Hidden Wonders of the Depths HD for iPad Review

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Hidden Wonders of the Depths

Hidden Wonders of the Depths

In the world of casual gaming, the dominant game type os Hidden Object adventures, followed by Match 3 games. Match 3 games have come a long way since Bejeweled, with RPGs such as Puzzle Quest being the most obvious example of taking the standard format in a new direction. G5 has just released a new game based on Match 3 gameplay, but it offers much more than that. So let’s take a look at Hidden Wonders of the Depths HD for iPad!

Type of app: Match-3 Puzzle game

Platform/where to buy: iPad (iPhone version available here); available in the iTunes App Store

Developer: ERS Game Studios / G5 Entertainment

Description:
Here are some of the features:

? 204 exotic locations deep within the ocean
? 25 challenging levels to keep you entertained
? Four bonus levels and eight puzzles to solve
? 39 ultimate achievements to earn
? Stunning underwater scenes

Hidden Wonders of the Depths SS2

Major features:

The premise of Hidden Wonders of the Depths is pretty simple – you are trying to help a crab build a fantastic home for a mermaid. Not surprisingly that is a ‘throw-away’ to provide some structure for the gameplay.

The real star of the show is level after level of varied game play designed to help you collect treasure and artifacts. There are obviously tons of Match 3 levels, but also plenty of collapse-match levels, jigsaw puzzles, hidden object scenes, mahjong and more. And as you work through the levels you visit tons of different locations with detailed graphics.

Hidden Wonders of the Depths SS3

The game adds excitement with time limits on every level. Most of the time I had no issue with this, but there were a couple of levels during which I struggled to get everything done before the timer expired! The sheer number of tasks will take you several hours to work through, and there are bonus levels and puzzles to get through as well.

Ease of use/Overall performance: Most people have played Bejeweled or a clone, and will therefore feel immediately at home. If you have played mahjong you will find those levels simple to figure out as well. If not, don’t worry – the game helps you out every steep of the way.

Would use again/recommend?: Absolutely! I have loved Match 3 since Bejeweled, but there have been so many new games that it is hard to go back to ‘just’ Match 3. So I love all the variations on the theme found in this game.

Suggested changes/wish list for updates: Nothing.

Price: Free download with in-app purchase of full version for $2.99 ($1.99 iPhone) – this is a limited time sale through April 6th, normal price is $6.99 for iPad, $4.99 for iPhone.

Here is the trailer:

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About the Author

Michael Anderson
I have loved technology for as long as I can remember - and have been a computer gamer since the PDP-10! Mobile Technology has played a major role in my life - I have used an electronic companion since the HP95LX more than 20 years ago, and have been a 'Laptop First' person since my Compaq LTE Lite 3/20 and Powerbook 170 back in 1991! As an avid gamer and gadget-junkie I was constantly asked for my opinions on new technology, which led to writing small blurbs ... and eventually becoming a reviewer many years ago. My family is my biggest priority in life, and they alternate between loving and tolerating my gaming and gadget hobbies ... but ultimately benefits from the addition of technology to our lives!