Junky magic school! - a review of Abra Academy

Today, we look back at an older hidden objects game: Abra Academy!

What I liked Memorable and fitting music Never too difficult What I didn't like Returning to the same rooms all the time Crummy art outside of hidden objects scenes

Quick Plot

You're a young witch training at a magic school (obviously inspired by Harry Potter's Hogwarts). Pass your exams by - you guessed it - finding stuff in messy rooms.

Highlights

The best thing about this game (for some people) is the simplicity of it. If you're a fan of games like Mystery Case Files: Huntsville, then this game will be right up your alley. In the same tradition, Abra Academy has you going back to the same several scenes over and over to find new batches of things. This is just a straightforward hidden objects game. You'll be finding stuff - lots of it. The only thing that breaks up the monotony is two mini games which have you pulling items off an assembly line and dropping them into a cauldron, or putting letters onto a stone to make words. You'll have to finish 4 years at the magic school, with 6 levels per year. Each level consists of finding objects at a bunch of locations on the school grounds - laboratory, observatory, conservatory, etc.

The simplicity of the game also happens to be the game's biggest weakness. For many of you, this game just won't present enough variety in the gameplay. If you've played every other HOG, you won't find much new here, except for the theme. One more negative: While the hidden objects scenes have good graphics, the character art looks pretty amateurish. There isn't much graphical beauty outside of the hidden objects levels. One more positive: I was surprised that the music in this game was actually quite good. It has the whimsical sound you'd expect in a game about a magic school. I found myself whistling tunes from the game throughout the day after playing. In fact, the music is probably the best thing about the game.

Suitable for the family?

Sure. My kids joined in to help me find things - especially animals and bugs. The game is about kids, so there's nothing offensive or creepy.

The family man's final ruling

I could take or leave this game. While it was a pleasant diversion, there's nothing really unique or shiny about it. I only recommend this game to die-hards who want to find MORE STAWF!

You'll like the game if... You're a die hard HOG fan, especially if you like Harry Potter and magic schools You won't like the game if... You want something unique, engaging, challenging or complex You don't love HOGs

My rating: