Platform: PC
ESRB: E
Genre: Hidden Object
Number of Players: 1
Publisher: Sandlot Games
Release Date: 06/27/2009
Official Website

Give it a Go

Kuros

Basic Idea as I See it: Kuros is a multifaceted hidden object game in which players play as Katya, who starts somewhat amnesiatic due to teleportation, to help restore the balance of the elements, heal the glyphstones that lend their power to the land, and save the world of Kuros. There are things to find everywhere, and multiple diverse mini games woven throughout.

Graphics:: I was drawn to this game when I saw the artwork. It has a very mystical feel and holds true to the elemental magic theme throughout. Each realm looks unique and represents their respective elements extremely well. Though there isn’t character movement, there is some water and sky and air movement. Light and sheen and metal are well done, though occasionally the dark nature of some of the rooms makes it a little more difficult to find some items. The images are very detailed and the color scheme and overall appearance is quite beautiful.

Sounds:: The background sounded pleasant. Actually, all the sounds are understated, yet still add to the enchanted ambiance the game creates. I like the environment quite a bit. The voice of Katya portrays her as feminine but still strong. The voices of the others she meets along the way really intrigued me. Some of them really hit the mark and enhanced the characters in their respective realms, but a couple of them, especially that of Viktor, who Katya meets in the end, seemed a bit out of place. A couple of times I found myself thinking about the strangeness of the voice – initially with Oakbeard, but he grew on me, and then later with the Oracle who, at one point, sounded a little cynical, which did not fit the character at all. Overall, though, I enjoyed the environment created both by the sound and the graphics quite a bit.

Controls: Mouse controlled. Click on hidden objects, click to repair mosaics, click to spot the differences, click and drag to trace symbols, click to move between spaces. The control aspect didn’t offer any trouble, and didn’t even have to be super precise, which enabled gameplay to move along well.

Flow: Kuros flows smoothly. The story moves in a linear fashion that makes perfect sense. I do like, however, that there are times when Katya is sent back to realms already visited to find additional items, so that when one is finished, it is not forgotten. That simply reinforces the idea of all the elements working together.

Fun Factor:: The fun of Kuros comes from the variety of games within it which keep the game intriguing. I, personally, enjoy the idea of magic and so I had a great time.

Female Aspect: The lead character is female, and strong, resourceful, and spunky (ok, sometimes a little too sarcastic). Some of the Elder type beings are not very gender specific, but at least one of them is also female. Good representation.

Replay Value: Well, the game doesn’t change and there aren’t really mini games that are replayable as they are embedded into the main story. There really isn’t a score or time either, so I don’t really see playing this game more than once or twice – at least for a while. I may dust it off when I need a dose of elemental energy.

Final Thoughts: Kuros is a fun, beautiful, majestic game. I only have one gripe about it. Viktor, the villain in the end that is supposed to wish to bring down the entire world of Kuros to spite his father (who happens to be Katya’s mentor), comes off a little whiny. He has caused great destruction and almost succeeded in changing the fabric of the universe, yet he sounds like a jilted teenager. I wish he would have sounded a bit more powerful and spoke more eloquently. Overall, however, this is not just the basic hidden object game. It is so much more, that it is almost difficult to label it as such.Plus, it’s only $9.99, which is half the price of most. I would say definitely give it a try, especially if, like me, you enjoy a good sampling of puzzles and mind challenges… and the mystic side of life.

Thanks for reading!
Dawn