The Hidden Treasures®: Find Hidden Objects & Match-3

Two Genres, One Treasure Chest

If you've ever wished that your hidden‑object hunts came with a side of colorful matching mayhem, The Hidden Treasures®: Find Hidden Objects & Match‑3 from G5 Entertainment AB is here to grant that wish. It's not a revolution, but a clever mash‑up that keeps the brain happily switching gears. The game feels like flipping through a travel magazine while playing a puzzle book—comfortable, familiar, and just different enough to feel fresh.

What's in the Box

Developer G5 Entertainment AB has been crafting hidden‑object games for years, and this Windows title marries two tried‑and‑true casual genres. The core loop is simple: you alternate between meticulously illustrated scenes where you tap on listed objects, and classic match‑3 grids where you swap jewels/items to clear goals. A loose narrative about exploring exotic locations ties everything together, though it's more a theme than a story.

Key features at a glance:

• Dual‑mode progression – Each level or zone requires completing both hidden‑object and match‑3 segments to unlock the next area.
• Rich, hand‑drawn scenes – Over 40 detailed environments, from sunken ships to ancient temples, each packed with cleverly hidden trinkets.
• Boosters and power‑ups – Earn hints, extra moves, or special gems by completing bonus objectives.
• No time pressure in hidden‑object mode – You can scroll and stare as long as you like; only match‑3 rounds have a move limit.

The target crowd is obvious but worth stating: anyone who enjoys calming, low‑stress puzzle sessions during commutes or coffee breaks. If you've ever binged Hidden Expedition or The Treasures of Mystery Island, this will feel like a comfy sweater.

Hidden Objects: The Art of the Slow Hunt

The hidden‑object segments are this app's strongest suit—and its most relaxing draw. Each scene is a static but intricate painting filled with period‑appropriate objects: a rusty key tucked behind a vase, a seashell half‑buried in sand, a weathered map draped over a chair. The text list on the side gives you item names (and sometimes silhouettes), and you tap and swipe to zoom in/out.

What stands out is the visual clarity. Unlike some hidden‑object games that cram objects into muddy, low‑contrast backgrounds, The Hidden Treasures uses bright, clean palettes with clear object outlines. Even when an item is partially obscured, it remains recognizable once you know where to look. This reduces frustration—you never feel like you're punishing your eyes.

There is no timer or penalty for mis‑taps (beyond a brief animation), which encourages thorough exploration. The only downside is that later scenes repeat the same object types with slight repositioning, but the variety of environments keeps monotony in check.

Match‑3: Familiar Beats, New Settings

Swap to match‑3 mode, and the game becomes a standard gem‑swapper with a few twists. You play on grids of varying shapes (not always squares—some levels use hexagonal or irregular layouts that block certain swaps). The goal is usually to collect a set number of specific “treasure” items (e.g., rubies, coins, or keys) by matching adjacent pieces. You get a limited number of moves, and leftover moves convert to coins for the shop.

The match‑3 mechanics are solid but nothing revolutionary—it's the same cascade logic as Bejeweled or Gardenscapes. However, the connection to the overall treasure theme feels organic. For example, clearing a row of anchors might reveal a hidden chest beneath the grid, adding a tiny layer of surprise. The difficulty curve is gentle; I'd place it on the “easy side of medium.”

Where the hybrid shines is in the pacing: after a focused hidden‑object session, the quick adrenaline of matching feels like a welcome break. The game teases you with just enough cognitive variety to prevent either mode from becoming a chore.

Where It Bets Different (and Better)

Most action‑adventure games in the Store lean on combat, platforming, or narrative investigation. The Hidden Treasures takes the opposite approach—it's adventure through observation and pattern‑matching, not through reaction times. The unique advantage is that it serves two groups simultaneously: hardcore hidden‑object fans can focus on the scenes, while match‑3 lovers can speed through the gem sections. More importantly, the game never forces you to master both—if you're weak at one, you can use coins earned in your strong mode to buy power‑ups for the other.

The most special feature, in my opinion, is the way the hidden‑object list interacts with the match‑3 board. In a few levels, you'll find items in the scene (like a key or a gem) that then appear as special tiles in the match‑3 grid—a direct two‑way connection. It's a small touch, but it makes the two halves feel like parts of a single hunt rather than two separate apps taped together.

User Experience: Polished but Not Flashy

The interface follows a clean, flat design with large buttons ideal for touch or mouse. Menus are snappy, and transitions between modes take about 1–2 seconds—nothing to complain about. The learning curve is near zero: you can start a hidden‑object scene or a match‑3 round without reading any tutorial, and the hints are always one tap away.

Performance on a mid‑range Windows laptop (i5, 8GB RAM) was smooth at 60 fps, with no stutters even in the busier scenes. The game runs in a window by default and supports full‑screen scaling. A minor annoyance: some object names are too long for the list box, so you have to hover to see the full word. Not a dealbreaker.

Final Verdict: Worth Your Loot?

The Hidden Treasures doesn't try to reinvent the wheel—it gives you two well‑worn wheels and lets you switch between them at your own pace. It's a reliable, low‑stress time filler for windows‑touch or mouse users who want a bit of both worlds. The dual‑genre fusion works because G5 respects each mode's strengths and doesn't cut corners.

Recommendation: If you enjoy casual puzzle games and have 10–20 minutes to spare daily, this is a solid purchase (the base game is free with optional in‑app purchases for boosters). Skip it if you're looking for deep storytelling, high stakes, or competitive action. For the price of a latte, it'll keep you entertained for weeks.

Best use: Play during a lunch break or while winding down at night—the calm, exploratory rhythm fits perfectly with a cup of tea.

FAQ

How can I switch between Hidden Object and Match-3 modes?

On the main game screen, tap the mode switch button located near the top. You can freely toggle between Hidden Object scenes and Match-3 puzzles at any time without losing progress.

Is the game playable offline?

Yes, you can play The Hidden Treasures even without an internet connection. All story content and puzzles are available offline, though in-app purchases and some social features require online access.

How do I save my progress?

Progress is automatically saved to your device as you play. If you want to keep saves across devices, sign in with a G5 Games account via the Settings menu > Account.

What are the main objectives in the storyline?

You help Captain Aimee solve her family mystery by finding hidden objects or matching gems. Your goal is to collect map pieces, outsmart pirates, and discover what happened to Aimee's parents.

How do boosters and power-ups work in Match-3 puzzles?

Boosters destroy gems or create special combos. You earn them by completing levels or buying them. Activate a booster before starting a puzzle by tapping its icon in the boosters panel.

Can I customize my ship? How?

Yes, you can decorate and upgrade your own ship. Go to the Ship screen from the main menu, then tap on different areas (hull, sails, cabin) to apply new skins and decorations you've unlocked.