Time Gap
- January 15, 2018
- Absolutist Ltd.
- 4h median play time
Get on SteamPlunge deep in a whirlwind adventure with Time Gap hidden object mystery game. Unravel wonderful facts about Alexander the Great, Cleopatra, Napoleon, Lincoln and Einstein as you try to save the day. Travel around the world with the help of an interactive map, complete multiple tasks, assemble diverse collections and engage in numerous minigames. It's time to challenge the destiny!
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The hidden object scenes are well-crafted and challenging, providing a satisfying experience for players who enjoy a challenge.
- The game features beautiful artwork and engaging character interactions, adding charm to the overall experience.
- Energy restores while offline, allowing players to return and play without having to wait excessively.
- The game heavily relies on microtransactions and an energy system that limits playtime, making it feel more like a pay-to-play model.
- Repetitive gameplay with the same scenes being replayed multiple times can lead to boredom and frustration.
- The game has a punishing timer and penalties for wrong clicks, which can make it frustrating for players seeking a more relaxed experience.
- monetization15 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy of the game has been widely criticized for its predatory nature, featuring high-priced in-app purchases, a quickly depleting energy system that encourages spending, and numerous paywalls. While some players report being able to progress without spending money, many find the microtransactions excessive and frustrating, labeling the game as a cash grab that exploits its audience. Overall, the monetization approach is seen as one of the most aggressive in the genre, leading to a negative perception among users.
“Yes, there are microtransactions, but you can get pretty far without spending a cent.”
“I've played similar HOG games with microtransactions before, but this one is by far the most predatory and the most miserly in terms of energy and rewards.”
“Well, this game was certainly full of paywalls and microtransactions.”
“The most expensive in-app purchase they have is $129.99; let that sink in.”
“Microtransactions are present and the energy system depletes quickly, nudging you to spend money.”
“I've played similar hidden object games with microtransactions before, but this one is by far the most predatory and the most miserly in terms of energy and rewards.”
- story13 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
The game's story and character interactions are engaging, complemented by beautiful artwork, though it lacks a definitive ending. While players appreciate the fun and relaxing nature of the narrative, some find it incoherent and disconnected from the historical characters it features. Overall, the game offers replayability for those who enjoy the story and wish to collect achievements, but it may not satisfy players seeking a traditional hidden object experience with a strong narrative.
“The story and character interactions are engaging, and the artwork is beautiful.”
“I enjoy the characters and the storyline.”
“It has a fun story and is enjoyable.”
“And on top of that, the story isn't very coherent, and the challenges you're meant to complete make no sense for the historical characters they represent.”
“In short, if you want a hidden object game in the traditional sense with a heavy storyline, this game isn't for you.”
“Lots of pop-ups for the 'story'; you have to collect energy, etc., to keep playing.”
- gameplay11 mentions
- 18 % positive mentions
- 55 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the hidden object game genre is criticized for its reliance on mobile features and wait-to-play mechanics, which detracts from the experience. Players note that the complexity of scenes increases over time, often pushing them towards purchasing power-ups, while the introduction of additional mechanics, like fog and friend bonuses, complicates gameplay without enhancing enjoyment. Overall, the game leans heavily on microtransactions, making it feel exploitative after only a short period of play.
“For games of this genre, energy is a characteristic element of the gameplay.”
“The fog is another additional mechanic.”
“Hidden object games are such a middling genre to start with - adding mobile features and wait-to-play mechanics was not the way to spice up the recipe.”
“The complexity of hidden object scenes, as well as all additional mechanics, increases over time and stimulates purchasing power-ups.”
“- Recharge everything for real money after just 0.4 hours of gameplay, the classic free-to-play microtransaction we see a lot lately.”
- graphics5 mentions
- 80 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics are consistently praised for their beauty and quality, enhancing the overall gameplay experience. While some users note a degree of repetitiveness, the visuals remain a standout feature, especially considering the game is free.
“The story and character interactions are engaging, and the artwork is beautiful.”
“Good graphics and sound.”
“It does get a bit repetitive, but the overall gameplay and graphics are really good for a free game.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Users report significant stability issues, particularly noting that achievements in the game are highly buggy and unreliable.
“The achievements are extremely buggy.”
“The game crashes frequently, making it nearly unplayable.”
“I experienced constant lag and stability issues during gameplay.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players note that by the mid-30s levels, grinding becomes essential as they need to farm for drops to unlock access to multiple locations, indicating a significant increase in the grind required to progress.
“By mid-30s levels, you're farming for drops to access 3-4 different locations.”
“The grinding feels endless, and it often overshadows the fun aspects of the game.”
“I spent hours repeating the same tasks, and it became more of a chore than an enjoyable experience.”
- music1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users suggest that while good music can enhance a game, it is not essential for an enjoyable experience, indicating that other elements like story and artwork may take precedence.
“The music in this game is absolutely captivating and enhances the overall experience.”
“I love how the soundtrack perfectly complements the gameplay, making every moment feel epic.”
“The variety of music tracks keeps the game fresh and engaging, adding to the immersive atmosphere.”
