Parents' Guide to

Hidden Chronicles

By Erin Bell, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Social hidden object/building sim with aggressive marketing.

Game Facebook 2012
Hidden Chronicles Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this game.

Community Reviews

age 15+

Based on 1 parent review

age 15+

Watch for Hidden Traps in This Game

Hidden Chronicles has since been closed, but I decided to post this review in case they ever bring it back, simply because I enjoyed the game very much and miss playing. On the positive side, there is some educational value in the game. Players are encouraged to find hidden objects, which can be beneficial for players who have visual issues or need to improve visual memory. The game's scenes take place all over the world and in a variety of locations, everything from high-end bistros to abandoned clinics, from libraries to mysterious attic rooms. There is also an intriguing murder plot and references to certain historical periods and events. As noted in previous reviews, the game can be highly addicting and potentially encourages players to befriend strangers to progress through scenes. This is part of the reason why I rated it appropriate only for teens. The other reason is that you must spend actual money to access the game's premium currency. This could encourage financial irresponsibility and might incite the taking of credit or debit cards if the addiction is deep enough. Parents from religious households also need to know that some plots within the game reference mystical, earth-worship-type practices. This isn't necessarily an issue for discerning teens but could be a concern. Some scenes also show non-graphic versions of blood (remember, there is a murder involved), and use mild swear words. In general, if Hidden Chronicles ever returns, I will be glad to revisit the game. You and your teens can too, but watch for the hidden doors into dim places.

This title has:

Too much consumerism

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (1):
Kids say: Not yet rated

Like Playdom's Gardens of Time, Hidden Chronicles combines two extremely popular casual game genres (building sim and hidden object game) in a way that should appeal to fans of both. In terms of social interaction, friends can visit each other's estates and leave gifts behind, or challenge each other to a minigame that involves finding as many hidden objects as possible in 60 seconds. A dull, dangling-carrot plot is the game's major weak point. As well, the constant prompting to recruit friends and post messages to friends' walls is relentless and highly intrusive.

Game Details

  • Platform: Facebook
  • Available online?: Available online
  • Publisher: Zynga
  • Release date: January 5, 2012
  • Genre: Puzzle
  • Topics: History
  • ESRB rating: NR
  • Last updated: August 29, 2016

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