining Graphics!

PostedDecember 25, 2014

GCA1

Skill Level:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object

Fun Factor

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

Hidden Expedition: Smithsonian Castle is finally again a beautiful Hidden Object Game, that gets along all without the so common morbid occultism that we sadly can find in most of the current HOGs.

Instead, it comes with very fine drawn and colorful graphics, very pleasant ambient light (in other games this often has been distracting - here it is perfect), a decent atmospheric soundtrack, ...Show more

Hidden Expedition: Smithsonian Castle is finally again a beautiful Hidden Object Game, that gets along all without the so common morbid occultism that we sadly can find in most of the current HOGs.

Instead, it comes with very fine drawn and colorful graphics, very pleasant ambient light (in other games this often has been distracting - here it is perfect), a decent atmospheric soundtrack, interesting varied puzzles.
Especially the HO-Scenes are always a little differing and new. And the puzzles are refreshingly not only the old, usual sliding puzzles (seriously - how can one make hundreds of HOGs with the ever same five sliding/turning-puzzles?).
And even if you might already know one or the other puzzle, it still will come in a new variety. All puzzles are fair and logical, and I did not have to skip a single one.
The story is nice, not too much dialog, just right to carry the narration.

The game has individually adjustable hint modes, and elaborate controls (one thing for the programmers - when I am in a room and click on the same room in the map - don't stay in the map-mode - go to the room).

The game is played through in about 4 hours, so it is a little short (well, of course depending on your experience in this kind of games maybe a little longer or shorter). But then I have to acknowledge that the makers did not factitiously stretch the game.

If you want a HOG with shining graphics, diversified puzzles, and a cool adventure story that gets on without corpses, curses and witchcraft, then this one is for You! Show less

I recommend this game!

+195points

218of 241voted this as helpful.

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Overall rating

5 / 5

128 of 154 found this review helpful

The game is MAGNIFICENT in every way possible.

PostedDecember 25, 2014

LogieBaby

fromIn whichever way you may celebrate... Happy Holidays to all !!

Key Contributor
This "Key Contributor" plays, rates, and reviews a lot of games. We think you'll trust their thoughts and opinions about games.
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Skill Level:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Word, Hidden Object, Card & Board, Brain Teaser

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

There are lots of really good games that come out every year and there are some terribly bad ones too. This episode of the Smithsonian chapter of the HE series is astounding. The story progresses in the way a terrific novel does. This game is a " page turner ". Every time I learned something new in the game I definitely wanted just a little bit more. This doesn't happen in every game, even among ...Show more

There are lots of really good games that come out every year and there are some terribly bad ones too. This episode of the Smithsonian chapter of the HE series is astounding. The story progresses in the way a terrific novel does. This game is a " page turner ". Every time I learned something new in the game I definitely wanted just a little bit more. This doesn't happen in every game, even among the better ones. Graphically this version is certainly up to the standards of its predecessors. The interactive hidden object segments and the puzzles are all fantastic. One aspect I found particularly noteworthy is in the story. Far too many games lay out the entirety of the story in the early part of the game. In the Castle everything is piecemeal, that's why I referred earlier that the story is a page turner. It turns out that time travel will be an important element in the denouement of this game. I found one minor typo when a book was introduced exhibiting important people in the creation of the Smithsonian. There is a man first name of Frances, should have been Francis as the e in the name denotes a woman.As I said, a minor typo. A 1000 kudos to the creative genius that is Eipix, these folks have rarely stumbled when presenting a new offering. This HE just may be their finest effort. For those who enjoy finding them, there are some morphing objects and I really liked the devices within the castle wherein pressing a button provides some wonderful information about the Institute itself. Learning something while enjoying a game can only be a good thing. Smithsonian Castle will be added to my collection posthaste. It's a wonderful present during this holiday season. Show less

I recommend this game!

+102points

128of 154voted this as helpful.

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Overall rating

5 / 5

74 of 91 found this review helpful

Another great HE game!

