Them - The Summoning

Gioco stile hidden object abbastanza noioso, trama assurda, svolgimento nonsense. La grafica è abbastanza deludente: in un gioco del genere dovrebbe essere il fiore all'occhiello, soprattutto se è prevista la possibilità di zoomare (cosa che non fa altro che peggiorare la situazione). Apprezzo l'intenzione di tradurre il gioco in varie lingue ma, se lo volete fare, almeno fatelo bene: cose come "la fotocamera è apposto" non si possono leggere! La storia dovrebbe far parte di una trilogia, ma a quanto pare è stata rilasciata solo la prima parte, così si gioca una storia incompleta.

Developed by Gamatic and published by United Independent Entertainment, Them - The Summoning is a supernatural hidden object adventure that combines paranormal horror with an investigative mystery. Rather than centering on action or combat, the game focuses on storytelling, exploration, and puzzle-solving as players uncover the truth behind a pair of suspicious deaths. The narrative begins with the protagonist answering a desperate plea from an old friend, only to arrive and find a man haunted by visions of his late wife. When tragedy strikes once again, the investigation quickly takes a dangerous turn, placing the protagonist under suspicion while strange supernatural events suggest that ordinary explanations may not be enough to reveal the truth. The story steadily builds an unsettling atmosphere by blending crime investigation with ghostly encounters. Every new clue raises additional questions, encouraging players to examine both the physical evidence and the eerie supernatural occurrences surrounding the case. As the mystery deepens, players encounter mysterious spirits and unexplained phenomena that transform what initially appears to be a murder investigation into a battle against darker, unseen forces. The narrative maintains a consistent sense of suspense, allowing curiosity to drive progression as each discovery reveals another piece of a larger and more disturbing puzzle. Gameplay follows the traditional hidden object formula while adding a variety of environmental puzzles and mini-games to create a more varied experience. Each location contains carefully designed scenes filled with concealed items that demand close observation and patience. The puzzles generally emphasize logic, pattern recognition, and interaction with the environment rather than complex mechanics, making the adventure approachable for players who enjoy relaxed exploration. Searching for clues never feels disconnected from the overall narrative, as nearly every completed objective contributes to advancing the investigation and uncovering more of the story's supernatural secrets. The visual presentation plays a major role in establishing the game's haunting identity. Detailed environments filled with abandoned buildings, shadowy interiors, and eerie supernatural imagery create a constant feeling of tension without relying heavily on sudden scares. The hidden object scenes are richly illustrated, encouraging players to carefully inspect every area while appreciating the atmospheric detail. Complementing the visuals is a dramatic musical score that shifts naturally between quiet mystery and moments of growing danger. Ambient sound effects further strengthen the sense of isolation, making every location feel unsettling even before paranormal events begin to unfold. Although the gameplay remains faithful to established hidden object conventions, the integration of its horror themes gives the experience greater personality. The mystery unfolds at a measured pace, rewarding players who enjoy carefully piecing together clues rather than rushing through fast-paced sequences. Some puzzles may feel familiar to experienced fans of the genre, and the overall challenge level remains fairly accessible, but the engaging story and consistent atmosphere help maintain interest throughout the adventure. The supernatural elements are woven into the investigation effectively, making the narrative feel cohesive instead of treating horror as little more than background decoration. Them - The Summoning succeeds as a story-driven hidden object adventure that places equal emphasis on mystery, paranormal suspense, and immersive presentation. Its engaging investigation, eerie environments, and satisfying blend of hidden object gameplay and puzzles make it an enjoyable experience for fans of supernatural adventures. While it does not dramatically reinvent the genre, it delivers a polished and entertaining journey supported by a compelling premise and an atmosphere that remains captivating from beginning to end. Rating: 6/10