Buried in Time: Join the Quest to Find the Lost Jewel on the Windows PC

There are a number of casual game genres on the market with multitudes of unique back-stories and themes for players to enjoy. Quite often, the content and the characteristics of games blend together to form a new experience that offers gamer a variety of gameplay. In Buried in Time, a title categorized as a hidden object style game, players not only have the opportunity to search for hidden objects, but also solve puzzles, while managing a team of archaeologists in task based simulation.

"Once upon a time, a noble King chose his bride ... he gave to her a noble jewel." With those words, the adventure of Buried in Time begins. Placed within the backdrop of an ancient land, the game's main objective for players is to complete goals, which are based around the core task of uncovering and identifying hidden artifacts. The completion of uncovering an artifact takes place after it has been dug, brushed, and analyzed. Starting with two available Archaeologists, Bingham and Simon, artifacts are discovered by simply picking up an available character and dropping them on a dig location on a scrollable map. Brushing and analysis occurs by delivering the artifacts to the correct location the map, such as a table or tent, and then once again, dragging and dropping an archeologist on the spot to do the work. Each process takes time, indicated by a progress bar, and each task can only be completed by particular archaeologists. Bingham for example can dig and analyze, while Simon on the other hand can brush an item. As each character performs the various tasks more often, their skill levels are eventually increased.

While all recovered artifacts will benefit and earn the player experience and money, secondary goals come in the form of having to find particular items to satisfy the criteria to solve a puzzle. Puzzles come in a variety of forms such as matching items, puzzles, a combination of the forms, and more. Successful completion of the puzzles are required to progress in the game and also assist in providing additional backstory on the history of the mysterious land, love, betrayal, and the missing jewel. The challenge becomes greater when there are numerous numbers of dig sites to recover artifacts from. Fortunately, through monies earned, additional archaeologists can be hired to assist and speed up the process.

Experience isn't the only attribute that is measured in Buried in Time. Archeologists grow tired and hungry, and each meter that indicates such has a direct impact on work performance. Replenishment of food and rest happens in the same manner as recovering an artifact; an archeologist is simply dragged and dropped at the site's kitchen or sleeping tent, and while recovering, the particular character isn't able to work for a short period of time.

Buried in Time is without question an overall enjoyable game. The visual quality is very appealing with high detail and cute characters. The audio is also well done, and quite often comedic voice-over adds life to the gaming experience. Available for the Windows based PC, the title can be purchased online at popular casual gaming sites and is well worth the price especially if purchased at a low price as part of a game club..