Time travel isn't just for sci-fi movies anymore, folks! In 'Crime O'Clock', you get to don the ultimate detective hat and leap through time like a caffeinated kangaroo. The premise? You’re a time traveler tasked with locating hidden objects in beautifully hand-drawn scenes to prevent crimes before they even happen. Buckle up, Sherlock, we’re about to break down this time-bending escapade.
'Crime O'Clock' is like a scavenger hunt, but with a sassy AI assistant and a dire need to prevent impending doom. Each level is a beautiful monochrome masterpiece where players rummage through intricately detailed environments to locate hidden objects. But here's the twist (and it’s not just the time travel): there are multiple 'ticks' or versions of each level, showcasing different moments in time where, spoiler alert, different things happen. Picture a street scene where a cat mysteriously moves from one side of the road to the other. You get to track these changes while hunting for clues. Think 'Where's Waldo' meets 'Back to the Future'—but with fewer time machines and more cat burglaries. You'll engage in numerous mini-games that, let's be real, sometimes feel like they were slapped on as an afterthought, but those fun little breaks are essential. As you search high and low, it often turns into a game of 'How many times can I zoom in on random people's faces to see if one of them looks suspicious?' Your trusty AI assistant is always on standby to help you navigate sharper than a fresh pizza cutter. If you get stuck, it won't shame you like your fifth-grade math teacher. Instead, it happily hands out hints and tracking tools to lead you in the right direction. Rather considerate, right?
Visually, 'Crime O'Clock' is a treat, even if it’s black and white. The hand-drawn art style is akin to an eclectic library in a hipster café—charming with a potential caffeine-addiction vibe. Each environment bursts with character, and spotting hidden objects often comes with the reward of appreciating a tiny piece of art. Just be prepared to squint and pause for a moment to discern the difference between a cat and a cleverly placed handbag. The aesthetic emanates a cozy detective vibe that feels right at home on the Switch.
‘Crime O'Clock’ is a delightful romp through time that gives players the chance to be a hero by solving crimes before they happen. Sure, there are moments where you get the nagging feeling of déjà vu—it can get a bit repetitive if played in long sittings, and the mini-games sometimes feel like puzzle pieces from a different box. However, the charm, artistry, and whimsical nature of the game keep it engaging for hidden object game lovers. It's like a gentle nudge telling you that you shouldn’t take life too seriously, after all. Grab a snack, settle in, and get ready to save the day—before it even happens. 7 out of 10, with a bonus point for all the cats!