The GU iOS Game of the Week -- Treasure Seekers 4: The Time Has Come

The discovery of the century is made in 1932 as the young scientist Eleanor Lonsdale deciphers ancient Mayan rock inscriptions that uncover a doomsday prophecy leading to the end of the world in 2012. Returning from her expedition, your sister "Nelly" (as you call her) disappears, evidently having been kidnapped for reasons that have to do with her discovery... As her brother and only immediate family it is up to you to begin the search, starting with a camp location that may hold clues in the city.

When you arrive at the camp your adventure begins with finding your sister's backpack -- all the proof that you need that Nelly has been there! Now it is simply a matter of investigating the area around and in the camp for clues, finding the objects you need to connect the dots and move on to the next location -- which you do by first uncovering clues by finding and using objects like the pencil and log to uncover a clue, and then the various parts to get the electrical generator back into running shape so that you can further investigate the site, eventually stumbling upon a tome-travel gem that finally sets you on the long trail to rescuing your sister!

The Game In-depth

There is a challenge in the creation of hidden object games, one that when it is embraced makes all the difference between a game you played, and a game you are glad you played... Treasure Seekers 4 locks onto that difference and makes it its own by not allowing the play process to be too predictable while giving the gamer all the help that they need -- on a timer of course -- should they find themselves stuck. While it is not really formula, it is the first clue that the game will not be over quickly, and confirmation once again that G5 is delivering entertainment and not simply a money maker.

In a way it is games like this that demonstrate the age-old adage that you get what you pay for -- but more important than that is the fact that the care that went into constructing this adventure is perhaps its most impressive feature, especially in a world in which many reviewers stopped referring to app games as shovelware under the assumption that they all are... Treasure Seekers 4: The Time Has Come is a fine romp through time that can be managed in both bite-sized chunks and in fairly lengthy sessions while maintaining its level of fun and object-finding adventure.

You can score your own copy at: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/treasure-see.. today.