Whispered Secrets: Morbid Obsession – Review

There is word around town that three collectors have gone missing while attending a secret auction at a grand mansion. When a wealthy collector contacted you, the Detective, and asked you to attend this very auction as his proxy, you couldn’t resist your curious mind and accepted the invitation. What happens next beats even your most twisted expectations, will you survive Curioso’s traps and tricks in Whispered Secrets: Morbid Obsession?

Recently, GrandMA Studios was chosen to take over the mother of all hidden object series – Mystery Case Files – from Eipix Entertainment and I bet that decision was a no-brainer. This prolific studio is well-known for their meticulously-crafted adventures that showcase their imagination and skills. They never cut corners, which results in best-selling, acclaimed games that wow us players almost every single time. With this latest installment in the fantastic Whispered Secrets series, they have topped themselves again.

Not only is the storyline in Whispered Secrets: Morbid Obsession supremely creative, it also packs much excitement and thrills that persist from beginning to end. There is never a boring moment in this game because of its exemplary storytelling that intriguingly takes the player through twists and turns. Moreover, the game has some of the most well-developed characters in hidden object games, including Curioso – probably one of the most memorable HOPA villains of all-time.

Whispered Secrets: Morbid Obsession doesn’t fall short in other aspects either. The game’s production is simply striking. With innovative scene designs, superb quality graphics, and some brilliant animations and cutscenes, Whispered Secrets: Morbid Obsession is a total stunner. As for the audio, the soundtracks are dark and subtly sinister, but somewhat low-key for such a fast-paced thriller. However, this also allows the brilliant voice-overs to shine – and Curioso’s voice is one to remember.

Gameplay-wise, the game sits comfortably inside the familiar HOPA mold, although it makes serious efforts to integrate neat and interesting ideas. For the very first time in a HOPA, Whispered Secrets: Morbid Obsession not only lets the player select and customize their difficulty level, but also allows the player to select their preferred gameplay style. Puzzle lovers can select the puzzles-heavy mode, hidden object fans can select the hidden object-heavy mode, and more indecisive players can also opt for the standard mode, which nicely balances hidden object scenes and puzzles.

Regarding the actual gameplay, there is not much to complain about. The hidden object scenes are incredibly interactive and fun to play, there is also an alternate Match 3 mode offered. In addition, the puzzles are cleverly tied into the game’s storyline and have the perfect challenge level.

Whispered Secrets: Morbid Obsession might not be the longest game ever, clocking in at the three-hour mark, but there is not a single second wasted. The Collector’s Edition should be an instant buy, given the quality of the game alone. Still, it also packs some great features – this includes a strategy guide, a bonus chapter, a hidden chapter, wallpapers, concept art, soundtracks, cutscenes, replayable hidden object scenes, replayable mini-games, a jigsaw puzzle, achievements, collectibles, and morphing objects.

Whispered Secrets: Morbid Obsession will impress even the harshest critics. This practically-perfect adventure ticks all the right boxes and might as well be the studio’s best work yet.