Do you like your hidden object games with a little less fluff and a lot more, well, hidden objects? Little Things is the answer. Sitting pretty next to Pure Hidden, Little Things is a hidden object game that doesn't fool around. All you do is find items, from sheep to elephants to ping pong paddles, by running a magnifying glass along a field of tiny pictures. It's a visually impressive game that delivers exactly what the title promises: lots and lots of tiny little things.

The premise of Little Things couldn't be any more straightforward. Each level starts out as a picture. That picture is then turned into a collection of small objects. Your cursor becomes a magnifying glass and you set out to find a small number of items listed in the corner of the screen. When the object is in your sights, click it, smile triumphantly, and move on to the next item on the list!

Completing stages within a certain amount of time earns you puzzle pieces that unlock new pictures to complete. You'll need to solve a short four-piece picture jigsaw-style mini-game before earning the new levels. You can also earn badges that function as achievements of sorts, little trophies awarded when you perform certain activities or reach a milestone.

If you're having problems finding an item, the in-game hint system automatically kicks in after some time without activity. If the spotlight still doesn't help, it gradually narrows itself until you can't help but find what you're looking for. If you don't like having the hints on a timer, turn them off in the options menu. You can always click the hint button if you're stuck, allowing you to be stubborn and find that last teacup all by yourself if you so desire!

Analysis: Like its style-related cousin Pure Hidden, Little Things doesn't fool around with intricate scenery, contrived storylines, or other gameplay gimmicks. It's an object finding game that does an excellent job at hiding objects and letting you find them.

It's hard to overlook the spectacular audio/visual package in this game. Sure, it may not be varied or have required teams of artists years to create, but the music is nice and soothing while the graphics exude a sleek, polished feel. They set a brilliant mood for the game and are easily one of the strongest parts of the whole presentation.

Get Little Things for your iPad!

If Little Things has any drawback, it's that it can be a little too narrow in its focus. Some stages feature a laundry list of items, others task you to find several of a single item, and, really, that's it. New images appear every time you collect a number of puzzle pieces, and leaving the game and coming back offers up different pictures for you to complete, but the gameplay doesn't change. For this reason, Little Things is best left as a coffee break-style game where you play for a few minutes and then go about your day.

Simple, relaxing, rewarding, and beautifully designed in every respect, Little Things is a reminder that casual games don't have to get more complex in order to stay entertaining.

Windows:
Download the demo
Order the full version

Mac OS X:
Not available.
Try Boot Camp or Parallels or CrossOver Games.