PostedDecember 25, 2014

Jofer

fromWisconsin

Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

This game is great - I like it better than the previous one (and LOVED that one). There are plenty of hidden object scenes - something that I think a lot of games lack nowadays - and LOTS of puzzles. The H.O. scenes are all a little different, some straight finding, some find by association clues, there are morphing objects in the H.O. scenes to find. There's a good storyline, picking up some ...Show more

This game is great - I like it better than the previous one (and LOVED that one). There are plenty of hidden object scenes - something that I think a lot of games lack nowadays - and LOTS of puzzles. The H.O. scenes are all a little different, some straight finding, some find by association clues, there are morphing objects in the H.O. scenes to find. There's a good storyline, picking up some familiar characters from previous game and adding new. The map is interactive, showing where you are and where things need to be done, and also transports you with a click - BIG PLUS! You can collect fact cards along the way to learn little bits of trivia - I like that. All in all a great game and I already can't wait for the next one! Show less

I recommend this game!

+57points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

47 of 56 found this review helpful

A wonderful game for those who like to learn and think along the way

PostedDecember 25, 2014

woodawooda

fromAnywhere my dreams take me

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This "Key Contributor" plays, rates, and reviews a lot of games. We think you'll trust their thoughts and opinions about games.
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Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

This is a wonderful series and this is the best in it. The precision and care that goes into making these games is amazing. Great storyline filled with personal interest and historical fact and fiction. Very cleverly done. The graphics and sound are perfect and it moves quickly. I do like the facts about the Smithsonian that are available throughout but not so heavy handed that they disrupt ...Show more

This is a wonderful series and this is the best in it. The precision and care that goes into making these games is amazing. Great storyline filled with personal interest and historical fact and fiction. Very cleverly done. The graphics and sound are perfect and it moves quickly. I do like the facts about the Smithsonian that are available throughout but not so heavy handed that they disrupt gameplay. I never play the puzzles in a game. I usually find them tedious and annoying. In the demo I played them all and loved it. The puzzles and the hidden object scenes are clever and fun and add relevance to the story. Great game, lots of fun for those of us who like to think along with being entertained. I highly recommend this game. Show less

I recommend this game!

+38points

47of 56voted this as helpful.

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Overall rating

5 / 5

54 of 67 found this review helpful

Must buy!

PostedDecember 26, 2014

ethan1404

fromPerth, Western Australia, Australia

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This "Key Contributor" plays, rates, and reviews a lot of games. We think you'll trust their thoughts and opinions about games.
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Skill Level:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Card & Board, Puzzle

Current Favorite:

Mystery Case Files ®: 13th Skull ™ Collector's Edition

(159)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

What a "breathe of fresh air" this game is. Being an avid CE purchaser, I have found of late, most have been far too short, too easy, given cost and therefore, supposed quality and content finishing them in around 5 hours. However, this game has quality, a good and a little different storyline from fantasy, has all modes including CUSTOM, which I personally use when possible, and best of all, has ...Show more

What a "breathe of fresh air" this game is. Being an avid CE purchaser, I have found of late, most have been far too short, too easy, given cost and therefore, supposed quality and content finishing them in around 5 hours. However, this game has quality, a good and a little different storyline from fantasy, has all modes including CUSTOM, which I personally use when possible, and best of all, has given me so far, 2 days of gameplay, in fact, still in the middle of the bonus chapter, an absolute treat to finally get "value for money"!

Without giving too much away, you are involved in a time-line and a time-machine but this storyline is almost believable, in context, HOP's are varied with each one having different actions to complete, another breathe of fresh air as my bug-bear with a lot of these games, is HOP, after HOP, just to get that needed object. These are interesting, and whilst the pictures of what to find are occasionally a little hard to decipher, some "accidental" clicking usually then "shows/explains" what you are to find.

I have personally bought and enjoyed all the Hidden Expedition games but this one has to be their best to date. Obviously time, thought and hard work has gone into such a good, well thought-out game, to ensure gamers, whether beginners or seasoned players , enjoy it, can be challenged, and enjoy the new "play" on HOP's.

This game was not too hard, but ran in "sections", avoiding heaps of "too-ing and froing" or finally succumbing to the map so whilst at times wondering what to do, would not use the guide as I knew the solve was at least within a few screens. What I did have to learn and realise with this game was to remember to use items in the inventory on other items in the inventory to progress. This is happening more of good games of late and personally, I find this new way to be great, makes sense and challenges me as I need to remember to constantly now also watch the items I have collected.

