Fairy Tale Mysteries 2 shows strong, creative mechanics by mixing hidden and fragmented object scenes, plus it has an interesting (but short) take on the familiar Jack and the Beanstalk story.

When a hidden object game gets a sequel three years after its release, it is usual to see that the two games have barely anything in common. Still, this can be a good thing—case in point, Fairy Tale Mysteries 2: The Beanstalk.

Whereas its predecessor was a fairly forgettable HOG, this one brings something new by mixing up the usual mechanics: every story screen is turned into a fragmented object game, replacing the traditional point ‘n’ click parts, but keeping the standard hidden object scenes intact. So, if you like to search for items, you are in luck, because this game has plenty of it—but not to the point where it gets tiresome.

As for the story, the title mostly says it all: someone is trying to grow a new beanstalk to let the giants escape from their cloud prison, and our protagonist, freshly from the Brothers Grimm Institution, must prevent this by getting the help of the Guardians of four magical realms. Episodic, straightforward, a little too short, but fun for a hidden object game.

[h1]Short version: 80%[/h1] Fairy Tale Mysteries 2 shows strong, creative mechanics by mixing hidden and fragmented object scenes, plus it has an interesting (but short) take on the familiar Jack and the Beanstalk story. [h1]Long version:[/h1] When a hidden object game gets a sequel three years after its release, it is usual to see that the two games have barely anything in common. Still, this can be a good thing—case in point, Fairy Tale Mysteries 2: The Beanstalk. Whereas its predecessor was a fairly forgettable HOG, this one brings something new by mixing up the usual mechanics: every story screen is turned into a fragmented object game, replacing the traditional point ‘n’ click parts, but keeping the standard hidden object scenes intact. So, if you like to search for items, you are in luck, because this game has plenty of it—but not to the point where it gets tiresome. As for the story, the title mostly says it all: someone is trying to grow a new beanstalk to let the giants escape from their cloud prison, and our protagonist, freshly from the Brothers Grimm Institution, must prevent this by getting the help of the Guardians of four magical realms. Episodic, straightforward, a little too short, but fun for a hidden object game.