Family Mysteries: Echoes of Tomorrow – Review

Brave Giant Studios proudly presents a new sequel in the Family Mysteries series, an intriguing dystopian adventure sets in the near future. Leitan Keyes is a renowned inventor on the brink of a scientific breakthrough when a time-traveler appeared and kidnapped his wife! Now it is up to Leitan and his brilliant mind to save his wife and reveal the identity of this kidnapper in Family Mysteries: Echoes of Tomorrow.

In many ways, Family Mysteries: Echoes of Tomorrow is the true real-world Sci-Fi hidden object adventure game that fans have been waiting for. Unlike best-selling Sci-Fi games like the Beyond series and the classic Eternal Journey: New Atlantis, this Family Mysteries sequel is rooted in the real world, but with plenty of post-apocalyptic flairs and sophisticated technology to set itself apart from other HOPAs out there. These Sci-Fi elements also help elevate the predictable storyline and give the game a thrilling futuristic twist.

The developer’s ambition also translates into the gameplay. In the world where the majority of recent HOPA offerings are riddled with dull tasks and cookie-cutter mechanics, Family Mysteries: Echoes of Tomorrow feels undeniably refreshing. Although the main game mechanics do not differ much from the standard HOPA tropes, there is enough creativity and thoughtfulness to make this game an engrossing experience from start to finish. The hidden object scenes are often innovative and challenging, while the puzzles are equally entertaining and unique.

However, when it comes to its presentation, Family Mysteries: Echoes of Tomorrow stumbles a little. It is fair to say that the visuals in this game are rather flat and uninteresting. The scenes all look very mundane and lacking in details, the special effects are mostly bland, and the visual style looks outdated as if the game was developed a few years ago, which is ironic considering the futuristic theme of the game. That being said, there are cool Sci-Fi moments to be appreciated, especially bold visual choices during a few hidden object scenes and puzzles. Brave Giant Studios was able to deliver outstanding productions in their hit titles such as Tiny Tales and Queen’s Quest III, so it is quite disappointing to see that they took a step backward with this game.

Nonetheless, even an uninspired production cannot detract from the game’s fresh concept. Family Mysteries: Echoes of Tomorrow’s four-hours runtime is satisfying and captivating throughout and the bonus chapter continues to maintain the game’s momentum. The Collector’s Edition contains all the usuals; a strategy guide, wallpapers, soundtracks, videos, replayable hidden object scenes, replayable puzzles, achievements, collectibles, and morphing objects.

Family Mysteries: Echoes of Tomorrow is everything you want a Sci-Fi hidden object game to be and more. Despite a few hiccups, this is probably one of the most original HOPA titles in my recent memory.