The game ran smoothly, not a single "bug", well done Eipix, BFG and BETA testers, it can be played as easy or as hard as you wish, also well done DEV's, and certainly a re-playable game in the future in a harder mode if you had chosen otherwise.

These days we seem to have to find "all sorts of things", such as collectibles, morphing objects, etc. and all too often I find them too hard or stupid to worry about, especially morphing objects however, in this game they were reasonably clear and easy to find and for once, I even did well with the morphing items, still didn't collect them all as I find if a HOP is completed reasonably quickly, either the morphing object is too slow or I didn't see it, or I didn't care, but each players' choice. In this game, most are quite visible and therefore, achievable.

This is a game I would highly recommend, good value for money and even if you don't usually buy CE games, this is worth the extra cost given the bonus play is almost a mini-game in itself, plus the added value of a guide, re-playable HOP's and puzzles.

Congratulations to the DEV's for improving each and every game they produce and to BFG for supporting them, thereby giving us top quality games that are becoming more interesting and challenging with each new release.

I definitely recommend this game, even for experienced, seasoned players. Show less

I recommend this game!

+41points

54of 67voted this as helpful.

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Overall rating

5 / 5

49 of 63 found this review helpful

EXCEPTIONAL IN EVERY WAY POSSIBLE!!

PostedDecember 25, 2014

Penhip

fromBrooklyn, NY

Key Contributor
This "Key Contributor" plays, rates, and reviews a lot of games. We think you'll trust their thoughts and opinions about games.
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Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3

Current Favorite:

True Fear: Forsaken Souls Collector's Edition

(322)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

After seeing the lone 3 star review of the Smithsonian Castle, I did what I never do with EIPEX games (much less a Smithsonian installment) ... I played the demo rather then just buying the game outright...

Approximately 5 minutes into the demo... I COULDN'T BUY THE GAME FAST ENOUGH...

HIDDEN EXPEDITION: THE SMITHSONIAN CASTLE IS EVERYTHING (and more) THAT WE HAVE GROWN TO LOVE AND EXPECT FROM ...Show more

After seeing the lone 3 star review of the Smithsonian Castle, I did what I never do with EIPEX games (much less a Smithsonian installment) ... I played the demo rather then just buying the game outright...

Approximately 5 minutes into the demo... I COULDN'T BUY THE GAME FAST ENOUGH...

HIDDEN EXPEDITION: THE SMITHSONIAN CASTLE IS EVERYTHING (and more) THAT WE HAVE GROWN TO LOVE AND EXPECT FROM THE SMITHSONIAN SERIES... incrediblly spectacular graphics, smart storyline with tons of facinating bits of information, amazingly creative HOS amd mini-games, and exceptional quality that seen only in the "BEST OF 2014" game category on the BIG FISH website.
THANK YOU FOR MY ONE (and perhaps favorite) X-MAS GIFT TO MYSELF... YOU'VE OUTDONE YOURSELVES!!

Don't you love it when they save the best for last? Show less

I recommend this game!

+35points

49of 63voted this as helpful.

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Overall rating

5 / 5

31 of 40 found this review helpful

What a way to spend the Day.

PostedDecember 25, 2014

maxzer

fromSydney, Australia

Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Time Management, Marble Popper

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

When I saw the title Hidden Expedition: Smithsonian Castle was by Epic game; I thought I might as well give it a try. I was not expecting what I found inside this game.

The graphics are amazing. The details are extraordinary. I love that you can customised the option like HINT time as well as SKIP time. Brilliant options.

The storyline has it's twists and turns. I won't go into much details as I ...Show more

When I saw the title Hidden Expedition: Smithsonian Castle was by Epic game; I thought I might as well give it a try. I was not expecting what I found inside this game.

The graphics are amazing. The details are extraordinary. I love that you can customised the option like HINT time as well as SKIP time. Brilliant options.

The storyline has it's twists and turns. I won't go into much details as I don't want to spoil anything for others. I was so engrossed in the story line that when the demo ended I just purchase the game!

I love that the game is both fun and educational. I love the Fact Cards about the Smithsonian’s. Epic has done an excellent job balancing the two.The music fits perfectly into the game.

