Antiques Roadshow: Discover America’s Hidden Treasures is a seek-and-find, hidden object game that has very little to do with the widely popular cable show.  This is not a bad thing because it does contain a good level of challenge and fun.  Like most hidden object games, the core gameplay is set within the context of a typically far-fetched story line.  This is no exception and it doesn’t really detract from the game.  

You follow the story of an old collector who teams up with a younger woman to find hidden treasures that get appraised at, you guessed it, the Antiques Roadshow.  The old man recommends that you find certain objects in specific places around the United States which leads to the basic element of the game.  After departing to the destination city, you are faced with a scene and a number of objects to locate.  When you find an object, you simply touch it on the screen and it is checked off your list.  To finish each scene, you simply find every object.  There are also other objects hidden within scenes that may be worth money which you pick up on the way that come into play a little later.  

After you complete a scene, you then have a chance to improve each of the items before heading to the Antiques Roadshow.  To accomplish this, you go through one of five minigames that require some simple tasks.  We really think this was a lost opportunity because the minigames are way too simple and basic.  However, since these are just added extras, it doesn’t take away from the game as a whole.  The minigames may actually be fun for the littler ones too.

The game is designed for a single player, but also supports multiple profiles if you have only one iPad for the entire family.  We think this would be a good game to play cooperatively to see if you and your family can accomplish the tasks together.  The controls are entirely via the touch screen and they work well.  The major drawback is that sometimes it is a bit difficult to find certain objects.  This is largely due to the dark contrast of some scenes and cluttered displays.  However, there are an unlimited number of hints you can use with the restriction that you have to wait sixty seconds before they become active again.  We applaud them for including this to avoid frustration, especially for children.

Overall, the Antiques Roadshow: America’s Hidden Treasures was an enjoyable game.  The game does get a bit repetitive, but if you thoroughly enjoy hidden object games, this is a good thing.  The game does not have any educational value and the actual inclusion of the Antiques Roadshow is not really necessary.  Although the game is only designed for one player, it can be enjoyed by the entire family. One quick note is to be aware that there is another app called the “Antiques Roadshow” in the Appstore that contains an entirely different game.

- MICHAEL STROUD

INFORMATION FROM OFFICIAL COMPANY FACT SHEET:

Unravel the mystery behind the history! Locate antiques, restore them in fun minigames, and travel to Antiques Roadshow! 

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It's Antiques Roadshow like you've never experienced it before! Follow Julia on a Hidden Object mystery as she searches for valuable antiques. As her adventures lead her across the U.S. through more than 30 detailed locations, Julia will discover valuable items to put up for sale. Help her restore her finds in 5 unique minigames. Join her at Antiques Roadshow to have the item appraised. Afterward, it's back to Mr. Hinton's antiques shop, where using the items she has recovered, she will help her employer solve a mystery that has been in his family for generations!

* Find valuable hidden antiques in over 30 detailed locations.!

* Restore antiques and have them appraised at the Antiques Roadshow!

* Search for clues and assemble them to deduce hidden messages.

* Decode and discover the mystery behind the ultimate treasure hunt!

* Visually stunning artwork bringing the locations to life!