The Strategy Guide is very comprehensive. If you need to use it. I found that I didn't require it as the HINT option works well if you happen to get stuck.

The puzzles,mini-games and HOPs are nicely done. Some are easier then others but since this is the collector's edition you do have the guide that help plus you have the SKIP button.

I really enjoy playing Hidden Expedition: Smithsonian Castle Collector's Edition! Education and fun all in one very exciting game. Surely worth the download, playing time and purchase. Well Epic! You surely have a winner with Hidden Expedition: Smithsonian Castle Collector's Edition. I not have to check out the other "Hidden Expedition" games.

. Show less

I recommend this game!

+22points

31of 40voted this as helpful.

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Overall rating

5 / 5

35 of 46 found this review helpful

Science, facts, and time travel!

PostedDecember 25, 2014

MSBAM100

fromTampa, FL

Key Contributor
This "Key Contributor" plays, rates, and reviews a lot of games. We think you'll trust their thoughts and opinions about games.
Key Contributor

Skill Level:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management

Current Favorite:

Christmas Wonderland 5

(45)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Each Smithsonian adventure cleverly combines some historical facts with science yet continues to come up with believable stories. This time it involves time travel! You are once again an agent of H.E.L.P. called up by the Smithsonian to investigate an electrical outage and a security breach. Using a facial recognition progam with the security camera footage - a mini-game - you identify the ...Show more

Each Smithsonian adventure cleverly combines some historical facts with science yet continues to come up with believable stories. This time it involves time travel! You are once again an agent of H.E.L.P. called up by the Smithsonian to investigate an electrical outage and a security breach. Using a facial recognition progam with the security camera footage - a mini-game - you identify the employee. Turns out Sarah Jackson is sending information "across time" to Eli Pike, a lab assistant in 1862 who is also researching time travel! When you try to chase Sarah, you wind up back in 1862 yourself!

The game starts out a bit slow, but once you arrive back in time, it is quite fun to see the Smithsonian as it existed back then. You even run into your partner Sam's ancestor!

The HOS in the game are silhouettes to find, or objects represented by two objects you need to interpret. Once you arrive in 1862, you have a FROG to assemble. The mini-games are pretty easy, but fun -- you have to solve four puzzles to enter a door. The usual FACT cards are here, with nice tidbits about the Smithsonian and its founder. The CE bling includes one of my favorites, the Souvenir Room, but they've left out my other favorite, the "Making Of" video. There are collectibles in each scene, with an icon to let you know if you've found one there or not. Plus the HOS/FROG also have morphing items, with an icon for that as well.

The story is fun, and somehow ties into the intro which shows a little girl disappearing into a portal back in the 1800s or so. To find out more, you have to buy it! Try it and see. Show less

I recommend this game!

+24points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

29 of 41 found this review helpful

I was thoroughly entertained.

PostedDecember 25, 2014

0Jade

fromUSA

Key Contributor
This "Key Contributor" plays, rates, and reviews a lot of games. We think you'll trust their thoughts and opinions about games.
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Skill Level:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Puzzle

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Great educational learning experience along with a game that has innovative puzzles along with inventive HOGS and FROGS. Well drawn map, good voice acting - yup, I'm impressed. I'm sure by now plenty have written about all the nuances of the game, so I won't bore you with that, definitely worth a demo, but I'm going to buy it.

I recommend this game!

+17points

29of 41voted this as helpful.

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Overall rating

5 / 5

27 of 39 found this review helpful

One of the Better Smithsonian Expeditions

PostedDecember 25, 2014

typpo

fromGeorgia

Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Strategy, Time Management

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

I thought the hidden object scenes were done well, not too tedious and the puzzles were not too hard. Good story line and fun facts with really good graphics!

I recommend this game!

+15points

27of 39voted this as helpful.

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	, share your thoughts about this game! Hidden Expedition: Smithsonian™ Castle Collector's Edition The Castle’s secrets lie in the past… Heres what your review will look like once it’s posted. Click Submit if you’re happy. Your review should appear soon. To make changes, use the Edit or Cancel buttons. Thanks for sharing your thoughts about this game! You’ve already shared your thoughts about this game. Thanks for submitting the review below.